Rival Team: Temple Owls, Saint Joseph's Hawks, Penn Quakers, La Salle Explorers
Philadelphia’s Big 5 consists of the Villanova, Temple, St. Joseph’s, Penn, and La Salle and is one of the best multi-team rivalries in college sports. The Big 5 dates back to 1955 and originally was created to showcase Philadelphia’s basketball talent and raise money for the Palestra. The proximity of the schools means there is a lot of bragging rights on the line whenever these teams meet, so don’t miss the matchups between these schools.
Holy War
Rival Team: Saint Joseph's Hawks
The Holy War between Villanova and St. Joseph’s is the fiercest of all of the Philadelphia Big 5 rivalries. The rivalry between ‘Nova and St. Joe’s predates the Big 5 having started during the 1920-21 season, and you’ll never want to miss it when these two meet. Villanova leads the all-time series 48-25, but the matchups will almost always be close when the Wildcats and Hawks battle it out.
The Wildcats and Hoyas have a fierce rivalry that was fostered in the original Big East and continues today. The biggest matchup in the history of the Villanova-Georgetown rivalry occurred in 1985 NCAA Championship game when the Wildcats upset the high-powered Hoyas 66-64. Don’t miss it when the Hoyas come to town as you’ll be in for a treat whenever Villanova and Georgetown square off.
Villanova and Providence are the two smallest schools in the Big East and have developed an intense rivalry over the years. Villanova leads the all-time series 59-38, and you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Villanova-Providence game.
Villanova and Delaware’s rivalry may be fiercest on the gridiron, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of bad blood when the Wildcats and Blue Hens meet on the hardwood. The rivalry between Villanova and Delaware may not get as much press as the Wildcats other rivalries, but you’ll still be in for a treat when attending a matchup between these two teams.
Villanova Wildcats Stadium Guide
In Game
The Villanova Wildcats play the majority of their home basketball games at The Pavilion in Villanova, Pennsylvania. However, games where they anticipate high attendance are moved to Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. The fact the Wildcats play in two venues offers you the chance to experience two fun Villanova game days.
Most Wildcats games are played in the intimate The Pavilion, which has been the home of the Wildcats since 1986. The venue is an excellent place to see a college basketball game, and you’ll be right on top of the action when attending a game at the Pavilion. The crowd here is also incredible, and you’ll be able to see lots of tributes to former Wildcats players around the concourse as well.
If you’re attending a Wildcats game at the Wells Fargo Center, you’ll also have a great time. The Wells Fargo Center is a state-of-the-art arena with all kinds of amenities and extras to see. The Wells Fargo Center is home to both the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, so you’ll see plenty of displays dedicated to both teams at the facility. The Wells Fargo Center is also home to some great concessions as well including Chickie’s & Pete’s among others.
One thing that remains the same is that no matter where you’re seeing a Wildcats game, you’ll always be treated to the incredible student section, known as Nova Nation, as well as the Wildcats fantastic pep band and cheerleaders. These groups create an amazing atmosphere at both venues and are what make attending a Villanova basketball game an extraordinary experience.
Whether the game is at The Pavilion or the Wells Fargo Center, you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Wildcats basketball game.
Make sure to take some time and visit the 1985 Championship Wall when attending a Villanova game at The Pavilion. The wall is a tribute to the Wildcats 1985 national championship winning team who upset the high-powered Georgetown Hoyas 66-64 in the finals.
Trophies
Around the concourse of The Pavilion, you’ll find several trophies and plaques belonging to the best teams in Villanova athletics history. The trophies do an excellent job of showcasing the school’s rich athletics history and are a must-see for college sports fans.
Banners
Hanging up around The Pavilion are lots of banners celebrating the best players, coaches, and teams in Wildcats history. The banners honor the school’s two national championships as well as retired numbers of players such as Kerry Kittles and Ed Pinckney, so take it all in.
During your visit to the Wells Fargo Center make sure to check out all the banners hanging from the rafters. These banners honor all the greatest players and teams in 76ers, Flyers, and Villanova history, so take a minute to remember your favorites from the past like Wilt Chamberlain, Dr. J, and Bobby Clarke.
Make sure to stop by the Wilt Chamberlain statue and snap a pic. The statue commemorates one of the greatest players in NBA history and is a must-see for basketball fans.
Those of you who are Philly fans or hockey fans will love the Flyers Stanley Cup statue. The statue features Flyers legends Bobby Clarke and Bernie Parent hoisting the cup and is an excellent tribute to the Broad Street Bullies.
Relive all the greatest moments in the 76ers and Flyers previous arena by visiting this excellent exhibit. The Spectrum served as the home of both teams for 30 years, so you’ll find plenty of history on display.
Located inside the South Philly Sports Complex, this giant entertainment venue offers a great place to hang out before the game. You’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants in this complex, so stop by to grab a drink or bite to eat.
If you frequently attend the Wells Fargo Center and are looking for a premium dining experience then become a member of Adrian. This restaurant is open exclusively to members and is the only place to experience an upscale chophouse menu inside the Wells Fargo Center.
Another great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat is the P.J Whelihan’s Pub on the main concourse. The pub features award-winning food and pub drinks making it a great place to stop by before tipoff.
At the CURE Insurance Club, you can experience some of Philly’s most famous cuisine including Chickie’s & Pete’s and Campos. The Club opens two hours before tipoff, and even features live music on select game days.
Villanova fans celebrate the first basket by throwing blue and white streamers onto the court. In the 1980s, the NCAA started calling technical fouls for fans throwing streamers onto the court, so now Wildcats fans throw streamers after the first basket of the scrimmage during Hoops Mania. Attend Hoops Mania so that you can take part in this fun Wildcats tradition.
Nova Nation
The Villanova student section known as Nova Nation are one of the wildest student sections in the country. Nova Nation takes up approximately a third of the seats when the Wildcats play at The Pavilion, and they’re just as loud in the Wells Fargo Center.
Will D. Cat is the official mascot of the Villanova Wildcats and can be seen at every ‘Nova basketball 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.
The Villanova pep band does an excellent job of creating an intense in-game atmosphere. The band kicks things off a minute before the game by playing a tune that pumps up the crowd. After that, they keep the tempo high by instructing fans when to perform specific chants. The pep band is a big part of any Villanova basketball game, so enjoy their performance.
Like the pep 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.
“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
“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.
“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.
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!
Fouling Out
When an opponent fouls out, the band will play, and the fans will twirl their pointer finger around until the player sits down. As the player sits down, everyone will yell, “see, ya!”
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
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.
Experience our passion for seasonal ingredients, diverse selection and innovative flavor pairings. The finest in prime steak, fresh seafood and signature dishes await.
Watch video
