A White-Out, a Tune-Up, and a Test of Loyalty: Why You Should Still Show Up for UVA vs. William & Mary

A White-Out, a Tune-Up, and a Test of Loyalty: Why You Should Still Show Up for UVA vs. William & Mary

If we’re being honest, nobody should expect Scott Stadium to be bursting at the seams this Saturday when Virginia hosts William & Mary. Last weekend’s deflating 35–31 loss to NC State took some of the wind out of Wahoo Nation’s sails, and September always comes with distractions—coaching youth baseball (I’ll be at fall practice with my son), neighborhood festivals, apple-picking, and about 10 other “good excuses” to not show up. Eric Ward and his marketing crew in the Virginia athletics office have quite the job ahead of them to draw a respectable crowd for this one.

But here’s the thing: there are only seven chances a year to watch this team in Scott Stadium. Seven. That’s it. You wait all year for football season, and then—poof—it’s gone before the leaves finish turning.

And if you like points? If you like feeling confident about the final score before halftime? This is your Saturday. Former UVA head coach Mike London brings in his William & Mary Tribe, who are in a rebuilding phase (again). They’ve already lost to Furman, a team that then went out and lost to Presbyterian. Yes, the Tribe just beat Maine, but there’s a canyon-sized gap between the athletes Virginia has on the field and what London’s squad can roll out.

Translation: this game is tailor-made for catharsis. You want to see the good guys light up the scoreboard? You’ll get your wish. You want to bring the kids and be able to have them learn the Good Ol Song in just one afternoon? By the fourth or fifth touchdown of the first half they’ll be swaying and singing right along without even having to look at the words on the Jumbotron!

There are perks to a lighter crowd, too. Concession and beer lines? Shortest of the season. Shuttles? You can practically walk right on. Tickets? The family four-packs are dirt cheap—cheaper than taking everyone to the movies. Plus, it’s a White Out, so you get the fun of a stadium-wide theme without the hassle of needing to find your one orange tie you haven’t worn since Homecomings.

Honestly, if there was ever a game to think outside the box and bring in a national act for a concert before, during halftime, and after—this would be it. Imagine packing the Hill with fans there to see music, and then realizing, “Hey, there’s a football game going on too.” But until UVA makes that move, it’s on the fans to make Scott Stadium more than just a scenic background for ESPN+ highlights.

So consider this your invitation: shake off the NC State loss, grab a cheap ticket, and bring a friend who hasn’t been to a game in a while. The players deserve the support. The team needs the energy. And you’ll leave with the satisfaction of watching Virginia roll, probably by a margin that makes you laugh on the way home.

This Saturday may not have the hype of a FSU or a VT matchup, but it’s still one of only seven days a year when Scott Stadium is alive. Don’t let the excuse list win. Get out and pack Scott!

Final Score Prediction: Virginia 55 W&M 6

Go Hoos!