Storrs - UConn threw one heck of a college basketball season kickoff party on Friday.

It was a celebration befitting the men's and women's program's championship rich tradition.

The festivities started in the afternoon with dedication of the school's $40 million basketball practice and training facility.

And the party continued with First Night before an enthusiastic crowd at a packed Gampel Pavilion.

Extended members of both UConn basketball families turned out. All 13 national championship trophies - nine for the women and four for the men - were carried out on the court.

"It's been a special day," men's coach Kevin Ollie said.

It's safe to say no other college basketball program has ever officially opened a basketball practice facility and unveiled two national championship banners on the same day.

Athletic director Warde Manuel called it an historic day for UConn athletics.

"This is a great investment in the continued success of our basketball programs," Manuel said during the dedication ceremony.

Standing on the balcony above the practice court, the men's and women's players unveiled a banner with the building's new name: The Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center.

Peter and Pamela Werth of Woodbridge made two donations for a total $7 million for the project.

"UConn is a very special place," Peter Werth said. "The young people who go to UConn come out better than they went in, not only in terms of education but also in attitude and life skills. UConn does a great job, and my family is pleased to be able to support it."

The 75,000 square foot facility is state-of-the-art, featuring rooms for weight training, academic support, sports medicine and strength training, video analysis, as well as basketball offices, locker rooms, lounges and practice courts for both teams.

"This is going to be our nest to hatch new ideas, new actions and new games plans," Ollie said. "This is our one-stop shop."

Auriemma added: "There is no place in the country that is this good. But a building is just bricks and just mortar. What goes on inside the building is what matters."

It is the first building on campus to be built solely with private funds. UConn has raised $33.5 million, so there's still some fund-raising work to do. While both teams are already practicing in the facility, a few finishing touches remain.

The national championship trophies will be put on display in the main lobby. A floor-to-ceiling mural of Ray Allen already hangs on the men's side and one of Maya Moore on the women's side.

"It wasn't easy picking those two guys," said the wise-cracking Auriemma said. "Kevin wanted it to be him."

Allen, who looks as fit as he did during his UConn playing days, raved about the facility.

"I'm overwhelmed and somewhat envious," Allen said. "I think as a 17 or 18-year kid you want to be able to walk into a building like this. Then, at the same time, as a 21, 31, 41-year old basketball player, you still want a place like this. There are a lot of franchises in the NBA that don't have this type of facility for their players to enjoy.

"It does wonders when you have a new facility for the university to be able to bring young kids in here and show them what we do here, what we've done and how we really pay homage to where we've come from and where we hope to go."

Associate head coach Glen Miller, a former Husky player, remembers when the old Greer field house used to serve as UConn's home before Gampel came along.

He's watched the program grow and reach elite status.

"When I was a player they were shooting off the start gun in the field house and throwing javelins outside the curtain during practice," Miller said.

The benefits of a fancy new facility are nearly endless, from a recruiting tool to promoting the academic and athletic development of the current players. The Huskies finally have a place to call their own.

"It's just a wonderful facility," Miller said. "Full access any time of the day. It's going to be great for our players' development, not only on the court but off the court. … We have everything we need here."

News and notes

During First Night, Allen was officially recognized for being inducted into the Huskies of Honors. He's enjoying his time at home but hasn't ruled out continuing his NBA career. … Newcomer Sam Cassell Jr. sat out the basketball portion of First Night. He bruised the top of his left ankle in Thursday's practice. "I think he's going to be fine," Ollie said. "It's just a deep bruise." … Several recruits were on hand, including power forward Steven Enoch and guard Jalen Adams who've already committed to UConn.

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe