UML Robot

LOWELL -- The momentum is there, said UMass Lowell Athletic Director Dana Skinner. Now university officials just have to sustain it. At issue is the success of the UMass Lowell River Hawks men's hockey program, which was saved from the UMass system's chopping block this summer and since has emerged as a beacon for reinvigorated community support. UMass Lowell boosters have sold almost three times more tickets for the upcoming season than last year. They have revamped a club seating section that was home to only 36 season ticket-holders in 2006-07, selling nearly 1,000 such seats to date. They're trying to create a more festive and fan-friendly environment, allowing students in free, selling beer and wine at games for the first time and adding entertainment options like a Halloween costume contest, an appearance by the Hanson Brothers of Slapshot fame, and a yo-yo expert.


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