Fallen in love…
Wednesday morning, 10:00 AM, I receive a phone call from an “Unknown #.” I thought to myself, “Self - who really blocks their caller ID nowadays.” Being at work, I thought I probably shouldn’t answer my personal cell phone. But curiosity was eating away at me in the form of vibrating pants. So I answered it. ‘Lo and behold, it’s the Virginia Athletics Foundation on the other side. Last I checked, I wasn’t a student-athlete, so I became intrigued. The person on the other side was inviting me to the John Paul Jones Arena Sneak Preview donor event! Unfortunately, it was the next day and I needed to respond by 3:00 later that day. I told the person, “Unfortunately, I do have to work tomorrow and can’t make the drive to Charlottesville. Thanks for inviting me.” And so ended the conversation, around 10:07 AM.
I think by 10:13 AM, I was on the phone with the VAF again. “Hi, yes. I was just speaking to a gentleman inviting me to the event tomorrow night? I’d like to go ahead and change my RSVP to an affirmative.” Screw it - I’ll take half the day off and enjoy what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! So by Thursday at 2:30, I was on my way to C’ville.
When I got there, I was nearly overcome with glee. Walking into the arena for the first time, I could hardly contain myself. We were instructed to wear tennis shoes so that we would be able to step onto the court for the champagne toast, so I felt goofy wearing a nice dress shirt, khakis, and sneakers. But looking around, there were people wearing 3-piece suits and extravagant tennis shoes, so I felt better. I even saw two women wearing neon orange high-toppers with their dresses. It was great. Having dismissed that goofiness feeling, I then became somewhat insecure. Everyone around me was significantly older, and probably had a significant chunk of money to donate. I had no doubt whatsoever that I was THE youngest donor in the arena that night.
As I first stepped foot into the building, I had to take a deep breath. I can’t explain the feeling that passed over me as I truly felt the spirit of Virginia Basketball flow through my blood. Seeing the new sights, breathing that new air, hearing the new sounds. It was simply amazing. I checked in and begin exploring. The court is impressive, and the $7.5 Million audio/video system, the best in the country, seemed to be well worth it.
Naturally, my curiosity led me to one of the drinks and food stations. The food served that night was truly impressive - jumbo shrimp cocktail, lamb chops, crab-stuffed mushrooms, pistachio covered salmon, roast beef…everything was perfect. Also, the liquor was flowing as the open bars were the most popular stop of the night. In all this edible glee, I nearly forgot that I needed to explore the Arena!
The first thing I noticed was the seats on the second level. Elevation-wise, I was very impressed! Being in the front row of the 2nd level, you’re a little further back than you normally would be in U-Hall if you were in a first-row seat on the second level. But you were significantly closer to the court, I thought. I looked up to see how far away the upper-most seats are, but it was quite a ways up and I was in no mood to run up all those stairs.
Among other things we got to see…the President’s box is no different from all the other suites (which reminds me - Williams Mullen, my current firm, purchased one of those suites!! Excited much??), except that it’s a double wide and has a nicer bar. The lockerrooms were yet to be completed, but the visitors’ lockerroom was done. I was a little disappointed. It seems to me that you want to do everything you can to get into the opponent’s head. Including bright orange tiles and ceilings. But alas. Looks like UVA is taking the higher ground - the lockerroom was a calming blue. Somewhat disappointed.
I was also disappointed in our coaching staff and players. Not a one of them showed up last night. I understand that Dave Leitao, Debbie Ryan, and both their respective staffs are out on the recruiting trail right now, but it seems to me that they could have taken a night to meet and mingle with the top donors of the new facility (I mean the real upper echelon donors, not me). All I have to say is that we had better get a strong recruiting class next year!
We also got to go down to explore one of the practice courts. The new arena has 2 full-sized practice courts, 2 half-courts, and of course, the main playing court. With this, the athletes have no excuse for not having a court on which to practice. Previously, the men’s and women’s teams could not practice together for lack of facilities, which caused all sorts of problems. Now, with the plethora of courts, the on-site student-athlete dining facility, showers, and study hall, the athletes probably never have to leave the Arena. The women’s team was talking about having a sleepover there.
Alright, well unfortunately I didn’t get to bed last night until 2AM and had to be up by 6:30 to get to work. I’ve fallen asleep a couple times while writing this post, so I shall sign off for now and will continue tomorrow. Do check out the photo gallery though - pics are up!