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One of the things we enjoy most about the bowl season is finding out about all the cool swag that these student athletes get from the bowls as part of their welcome gifts. The Virginia Cavaliers are headed to the Belk Bowl to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks...what’s in store for the teams the week of Christmas?
Monday-Tuesday (December 24-25, 2018)
Teams will start arriving in Charlotte based on each team’s schedules. Nothing official is scheduled that the media is invited to.
Wednesday (December 26, 2018)
Team Outing to Charlotte Motor Speedway
Both teams will arrive for a pretty cool experience at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. All participants will take part in a three-lap ride-along with a driver from the Richard Petty Driving Experience, plus they’ll get to take a tour of the facilities, play with some interactive displays, and compete against the other school in tire-changing competitions.
Thursday, December 27
Team visit to Second Harvest Food Bank
Each of the two teams will partake in some volunteer work, spreading holiday cheer by handing out food to those in need at the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Team Shopping Spree at Belk (SouthPark Mall)
Now this is what you’ve all been looking for! The teams will have 90 minutes to go through the flagship Belk store at SouthPark Mall to pick up their own bowl gifts. The NCAA allows a maximum bowl gift value of $550. Last year, teams not only went on a shopping spree, but each player also received a nice Fossil watch, so the shopping spree may not be for the full amount there.
Play your cards right with some after-Christmas sales, and you could score some pretty great deals! Nest thermostat? Amazon Echo? Nintendo Switch? Belk’s more than just khakis, folks.
Friday, December 28
For the players, it’s time to get down to work. The coaches and select players will give their last few interviews for the media before hunkering down and finalizing pregame preparations. But that doesn’t mean there’s not still a ton of fun for fans!
Belk Bowl Pep Rally (The Square at Trade and Tryon), 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Fans can take part in the official pep rally of the Belk Bowl by heading over to the center of Uptown, where there will be performances from and plenty of chances to interact with cheerleaders, full marching bands and mascots. But the party doesn’t stop at 7:00!
Belk Bowl Fan Central (EpiCentre), 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
The official fan party of the Belk Bowl, EpiCentre will be THE place to be the night before the game. In addition to the restaurants, bars, and other attractions, the main courtyard will host cheerleaders, pep bands, and mascots to get fans ready for the big game.
Wahoo Welcome (UVA!), 9:00 - 11:00 p.m.
As you get into town, join UVA Clubs and the Office of Engagement for the official Wahoo Welcome! Your ticket gets you appetizers and a cash bar. Tickets are $10 (Early bird through December 14), $15 in advance, or $20 at the door, and free if you’re under 12. Purchase your ticket here.
Saturday, December 29
Belk Bowl FanFest, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Finally, if you don’t have your own tailgating plans, either individually or through the school, join the Belk Bowl FanFest, which will provide a ton of great family fun, food, and entertainment for fans of all ages. That’s where you’ll find the cheerleaders and the bands before the game, plus of course, lots of opportunities to spend some of your Christmas money on Belk Bowl and UVA swag!
Cavalier Countdown Tailgate, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Office of Engagement and the VAF are throwing a giant tailgate for all Wahoo fans. Your ticket gets you a tailgate buffet, beverages, a cash bar, and music. Tickets are $30 early (through December 14), $35 in advance, or $40 at the door. It’s free for those 3 and under, or $10 for children 4-12. Purchase your ticket here.