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
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.
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.
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.
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
The LawnThe 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.
The CornerAcross the street from the Rotunda, you’ll find nice selections of shops and restaurants. The Corner is the perfect place for people looking to grab a bite to eat or something to drink before the game without going through the hassle of tailgating.
Tailgate LotsIf you’re looking for a UVA alumni or coming to the game with a UVA alumni, then Cavalier Countdown presents a great place to tailgate. The tailgate party outside the Alumni Center features a buffet, drinks, and tailgate games, making it a great place to hang out before the game.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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!
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