Connecticut Here We Come! Kudos to the Mystics, who announced in an email late today that they have organized a train/bus trip for fans to the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, August 20, for the second game of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The BasketCases are confident (as no doubt, you are!) that the Mystics will take the first game from the Sun at home in the Phone Booth, so this will be your opportunity to see the Mystics complete the sweep to advance to the second round!

According to the email, the cost of the trip is $220, which includes bus/train fare and a ticket to the game. On the trip North, Mystics fans will have their very own rail-car . . . so you'll have plenty of time to make new Mystics friends and learn the words and sing (in multi-part harmony) every verse of "Walking with the Mystics!" [WARNING: This is not for people who aren’t early risers!] The train leaves Union Station at 5:23AM and arrives in New London, CT, at 11:23AM. A bus will then take fans to the Reservation, arriving at the arena at noon for the 1:30PM game. (As a special incentive not announced by the Mystics, the BasketCases will be on hand to greet the bus and we will sign autographs for all interested fans -- even if you aren’t a VIP courtside STH -- but, just so you know, we are not providing lunch!)

The return bus leaves for the New London station at 4PM (better hope the game doesn’t go into double OT!), and the train gets back to Union Station at 11:20PM. If you are interested in this trip, the Mystics ask you to book it by this Friday to guarantee a spot. To obtain an order form, contact Guest Services at 202-266-2365 or via e-mail at MysticsGS@washmystics.com.**

**When you contact Guest Services be sure to tell them you heard about the trip from the BasketCases blog. Maybe this will help our campaign to win a 2007 fan award gift basket!.