Villanova Wildcats Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Mark Ferrante

Team Mascot: Will D. Cat

Year Opened: 1927

Capacity: 12000

City / State: Bryn Mawr / Pennsylvania

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Battle of the Blue

Rival Team: Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens

The winner of the annual Delaware-Villanova rivalry game takes home the Battle of the Blue Trophy. The two teams first met on the football field in 1895. However, the rivalry didn’t become a regular fixture until the 1960s. The Wildcats hold a 28-21-1 record in the all-time series, and you won’t want to miss it when the Wildcats try to extend their lead.

Mayor’s Cup

Rival Team: Temple Owls

Only 15 miles separate Temple and Villanova meaning you’ll find a lot of fans of both teams when these two-Philadelphia area teams meet. The rivalry between Temple and Villanova began in 1928, and you’ll be in for a good matchup whenever these two square off. The all-time series is tied at 15-15-2, so don’t miss it when the Wildcats take on the Owls.

Villanova Wildcats Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Villanova may not be renown for its tailgating, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time tailgating before a Wildcats game. In recent years, Villanova has made great strides when it comes to tailgating in large part thanks to the efforts of the Villanova Football Club. Tailgating here has really kicked up making it a must do when attending any Wildcats football game.

Lots A-1 and A-2 are where you’ll find the majority of the action on game days, so even if you don’t have a parking pass for either of these lots stop by and take part in the festivities. Everyone here is very friendly and happy to help spread the tailgating cheer surrounding Villanova football.

You’ll also want to keep an eye and ear out for spirit group performances before the game as they’re a fun part of the pregame festivities.

Tailgating is a can’t-miss part of any Wildcats game, so arrive early and enjoy all the pregame festivities outside Villanova Stadium.

Traditions

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Band and Spirit Group Performances

Don’t miss performances by the band and spirit groups while tailgating at Villanova. The performances get everyone into the Wildcats game day spirit and are a fun way to get hyped up for the game.

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Where to tailgate

Villanova Wildcats Stadium Guide

In Game

You won’t mistake a Villanova game for an LSU game anytime soon. However, you’ll still find a fun atmosphere inside Villanova Stadium.

Fans pack the stands to show their support for the Wildcats and all throughout the game you’ll hear them cheering on ‘Nova. The fans here live and die with this team creating a fun atmosphere that while it can’t rival the one found in The Pavilion during basketball season is still a fun one to be a part of. Come prepared to cheer on the Wildcats as one of the best things about attending a Villanova football game is the camaraderie and sense of belonging among fans.

In addition to the atmosphere of the crowd, you’ll also enjoy the performances of the Villanova Band, Will D. Cat, and the cheerleaders. All three put on fantastic shows throughout the game making them can’t-miss parts of any Wildcats game.

Finally, if you get into the stadium early, stop by and see the statue of legendary Villanova track coach James Jumbo Elliott. The statue does an excellent job of honoring the fantastic coach and is a must-see for any longtime Wildcats fan.

A trip to Villanova is a pleasant trip for any FCS football fan, so start planning your visit to Villanova today.

Things to check out

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James Jumbo Elliott Statue

Make sure to check out the statue of legendary Villanova track coach Jumbo Elliott. The statue is a must-see for any longtime ‘Nova athletics fan, so don’t miss it during your trip to Villanova Stadium.

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Kids Area

If you’re taking the kids to the game, then make sure to stop by the kids area near the fieldhouse. Here you’ll find all kinds of kids activities including football related games, so stop by and check it out.

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Will D. Cat

Will D. Cat is the official mascot of the Villanova Wildcats and can be seen at every ‘Nova football game. He gets into all kinds of antics and is loved by fans, so keep your eyes peeled for Will D. Cat at the game.

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Villanova Band

The Villanova Band does an excellent job of creating an intense in-game atmosphere. The band kicks things off before the game with their pregame show. After that, they keep the tempo high by instructing fans when to perform specific chants. The Villanova Band is a big part of any Villanova football game, so enjoy their performance.

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Cheerleaders

Like the Villanova Band, the Villanova cheerleaders are also an integral part of the in-game experience. The cheerleaders lead the crowd in a variety of cheers, so make sure to join in the cheers and aid the Wildcats in their quest for victory.

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Fight Songs

  1. V For Villanova

    “V” for Villanova, “V” for Victory
    “B” for Blue and “W” for White

    For the Blue and the White we will fight!
    Fight! Fight! Fight!
    Fight for Villanova, Fight for Victory

    For we’re out to win the fray;
    Villanova leads the way,
    With a capital “V” for Victory.

    For we’re out to beat the foe
    Show the en-e-my we know
    how to win with a “V” for Victory.

    Vill-a-no-va, V-I-L-L-A-N-O-V-A
    “V” for Vic-tor-y, V-I-C-T-O-R-Y
    It’s a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye,
    and a “V” for a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

  2. March of the Wildcats

    March, you Wildcats – march right on

    We are put to win the day

    We’ll march straight through to victory

    So onward let us go – Rah! Rah!

    Let us fight, fight, fight, fight, fight!

    Villanovans one and all

    Join to sing a praise to Alma Mater

    Hail, Blue and White.

  3. Alma Mater

    When the twilight shadows gather
    Out upon the Campus green,
    When the blue and purple night
    Comes stealing on the scene
    Loyal heirs of Villanova
    Sing a hymn of praise
    To our dear old ALMA MATER
    And our College days.

    Villanova, Villanova
    When we leave your shelt’ring walls,
    We shall leave an echo ringing
    Through your treasured halls
    We will leave an echo ringing
    In the silent night
    While our memories are singing
    Of the Blue and White

    When the last big game is over
    And the last roll call is heard
    When the oldest pedagogue
    Has had the final word
    We shall come to ALMA MATER
    In our dreams again
    With prayer for Villanova
    And a sweet amen.

  4. Nova! Nation!

    The cheerleaders instruct half of the student section to yell, “Nova!” and the other, “Nation!” The cheer is a great way to show off your Villanova spirit, so join in and give the Wildcats as much support as possible.

    Nova!
    Nation!

Villanova Wildcats Bars & Restaurants

  1. Gruppy’s Good Times

    Gruppys Good Times

    Fun neighborhood bar and restaurant where friends meet for great food, drinks and entertainment.

    2 Maple St, Conshohocken, PA 19428, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Baggataway

    Baggataway

    Bar food at Baggataway Tavern means much more than fingers and wings.

    31 Front St, Conshohocken, PA 19428, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. Flip & Bailey’s

    Flip Baileys

    A cool lively atmosphere that serves amazing drink and a great food menu.

    902 Conestoga Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Kelly’s Taproom

    Handy Andy

    Great food, good staff and a nice selection of drinks.

    1107 E Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The Grog Grill

    The Grog Grill

    Good food, service and a pretty cozy place.

    863 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Roach & O’Brien

    Roach OBrien

    Great food, nice atmosphere, fantastic selection of drinks, and good service.

    560 West Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA 19041, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Zestoa Pizza and Grill

    Zestoa Pizza and Grill

    Zesto Pizza and Grill specializes in hand-tossed, stone-baked pizza.

    908 Conestoga Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  8. Great American Pub

    beer Billy Jacks Wing Draft Shack Roost Great American Pub

    The Great American Pub offers an authentic and memorable experience for those sitting down to dine, or others enjoying the bar and nightlife.

    4 W Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA 19087, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Vic & Dean’s Pizzeria Grill

    Vic Deans Pizzeria Grill pizza

    Vic & Deans is where you can find great Pizza food available for delivery or takeout.

    409 W Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA 19087, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  10. Mainline Pizza

    Mainline Pizza

    High-quality food at an affordable price, and with a smile.

    233 Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087, USA

    Bar website

    american - italian - pizza - $

  11. Gullifty’s

    Gulliftys

    Since 1975, Gullifty’s Pizza Grille and Bar has been a Main Line tradition. With great food, award-winning beer selection, and outdoor dining, Gullifty's has something for everyone!

    1149 West Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. 333 Belrose Bar & Grill

    333 Belrose Bar Grill

    The menu at 333 Belrose Bar & Grill changes with the seasons, so you can enjoy the best of local and seasonal foods, when they are at their most flavorful.

    333 Belrose Ln, Wayne, PA 19087, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Pietro’s Pizza

    Pietros Pizza

    A recipe that has been perfected over 60 years and passed down through the generations.

    236 N Radnor Chester Rd, Wayne, PA 19087, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  14. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

    Flemings Prime Steakhouse steak

    Experience our passion for seasonal ingredients, diverse selection and innovative flavor pairings. The finest in prime steak, fresh seafood and signature dishes await.

    555 Lancaster Ave #10, Radnor, PA 19087, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$