CHARLOTTESVILLE-An expanded outdoor Virginia Football Fan Fest
adjacent to UVa’s Observatory Hill dining facility begins on Aug. 30
when the Cavaliers open their season at home against Southern
California.
Fan Fest is presented by the Virginia Athletics Foundation and is
held prior to each UVa home football game as an alternative to
tailgating for fans attending that day’s game. It’s designed as an
opportunity for Virginia fans as well as fans of the Cavaliers’
opponent to enjoy various activities and interact in a fan-friendly
environment. Fan Fest is open to everyone at no cost and features
games for youngsters and adults, a number of food options and live
music.
“I hope every Virginia fan and the fans of our opponents make Fan
Fest a pregame destination,” said Todd Goodale, UVa’s associate
athletics director for marketing and video services. “The University
has been supportive of our efforts to use this newly created area to
entertain fans on football Saturdays. From live music to a variety of
food options and interactive games, we’ve created a plan that will be
fun for all ages.”
Fan Fest activities begin three hours before kickoff and end 45
minutes before the start of the game. For games beginning at noon,
Fan Fest starts at 10 a.m.
Fan Fest opens at 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 featuring live music. The
Cavalier Marching Band, cheerleaders and Cavman will hold a pep rally
on stage between the live music sets. The live music performers for
every Fan Fest will be announced at a later date.
In addition to live music, the outside activities include food
vendors, a video games station featuring NCAA Football 2009, a skills
challenge, a target toss, an agility run, a Gray TV broadcast booth,
an autograph station featuring representatives of UVa teams other
than football and an area for face painting and face tattoos. A Cool-
Off Zone will also be provided for early season games with cool air
circulating for the comfort of fans if the weather is warm.
The gymnasium in Virginia’s Aquatic and Fitness Center that has been
used for Fan Fest in year’s past will also be used again this year.
Activities inside the Aquatic and Fitness Center include a target
toss, the bounce house, an ESPN TV games projection and a photo
station featuring player cut outs.
Food vendors involved in Fan Fest include Baja Bean, Famous Dave’s
BBQ, Capital Meats, Zazus, Derricos Italian Ice and Raising Canes
Lemonade.
Both Fan Fest areas can be accessed from Alderman Road.
For more information on Fan Fest, visit Game Day Central online at
VirginiaSports.com. Game Day Central may be accessed from the link
under Fan Zone or from the bottom of the home page.
