How It Works
Creating Maroon & White Memories
Our mission is simple: to connect young people across Massachusetts with the excitement, pride, and community spirit of UMass Athletics.
We partner with local youth groups, schools, and community organizations to provide unforgettable game-day experiences that bring young fans under the big lights and into the heart of the Maroon & White atmosphere.
The Impact — Just $7 Per Youth
On average, it costs about $7 to send one youth to a UMass sporting event. That blended rate includes game tickets and group experience costs, which fluctuate depending on the sport, event, and venue.
For just $7, you can help a young person attend their first UMass game, cheering alongside thousands of fans, meeting Sam the Minuteman, and feeling the pride of the Commonwealth’s flagship university.
Our Approach
We work with youth groups ranging from 20 to 100+ participants to attend select UMass Athletics events.
Each group receives game tickets, a Maroon & White experience (such as a scoreboard shoutout or mascot visit), and opportunities to learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, and community.
Events include Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Hockey, Football, and other UMass Athletics programs throughout the year.
Building the Next Generation of Fans
Our goal is to build the next generation of UMass fans: young people who grow up inspired by the energy, teamwork, and pride that define UMass Athletics.
Through shared experiences, we strengthen community connections and create a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond game day.
Why These Experiences Matter
Research shows that attending live sporting events does far more than entertain. It builds community connection, confidence, and well-being. A 2022 study published in Public Health found that people who attend live sports experience higher life satisfaction and lower feelings of loneliness, even when other factors like income and education were accounted for. Exposure to shared, energetic environments such as a UMass game at the Mullins Center or MassMutual Center fosters belonging and collective pride, especially for young fans experiencing it for the first time.
Similarly, a 2013 systematic review of youth sports participation found consistent links between involvement in athletics and improved self-esteem, teamwork, and social health. While not every child plays on the field, simply being part of the atmosphere surrounded by positive role models, cheering fans, and a culture of effort and achievement helps nurture those same benefits.
By giving local youth the chance to experience the excitement of Maroon & White game days, the Commonwealth Legacy Foundation is not just providing tickets. It is helping shape healthier, more confident, and more connected young people across Massachusetts.