Where to Watch Saturday’s Final Four Game

For University of Virginia men’s basketball fans who can’t make the trip to Minneapolis on Saturday as the Cavaliers face off against Auburn University in the NCAA Final Four, there are on-Grounds alternatives.

Two locales on Grounds will host watch events for Saturday’s game, which tips off at 6:09 p.m. These venues are operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Intramural-Recreation Sports will host a watch event geared toward students in the Mark Fletcher Gymnasium at the Aquatics and Fitness Center on Alderman Road, starting at 5 p.m. Attendees may enter through the AFC main lobby doors. Seating will be offered on the floor of the gymnasium to maximize the viewing space for approximately 2,500 people. Virginia Catering, through ARAMARK, will provide free pizza and bottled water. Normal fitness operations will continue in the rest of the facility until midnight.

Fans can also watch Saturday’s game in the McIntire Amphitheatre on Central Grounds, which can accommodate about 3,500 people. Food trucks Got Dumplings and El Tako Nako will set up at the amphitheatre at 4:30 p.m. UVA Dining will cover the first $500 worth of meals per truck. After that, vendors will take Plus $, cash and credit cards.

Security will be in place at both the AFC and the amphitheater. No alcohol or outside drinks in cups will be allowed into either venue. All bags will be subject to inspection, but the clear bag policy will not be in affect.  

“This is an exciting time for UVA and Charlottesville,” Associate Vice President for Safety and Security Gloria Graham said. “While many of us are planning where we will watch the game local public safety teams are busy behind the scenes planning how to keep us all safe while we celebrate. Our UVA police chief, Tommye Sutton, and his colleagues, Charlottesville Chief RaShall Brackney and Albemarle Chief Ron Lantz shared a letter with the community about public safety efforts .  Their overall message is a simple one; celebrate safely!”

Dean of Students Allen W. Groves advised students in an email message to celebrate responsibly and remember their role in the larger community.

“We share many moments of pride as a community,” Groves said in his email. “… (T)his is certainly one of those moments. We are proud of our student-athletes and Coach Tony Bennett for their heart-stopping, historic overtime win in the Elite Eight and all they have accomplished as a team.”

Off Grounds, the Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall also will host a free, public viewing of Saturday’s game. The lobby doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are free, but online pre-registration is requested, though this will not guarantee a seat. This live broadcast is open to the public. Concessions will be available throughout the game.

UVA Clubs around the country, as well as those in London and Vietnam, are also hosting game-watching events. For a list of where fans can watch around the world, click here.

If you’re a more solitary viewer, or are hosting your own watch party, the game will be broadcast on CBS. You can also stream it on the NCAA’s March Madness Live site.

For those who make it to Minneapolis, the UVA Club of the Twin Cities will host a Happy Hour for all comers at the Surly Brewing Co. at 520 Malcolm Ave. SE on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar.

On Friday, UVA Club of the Twin Cities will host a “Wahoo Welcome” gathering at the Mansion at Uptown, 2901 Hennepin Ave., from 9 to 11:30 p.m. Entry is $10 in advance and $15 at the door, with a cash bar.

On Saturday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., UVA Club of the Twin Cities will host a Cavalier pre-game social at The Grand 1858, 212 2nd St. SE. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.