VCU fans find perfect niche in local restaurant’s atmosphere

Amir Vera
Staff Writer

The first two games VCU competed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament took place in Dayton and Chicago. Only a limited number of fans were able to attend these games. The rest of the Rams fans watched in local venues, such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Home Team Grill, as Shaka Smart’s team defeated USC and Georgetown.

“We are, unofficially, the designated viewing party for most of VCU. We just know that whenever there is a big game, and VCU is a part of it, we will get the fans,” Home Team Grill manager Brian Jones said.

According to Chuck Buch, a manager at Buffalo Wild Wings, the fans gathering like this makes up for the lack of a professional sports team in Richmond.

“Since Richmond does not have a major league sports team, except the Flying Squirrels, it is something the town needs, something they can stand behind,” Buch said.

For these businesses, the crowd of Ram’s fans has been at its peak since the CAA championship game two weeks ago. Buffalo Wild Wings was extremely crowded during the games. Manager Shawn Scott stated they were filled to about 90 percent capacity.

The crowds from that night were also record breaking, according to Home Team Grill manager Kelly Archer.

“The sales from yesterday exceeded any sales we’ve ever done, it was the busiest day we’ve had so far,” Archer said. “It was absolutely crazy. Everyone was having a great time. We were full from the time we opened until the time we closed.”

During the game against Georgetown on March 18, Archer stated that the crowd was “most hyped” when it was apparent that VCU was going to take the win.

“The whole bar was chanting for VCU, it was pretty neat to see everybody all cheering for the same team,” Archer said.

These games also provide a memorable experience to the fans.

“It is something that everybody, especially the students, will remember years down the road,” Jones said. “It was a special moment when we knew that VCU was going to win with two minutes left in that USC game [March 16]. It was like being in a stadium.”

The stadium-atmosphere brought with it the chants of VCU. Fans participated in these chants, such as the famous “Swoosh, VCU, Go Rams! GO!” chant, all throughout game night.

“They did a bunch of the different chants that they do at the actual games. Once one person started doing it, it caught on with everybody,” Archer said.

Jones also adds that the stadium-like environment makes up for the fans not being able to see the game live.

“When people are not able to get to the game, it is like the next best thing,” Jones said. “Everybody is high-fiving, it is just so exciting. As a manager, and even our staff, we get into the energy and the fans; it is just a great atmosphere.”

Though only a limited amount of Rams fans make it out to the actual games of the NCAA tournament, the rest are here in Richmond. They watch in restaurants, bars, and their own houses.

But no matter where they are, people will know when a fan of VCU basketball is in the vicinity.