Cavaliers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Tony Elliott

Team Mascot: Cavalier (CavMan)

Year Opened: 1931

Capacity: 61500

City / State: Charlotsville / Virginia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Commonwealth Cup

Rival Team: Virginia Tech Hokies

The Commonwealth Cup is awarded each year to the winner of the Virginia-Virginia Tech football game. The teams first met in 1895 when the Cavaliers shutout the Hokies 38-0. However, since then the Hokies have made up for that defeat taking a 54-37-5 advantage in the rivalry, while also winning the last 11 meetings. The Cavaliers look to end that streak this season and claim bragging rights over their in-state rivals

South's Oldest Rivalry

Rival Team: UNC Tar Heels

The longest running FBS rivalry in the Southeast began in 1892, with Virginia winning the first game 30-18 and North Carolina winning the second 26-0. The rivalry is steeped in the historical lineage and academic standards of the two schools, as Virginia is the alma mater of Thomas Jefferson while North Carolina was the first operational state university. North Carolina leads the all-time series 61-54-4 as Virginia hopes to close the gap this coming season.

Virginia vs FSU

Rival Team: FSU Seminoles

When the Seminoles and Cavaliers meet they play for the Jefferson-Eppes Trophy, which is named after Thomas Jefferson and his grandson Francis W. Eppes VII. The two schools played every year from 1992 to 2006. However, their meetings have become more sporadic due to the divisional alignment of the ACC. Florida State owns a 14-3 series leads, but the Cavaliers hope to shorten that lead when the two schools meet in 2019.

Cavaliers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating at Virginia is not taken lightly. The best place to go for the student experience is The Lawn, which is located in the center of campus. There are also plenty of parking lots specifically designated for tailgating. Here you can watch the game with other UVA fans even if you don’t have tickets to the game, so long as you bring your television equipment.

Virginia fans are very accommodating and welcoming to visiting fans. The tailgates at UVA are very laid back compared to other schools, which have more of an all out party atmosphere making it a great place to take the family. The university promotes this laid back atmosphere through the Cavalier Countdown, which features plenty of food and live music.

Virginia presents a nice relaxing tailgating experience that you would expect from a traditional southern school. While the fans at Virginia may be more relaxed than other schools that doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time pregaming before a Cavaliers football game.

Traditions

The Lawn

The Lawn is located at the center of the University of Virginia school grounds and is home to most of the student tailgates on game days. If you’re looking to let loose with other UVA students, then make your way over to The Lawn before the game.

Guys in Ties, Girls in Pearls

At Virginia, it is a tradition that the men dress in suits and ties to attend the game, while women wear sundresses and pearls. This tradition has waned in the last few years as fans have been urged by coaches to dress in more relaxed attire. Whether you follow traditional dress or feel more comfortable wearing a t-shirt taking in a game at Scott Stadium is a great experience.

Where to tailgate

Cavaliers Stadium Guide

In Game

A Virginia Cavaliers football game is a unique game day experience steeped in tradition. The fans here observe what is called guys in ties, girls in pearls meaning on game days you’ll see men dressed in shirts and ties and women dressed in sundresses and pearls. Although they may be well dressed, that does not mean that Cavaliers fans don’t bring the same level of noise and excitement as other ACC schools. The Cavaliers fans show strong school spirit especially when they face in-state rivals Virginia Tech.

As part of the UVA pre-game ritual, a video on the scoreboard displays the Cavalier fighting the opposing team’s mascot. The Cavalier wins the fight and then charges out on horseback to lead the team onto the field. The charge is accompanied by fireworks, which gets the fans pumped to cheer on UVA.

Following the Cavaliers intro video, you’ll be treated to an excellent game filled with tons of pageantry and tradition. The band and mascot play a big role in the in-game atmosphere, and all throughout the game, you’ll hear lots of cheers and taunts coming from the Wahooligans.

A Cavaliers football game is a great time for any college football fan, so plan your trip to Charlottesville today.

Things to check out

Scott Stadium

Scott Stadium is one of the oldest stadiums in college football as well as the oldest active stadium in Virginia making it a great place to take in a game. However, just because it’s old doesn’t mean Scott Stadium doesn’t offer all the amenities that one looks for at a big time college football stadium. Head on out to Scott Stadium for a great one of a kind gameday experience.

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The Hill

Scott Stadium offers a unique seating experience as fans 18 and under are allowed to sit in the grass under the scoreboard. There aren’t any seats there, so sitting in this section creates a one of a kind way to enjoy a football game.

The Wahooligans

The Wahooligans are a group of dedicated Cavaliers students who have their cheers and chants. Members wear matching scarves, which they wave in synchronization in support of the Cavs. If you’re looking to cheer with the most, die-hard UVA fans join the Wahooligans.

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Fight Songs

  1. The Good Old Song

    That Good Old Song of Wahoowa,

    We’ll sing it o’er and o’er.

    It cheers our heart and warms the blood

    To hear them shout and roar.

    We come from old Virginia,

    Where all is bright and gay.

    Let’s all join hands and give a yell

    For dear old UVA.  

     

    What though the tide of years may roll

    And drift us far apart,

    For Alma Mater still there’ll be

    A place in ev’ry heart.

    In college days we’ll sing her praise,

    And so, when far away,

    In memory we still shall be

    At the dear old UVA.  

     

    (chant)

    WAHOOWA, WAHOOWA

    UNI-V, VIR-GIN-I-A

    HOO-RAH-RAY, HOO-RAH-RAY

    RAY! RAY! U-V-A!

  2. The Cavalier Song

    Come and sing dear old Virginia’s name,

    And make the Blue Ridge roar;

    For the world yields honor to her name

    Who knew her deeds of yore.

    Then make each heart a flowing bowl,

    And pour our pledges strong,

    As down the ages still we roll;

    Virginia’s triumph song.  

     

    Once more our might has won the fight;

    We gain the victor’s due.

    And all men raise their voice to praise

    The orange and blue.

    So, through the years, like Cavaliers,

    We’ll shout Virginia’s name!

    It e’er shall be on land and sea

    A sign of might and fame.

  3. Virginia All Hail, All Hail!

    Alma Mater song

    Ten thousand voices sing thy acclaim;
    Ten thousand hearts beat high at thy name;
    All unafraid and girded with good,
    Mother of men a queen thou hast stood;
    Children of thine a true brotherhood,
    Virginia, Hail, All Hail!
    Virginia, Hail, All Hail!

    Long let thy praises live and resound;
    Long let thy virtues in us abound;
    Let morning radiance set thee in sight;
    Let noonday brilliance crown thee with light;
    Let ev’ning sun sink kissing goodnight,
    Virginia, Hail, All Hail!
    Virginia, Hail, All Hail!

  4. Hoo Time!

    U-V-A
    Come shout and sing her name,
    Victory’ll bring us all some fame,
    And when the Wahoos win,
    You’ll wish that you could say,
    You’d be a Wahoo, forever, HOO-RAY!

  5. U-V-A! Go Hoos Go!

Cavaliers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Backyard Grill

    Nate and Wallys beer

    Bring some friends and hang out at our indoor or outdoor sports bar areas and enjoy the food and drink specials.

    13999 Metrotech Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Bodo’s Bagels

    Bodos Bagels

    Sandwiches, Salads, and Freshly Baked NY Bagels in Virginia.

    1609 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-293-5224

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom

    Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.

    1321 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    703-707-9300

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  4. Riverside Lunch

    Gus Bar & Grill Sandwich Fries Pioneer Diner Sandwich Paul Reveres Family Restaurant Sandwich Wild Magnolia Sandwich

    Bustling eatery established in 1935, offering burgers, hot dogs & subs in an unassuming setting.

    1429 Hazel St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

    434-971-3546

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Green Leafe Cafe & Pub

    Pantana Bobs beer

    Williamsburg's most enduring Pub and nightspot in town, featuring 40 unique taps.

    765 Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

    757-903-2697

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Pippin Hill

    Pippin Hill wine

    Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is unique among the wineries along Virginia's Monticello Wine Trail.

    5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959, USA

    434-202-8063

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Barboursville

    wine

    Home of one of the freshest wines in Virginia.

    17655 Winery Rd, Barboursville, VA 22923, USA

    540-832-3824

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Bang!

    Bang

    Cozy house with stylish decor & backlit bar preparing Asian-inspired tapas & inventive martinis.

    213 2nd St SW, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

    434-984-2264

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  9. Hamilton’s

    Hamiltons

    New American dining & full bar plus an extensive wine list in a sophisticated yet casual setting.

    101 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

    434-295-6649

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Public

    Public

    Public Fish & Oyster features fresh East Coast Seafood, Raw Bar, craft beer and cocktails and a comprehensive wine list provided with exquisite service.

    513 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-995-5542

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Beer Run

    Beer Run

    Hundreds of beers are the draw at this store/pub also serving such American bites as bison burgers.

    156 Carlton Rd #203, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

    434-984-2337

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Champion

    Champion

    Vibrant pub with housemade beers & views of the modest brewery, plus patio & food-truck eats.

    324 6th St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

    434-295-2739

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Devil’s Backbone

    Half Barrel

    Lodgelike brewpub serving its own lineup of lagers, pilsners & ales with an inventive pub fare menu.

    200 Mosbys Run, Roseland, VA 22967, USA

    434-361-1001

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. South Street

    Cotton Eyed Joe

    Brewpub in a converted brick-walled warehouse with housemade ale & lager, plus seasonal fare.

    106 South Street West, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

    434-293-6550

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Starr Hill

    Star Hill

    Microbrewery offering free weekend tours & 16 beers on tap in its rustic-industrial tasting room.

    5391 Three Notched Rd, Crozet, VA 22932, USA

    434-823-5671

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Blue Mountain Brewery

    Blue Mountain Brewery

    Mountain brewpub with American eats, their own brand of beers & occasional live music.

    9519 Critzers Shop Rd, Afton, VA 22920, USA

    540-456-8020

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. The Virginian

    Virginian

    The Virginian prides itself on serving true classic American food

    1521 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-984-4667

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. The Biltmore Grill

    Biltmore beer

    A UVA legend for over 20 years featuring classic American food.

    16 Elliewood Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-202-1498

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  19. Trinity Irish Pub

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Convivial multi-level hangout with 3 bars, pub grub & numerous beers on tap, plus weekend brunch.

    1505 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434–295–7100

    Bar website

    european - $$

  20. Coupe’s

    Beer

    Specializes in classic southern pub food and fried chicken. Come see the best patio on the corner!

    9 Elliewood Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-529-6387

    Bar website

    american - $$

  21. C&O

    CO

    Celebrated country French fare & a deep wine list in a serene setting amid brick walls & barn wood.

    515 Water St E, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

    434-971 7044

    Bar website

    european - $$

  22. The Ivy Inn

    Ivy Inn

    Refined locavore American fare served in an early 19th-century house with an Old Virginia feel.

    2244 Old Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-977-1222

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  23. Wayside Takeout & Catering

    Fried Chicken

    For over 50 years, Wayside Takeout & Catering, featuring Ole Virginia Fried Chicken, has been a favorite eatery in Charlottesville.

    2203 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-977-5000

    Bar website

    american - $

  24. Take It Away Sandwich Shop

    Take it Away

    They'll handcraft your sandwich with house-made, high quality ingredients and a lot of love.

    115 Elliewood Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-295-1899

    Bar website

    american - $

  25. Anna’s Pizza No 5

    Annas pizza

    Come visit us in Charlottesville at 115 Maury Avenue for some delicious authentic Italian cuisines or our popular hand tossed pizza and hot submarines.

    115 Maury Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-977-6228

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  26. Fry’s Spring Station

    Frying Spring Stration

    Airy, industrial eatery with outdoor seating dishes up fire-roasted pizza & Italian eats.

    2115 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

    434-202-2257

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$