If football season was a disappointment as
a fan of UVA sports, then basketball has certainly made up for it. Scott
Stadium had its moments during football season, but the atmosphere at JPJ for
basketball games is really much more exciting. UVA was recently voted to have
the Naismith Student Section of the Year, and for good reason. The student
section at basketball games is closer to the game than at Scott Stadium. This
proximity energizes the crowd and the action is ever-constant, especially
compared to football. This season has been one of the best in long time as UVA
is currently ranked first in the ACC and is riding on an eleven game winning
streak.
As a student signing up for tickets to games is relatively
easy. The UVA shots website allows you to request and claim tickets once they
have been granted. Usually getting tickets isn’t an issue unless the game is
late in the season and is highly anticipated. I was dismayed when, earlier this
month, I requested to attend the Syracuse game on March 1st and was
unable to receive a ticket.
However the more games you go to the easier it becomes to
get tickets and the better seats you will receive. Looking back now I really
should have tried to attend some to the games last semester in order to get
better seats later in the season. Attending Orange Passport events will also
help increase your chances of attending games closer to the court. When you
first sign up for tickets you get placed in group ten – meaning you are in the
tenth of ten groups of students to get into JPJ prior to the game. Students in
group one, for example, get the best seats close the court. I recommend going
to as many games as possible, not only for the excitement but also to guarantee
the best seating possible later in the season!
UVA sports on the whole is a great thing to be a part of.
Our teams are highly ranked in baseball, lacrosse, swimming, and many more. And
even if basketball isn’t usually your thing I recommend going to the games just
to witness the spectacle. Although I won’t be able to attend the Syracuse game I
am excited to watch the game on TV. The atmosphere won’t be nearly as exciting
as JPJ but I am still thankful to be a fan at a time when UVA is doing so well.
Here’s to March Madness!