Virginia Cavaliers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Tony Bennett

Team Mascot: CavMan, 'Lil Hoo, and the Cavalier on horseback

Year Opened: 2006

Capacity: 14593

City / State: Charlottesville / Virginia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Virginia vs Virginia Tech

Rival Team: Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia and Virginia Tech have an intense rivalry, and things have only heated up even more recently with Tech’s move to the ACC in 2004. The Hokies may get the better of the Cavaliers in football, but when it comes to basketball Virginia holds a 89-54 lead in the all-time series. The fans and schools flat out do not like each other, and you’ll see plenty of venom between the two fan bases on game days, so don’t miss your chance to see this fierce rivalry in person.

Virginia vs North Carolina

Rival Team: UNC Tar Heels

The Cavaliers and Tar Heels have one of the oldest rivalries in college football, and the two schools don’t get along on the hardwood either. There are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when these two meet, so make sure to be in attendance when the Tar Heels come to town.

Virginia Cavaliers Stadium Guide

In Game

The Cavaliers moved into the new John Paul Jones Arena in 2006, which has quickly become one of the best facilities in the ACC. John Paul Jones Arena is home to incredible sightlines, a fun atmosphere, and a competitive team making a trip to Charlottesville a great experience for any college basketball fan.

The stands inside John Paul Jones Arena are rather steep, so you’ll be on top of the action no matter where you’re seated. The fact the fans are on top of the players does an excellent job of creating an electric atmosphere and providing the Cavaliers with an incredible home court advantage. It feels like the fans are breathing down the players’ necks, which has gone a long way in making it tough for opposing teams to go into John Paul Jones Arena and come away with a W.

At John Paul Jones Arena you won’t only experience a great atmosphere and game on the court, you’ll also get to enjoy tons of pageantry and tradition on display as well. The pep band, spirit squad, and mascot all do a fantastic job of entertaining the crowd, and there are reminders all around the arena of the Cavaliers glorious basketball past including banners and a hall of fame.

Once the game is over stroll through campus and visit some of the nearby bars and restaurants to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. Littlejohn’s New York Deli and Boylan Heights are great places to check out, although no trip to Charlottesville is complete without having a Gus Burger at the White Spot.

A UVA basketball game is an excellent experience for any college basketball fan, so plan your trip to Charlottesville today.

Things to check out

UVA Basketball Hall of Fame

Make sure to stop by the UVA Basketball Hall of Fame before taking your seat. The Hall of Fame is home to jerseys, trophies, and other artifacts from the Cavaliers past making it a must see for college basketball fans.

Delay Free Radio

One of the coolest things about attending a UVA basketball game is the delay free radio broadcasts. Inside John Paul Jones Arena you can get broadcasts from 91.5 FM that are delay-free matching the commentary to the action on the court.

Banners

Hanging from the rafters of John Paul Jones Arena are banners honoring the Cavaliers runs to the Final Four in 1981 and 1984 as well as the program’s seven ACC championships. The banners do an excellent job of showcasing Virginia’s impressive basketball history, so take them in before the game starts.

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The Hoo Crew

The Hoo Crew is the name of the student section at Virginia. They are known as one of the best student sections in the nation and even won the 2014 Naismith Student Section of the Year Award. Enjoy the atmosphere provided by The Hoo Crew and join in on their chants to show your support for the Cavaliers.

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Hoos

Hoos is what UVA fans affectionately call the players and team. The legend is that the term originated from Washington & Lee baseball fans calling Virginia players “Wahoos” during the hotly contested rivalry the two schools shared in the 1890s. Since then the Wahoos has been shortened to Hoos by the school newspaper and has stuck ever since.

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Cavman

Don’t miss Cavman when attending a Virginia basketball game. The lovable mascot can be seen all throughout the game interacting with fans and leading cheers, so enjoy his antics when attending a Cavaliers basketball game.

Pep Band

The Virginia pep band does an outstanding job of creating a fun atmosphere inside John Paul Jones Arena. The band plays a variety of UVA favorites including “The Cavalier Song” and “The Good Old Song” so enjoy the music.

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Spirit Squads

The spirit squads put on an incredible show and do a great job of pumping up the crowd. The pageantry of a Virginia basketball game is amazing, so soak it all in when attending a game.

Fight Songs

  1. 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.

  2. The Good Old Song

    Set to the tune of Auld Lang Syne

    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!

  3. Virginia Hail, All Hail!

    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 evening 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. Wahoos (Hoos for short)

    Hey,
    Go Hoos
    Go Wahoos!

  6. U-V-A Go ‘Hoos Go!

    U!
    V!
    A!
    U-V-A!
    Go hoos!
    Go wahoos!

Virginia Cavaliers Bars & Restaurants

  1. 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 - $

  2. 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 - $$

  3. 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 - $

  4. 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 - $$

  5. 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 - $$

  6. Barboursville

    wine

    Home of one of the freshest wines in Virginia.

    17655 Winery Rd, Barboursville, VA 22923, USA

    540-832-3824

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. 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 - $$

  8. 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 - $$

  9. 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 - $$

  10. 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 - $$

  11. 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 - $

  12. 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 - $$

  13. 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 - $$

  14. 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 - $$

  15. 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 - $$

  16. 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 - $$

  17. 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 - $$

  18. 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 - $$

  19. 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 - $$

  20. 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 - $$

  21. 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 - $$$

  22. 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 - $

  23. 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 - $

  24. 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 - $

  25. 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 - $$