VCU fans camp out before U of R game
Junior chemistry major Cathy Phang withstood the wind in preparation to be the first in line for the University of Richmond game Friday evening. Phang decked out her tent in holiday lights and treated herself with an air mattress. Photo by Nancy Galbadon.
Die-hard VCU fans endured the cold Thursday night in preparation for the last men’s basketball matchup of the season against cross-town rival the University of Richmond on Friday.
Given the nickname “Wade’s World,” students set up their tents as early as Thursday afternoon and dressed in their long johns outside the Siegel Center to claim spots in line. Overall, about two dozen students camped out.
The Rams Returned the love when head coach Will Wade and the players walked out of the Siegel Center with boxes of pizzas to award their most dedicated fans.
“The University of Richmond is our rival here and there’s a lot of friendly competition,” said VCU senior Summer Griffin. “A lot of students want to come out here to get the best seats tomorrow morning and get in line after we break down the tents in the order of who got here first.”
Griffin had been camping out with her friends since Thursday. This was her first time camping out for a game. She said that as a loyal fan and member of the Rowdy Rams Board, she wanted to encourage other students to come out and support the team.
Campers weren’t going to let the cold weather or their class schedule stop them from supporting their team either. Ram fans were prepared and came up with ways to keep their spot in line while still attending class.
“A lot of people will just have someone save their spot. They will be in pairs of two and switch off,” Griffin said. “If you have go to class, the bathroom or food.”
The cold weather wasn’t much of a complaint after sophomore Cathy Phang decked out her tent with air mattresses, heated blankets and Christmas lights. Black and gold streamers also hung around her tent finished with an American flag.
Many campers came up with fun and innovative ways to make the best of the situation.
“I love the Rams, I love basketball and I just thought it would be a fun experience,” Phang said.
Nancy Gabaldon, Contributing Writer
