PRE-GAME TAILGATES


As outlined in our recent "State of the Club" post, we're trying a new format to start the season -- moving away from the post-game events in Bryant Hall and instead hosting a series of pre-game tailgates in an effort to better "meet alums where they are." Here's what you need to know:


Tell me one more time why we're doing this?


    • Simply put, we're installing some new plays with the expectation that they will lead to a more meaningful game day experience for a larger number of alums.
    • Additionally, our learnings this season will help shape our game day routine in the years to come as we work with Football, Athletics, and VAF on a longer-term plan.

And what's that longer-term plan?


    • One angle we're pursuing is for our Club to have a designated area where we can hold one large tailgate on game days. That just wasn't feasible this season.
    • In order to get to that place, we're starting with Who and What we have on-hand, and that's you guys! We can help our future efforts by showing up en masse this season.


Find the flags


    • Anywhere you see a 12-foot "UVA Football Alumni Club" flag flying, you should instinctively know: YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
    • Tailgate hosts will be flying these in the lots at and around the stadium, per the list below.
    • A big thanks to Ian Frye '15 for coming up with the design!

@uvafbalumni


    • Check Twitter on game day for any updates. This seemed to be the easiest way to broadcast messages in real-time. You do not need to create an account to view our tweets.
    • Note that currently, we'll just use this account to share logistics.

Will there be food and drink?


    • Yes, just as you'd find at any other tailgate.
    • And, just as happens at any other tailgate, it may be the case that supplies are running low, or even tapped out, by the time you get there.
    • But, we'll do our best to make each tailgate are good as we reasonably can. Club funds that would've otherwise been earmarked for Bryant Hall catering, staffing, etc. are instead being put towards these tailgates.
    • But remember, right now our focus is on bringing the largest amount of guys back together: IT'S ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP, NOT THE FEAST. Should this experiment prove to be the right approach, it's expected that the quantity and quality of food and drink will increase as the number of participating alums increases.

Am I required to bring anything?


    • Nope. Just show up and bring a few teammates with you.
    • Of course, if you'd like to bring [a case of beer and a bag of chips] as you would to any other tailgate, by all means go for it (it will certainly be appreciated), but that's not expected.

Does it cost anything?


    • Nope. Just show up and bring a few teammates with you.
    • Note, though, that game day functions are one area where annual membership dues are put to use. You can help us provide a better experience (and support the Club's other activities) by joining or renewing here.

Is this the plan all season?


    • TBD. We're viewing this as a "low-cost experiment." We're not betting the farm, but we're also not going to hold back. We have high hopes and the plan seems solid, but we don't yet know how it will shake out on game days.
    • We are committed to trying this format thru the first three homes games (W&M, FSU, ODU) and will adjust our game plan as needed. Here's where we're taking notes.
    • That said, we may also choose to pack up our flags and take this show on the road. Let us know if you'd be interested in that.

I like the sound of this. How can I help?


    • Glad you asked! First, and most important, you can show up! Bring a few teammates while you're at it.
    • Second, if you know how to throw a good tailgate, you can help host. And you can do this regardless of whether or not you have a parking spot -- we can pair you up with someone who does.
    • Lastly, your ideas and feedback are always welcome; help us make this plan go.
    • Contact Brennan Schmidt for more info: brennan.schmidt@gmail.com | 434.996.4800


West Lot 1 | #613

If you're looking at the west gate, look two rows to your right, halfway down.

    • Nelson Yarbrough '59
    • Bill Curry '94
    • Kase Luzar '03
    • Brennan Schmidt '05
    • Conner Davis '14


North Lot D

On Alderman Road, to the immediate left of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church. This lot doesn't have numbered spots, so just look for the two flags. Kenny's tailgate will be to the far right when you pull in the lot, right next to the church, complete with a 50' flatscreen so you won't miss the rest of the day's action.

    • Kenny Word '83


Lewis Street

A well-oiled machine when it comes to supporting the 'Hoos, throwing a tailgate, and welcoming old players back, the Valley Hoos (of which several Football alums are part of) have extended an invitation to their pig roast off Lewis Street, behind Wayside Fried Chicken and Dürty Nelly's. Look for the flag, listen for the noise, and sniff for the pulled pork.

    • George Stanley '02
    • Jay Dorsey '04


Lot 1 | #613

If you're looking at the west gate, look two rows to your right, halfway down.

    • Bill Curry '94


South Lot 1 | #536

Perfectly situated outside the Southeast Gate. A big thanks to Walter, who can't make the game, but who graciously donated his spot to the cause.

    • Walter Kulp '91
    • Brennan Schmidt '05


South Lot 2 | #816

A stone's throw from Bryant Hall. If you were walking out of the main entrance at Bryant, head to the back right corner of the upper deck.

    • Kase Luzar '03
    • Conner Davis '14


North Lot D

On Alderman Road, to the immediate left of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church. This lot doesn't have numbered spots, so just look for the two flags. Kenny's tailgate will be to the far right when you pull in the lot, right next to the church, complete with a 50' flatscreen so you won't miss the rest of the day's action.

    • Tommy Viar '73
    • Kenny Word '83