Basketball season is the best season at Villanova, no matter if you're a casual fan or a die hard follower. If you didn't already know, Villanova Basketball is a big deal... like 2016 NCAA National Champs big. And to a Villanova Basketball fan, there are no sweeter words than "Wells Fargo Game." Don't get me wrong, the Pavilion is an amazing venue for most of our home games, but there is something about the stages of a Wells Fargo game day that makes it a little more special.
Stage #1: Waking up
This is the worst part of the day. Since most of the games start at 12 or one p.m., that means an early wake up call to look your best for the endless photo opportunities and then catch your bus or train to begin the festivities a few hours before the game starts.
Stage #2: The ride there
Whether on a train or a bus, the energy is electric. As people are starting to wake up, the excitement builds and you just want to be at the venue already. It may be early but everyone is pumped for not only the game, but to begin what is honestly the main event of the day: tailgating.
Stage #3: Tailgating: Part one
You finally make it to the most beautiful place in the world... the back of the Wells Fargo parking lot. It may not seem like much, but you'll grow to love this place over the course of the day and your four years at Nova. You begin sipping on your orange juice mix, mingle with your friends as you bounce between frats based on their music selection and tailgate set up, take cute photos with that iconic "Wells Fargo Center" sign in the background and accidentally break the champagne bottle you've been carrying around like it is your child all day and there you have it! A classic Wells Fargo experience.
Stage #4: Tailgating: Part two
You've already been outside for a few hours, your drink has just about run out, you're hungry and most likely getting a little cold (or really cold depending on the day, since most tailgates occur in January and February). You and your friends realize you should probably start heading in to see the game since, after all, that is why you're really there. You had your fun but now it's time to cheer on your favorite boys as they take on their opponent.
Stage #5: The game
The game begins as you find enough seats to squeeze all your friends into the crowded fan section. You grab yourself something to eat, whether that be Crab Fries, a cheesesteak, hot dogs, nachos or anything else you can find. The Wells Fargo Center has a different energy than the Pavilion but it is still a great time. The Cats win (hopefully) and you sing the Fight Song with your peers, alumni and anyone else who may have packed into this Philly arena. Overall, the game is a great time, though you may have been a little more tired than usual.
Stage #6: The ride home
As you make your way back to the train or bus, you step over broken champagne bottles and a sea of red Solo cups and you wonder if this is what a frat party looks like after everyone leaves. While some excitement is still in the air, the energy has definitely dropped. Most people opt for a nap or some quite time on the way back to campus as they reflect on the events of the day.
Stage #7: Back to bed
After a long day of cheering for the Cats, nothing is better than a post game nap. And don't worry, this is definitely nothing to be ashamed of. You've had a long day of waking up early, partying, watching a full basketball game and all that traveling in between. So take a warm shower, slip on your softest pajamas, turn on Netflix, grab a snack and fall asleep dreaming of the next tailgate where you can do this all over again because you earned it.
