The weeklong countdown for Virginia Commonwealth University students is down to mere hours with the VCU-Butler matchup beginning at 6 p.m. today.
Last-minute Final Four preparations are in full swing as many fans scramble to gather their VCU gear before heading out to watch parties hosted on and around the Monroe Park campus by VCU and local businesses.
"I'm planning on celebrating with friends at Chili's because I hear they are giving out free stuff and $5 burgers," said VCU senior Michelle Wang. "Plus, it's close to campus and I can join the festivities after the game and (do not) have to worry about traffic."
Wang said she'll be in full VCU garb while watching the game.
"(I plan to) gear up on enthusiasm, pompoms, beads, face paint, foam fingers and whatever I can find to get pumped for the game and show the rest of the world how proud I am to be a Ram," she said.
The VCU Chili's is just one of several options for viewing the game that the university is providing for students. According to VCU's Office of Communications and Public Relations, watch parties tonight include these events:
•The Siegel Center will welcome VCU students, faculty and staff with a valid ID. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Limited to 3,500 attendees.
•Rodney's on the first floor of the Shafer Court Dining Center will hold a gathering for students only. Admission is limited to the first 220 guests.
•VCU Chili's viewing party will feature game-day specials. Selected half-price appetizers and $5 burgers will be available for guests wearing their VCU gear.
•Additional parties for students will be in residence halls and at the Common Ground at the University Student Commons.
Some students plan to celebrate from home.
VCU sophomore Heidi Imperio said she had the chance to travel to Houston with the team but instead chose to celebrate with friends in Richmond.
"The energy of being surrounded by close friends — screaming at the TV, hugging each other, gritting teeth, jumping on couches — it would definitely match or even exceed the experience I would have gotten in Houston," Imperio said.
Some students plan to hit their favorite local hangouts. VCU sophomore Clayton England said he will trek to Joe's Inn on North Shields Avenue.
"I'll probably head to Joe's, … scream a little bit, get a little crazy and storm the streets again if they win," England said. "I'm definitely going to climb on top of something really tall if they win and watch the mayhem."
Although he has not heard of any organized plan to rush West Broad Street, as students have done for the past two Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games, England does not doubt it will happen again.
"I feel like it's more of a mob mentality kind of thing; everyone gets crazy and then runs outside," he said.
Wang, however, said she did see a Facebook notice to flood West Broad Street after the game ends.
"I first heard about it through Facebook, word of mouth and previous experiences," Wang said. "It'll happen again. With thousands of people coming out from Siegel Center, it will be absolute chaos."
If students again fill Monroe Park campus and its surrounding streets, Wang said she plans to participate.
"This is the first time I've experienced such unity and support from the surrounding Richmond area (and the rest of the country), and I'm glad to be a part of it," she said. "Best graduation present ever!"
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