It was a good weekend for Virginia sports teams that played in Charlottesville: the football team squeaked out a win over Wake Forest; the men's basketball team annihilated Carson-Newman in an exhibition; the volleyball team swept Clemson (but did fall to Georgia Tech); and the wrestling team crushed their three opponents. The women's rowing team even got in on the action, as their novices beat Georgetown. Seven out of eight ain't bad at all.
These matches and games were played in areas all around Grounds and even off Grounds (the Rivanna Reservoir hosts rowing events). I spent Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium and Sunday at the John Paul Jones Arena, and both experiences were very different. Spectators observe Virginia sporting events in many different settings, and after taking in the football and basketball games in person I started thinking: What are the differences between Virginia's athletic venues? Which ones are better for what things? Every location has its own idiosyncrasies, so without further ado, I present to you ... Stadium Superlatives.
Most likely to see people leave at halftime: Scott Stadium
Almost like clockwork, some people will depart from David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium in the Carl Smith Center at halftime faster than you can say all those names. Scott Stadium is a great and unique venue for a college football game: It can house around 61,000 people, has a hill behind one end zone and even has fireworks shot off (when we're not experiencing a drought). But it can be an oven during the early-season games ... scratch that, even in November it's still hot there. And the effects of early morning tailgating wear off after a few hours. For some, it's just not as fun anymore to watch the game after halftime.
Most likely to create a crowd impact on the game: John Paul Jones Arena, aka JPJ
While Scott Stadium can get quiet for long stretches of time (such as this weekend's game), especially when the Cavaliers are down, JPJ is constantly full of noise and fan support. Crowd interaction can alter the outcome of the game, such as the effect of spinning pinwheels held behind the basket as the opposition shoots free throws. Also, besides halftime, the crowd stands and yells the entire game, while at football games fans find their bleacher seats even during timeouts. Last year, opponents definitely knew they were in Virginia's house -- if you want evidence, the men's basketball team went 16-1 at JPJ last year.
Most likely to be confused for a library: Memorial Gymnasium, aka Mem Gym
Let's be serious. From the outside, does Mem Gym really look like it hosts varsity sports? The volleyball and wrestling teams must be sure to give opponents careful directions, lest they drive straight past this old building in search of some sort of arena. Mem Gym is, however, a pretty cool place to watch a game because the fans are so close to the action, so it also wins the award for "Most likely for a spectator to feel like part of the game." When Sarah Kirkwood smashes a kill off the nose of her opponent, you feel the pain, too.
Most likely for a fan to be able to get in someone's head: Sheridan Snyder Tennis Center
The only thing separating fans from the players is a fence. Needless to say, it's an intimate environment. Take this example:
Virginia fan: "Hey, you! Duke guy with the funny hair! Yeah you! You can't beat Somdev! Why did you even show up? Don't bother trying, he's gonna destroy you!"
To which the Dukie turns around and yells, "Shut up, man! My girlfriend's here!"
To which the fan replies, even louder, "You stink! You can't beat Somdev!"
Rightfully so, there will be no sympathy for this Devil.
Most likely to hear the strangest insults at games: Klöckner Stadium
Only at soccer games can you hear someone yell "RECERTIFY!" as an insult to a referee. (This actually happened. I swear.) Weird things are yelled at the opposing team, and loudmouthed spectators scream at opposing coaches as if they can hear them (and as if they care). There are also good fans, like the Wahooligans, whose support for the team is recognized by the players as they exit the field. With the diverse crowds at Klöckner Stadium, this venue would also win "Most likely to be surrounded by true fans," as well as "Most likely to be surrounded by annoying people who think they know the game but really don't."
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