CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) — Whether they packed inside John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville or huddled inside one of RVA’s top sports bars, UVA fans across Virginia rejoiced as one Monday night.
Virginia outlasted Texas Tech 85-77 in a thrilling finale to the annual NCAA men’s basketball tournament held in Minneapolis.
The victory gave Virginia — which last year became the first-ever team in NCAA history to lose to a No. 16 — its first National Championship in school history.
Some called it the ‘greatest moment’ of their life. Others were speechless.
“I’ve never felt this way,” one fan inside JPJ said moments before the large crowd rushed center court. “I’ve been a UVA fan for years. I’m just so excited.”
8News also caught up with fans inside Kickback Jack’s in Glen Allen, which hosted a watch party for Monday night’s championship game.
One UVA graduate called Monday night a long time coming.
“I watched back in 1984 when we lost, but this, is just absolutely wonderful,” he said. “Words can’t describe what I’m feeling.”
The celebrations on UVA’s campus, meanwhile, continued well into Tuesday morning.
Welcome Home Celebration
Virginia Athletics will host a celebration of the 2018-19 NCAA champion men’s basketball team at Scott Stadium at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.
For those interested in showing their support upon the team’s arrival at John Paul Jones Arena on Tuesday, April 9, the main surface lot will be clear and available to fans by 4 p.m.
The team is expected to arrive between 4:45 and 5 p.m.
Parking in the area will be extremely limited and use of the Emmet/Ivy Garage is strongly recommended.
