UVA reveals plans to honor Chandler, Davis & Perry at Saturday’s home opener

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia athletics announced details Monday for the “UVA Strong” football game vs. James Madison. The contest is set for Saturday at noon at Scott Stadium. The game, which will be the 500th played at Scott Stadium, will be televised by ESPNU.

The match-up with the Dukes will be the Cavaliers’ first home contest at Scott Stadium since the tragedy last November when team members Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry were shot and killed after returning to Grounds from a class field trip.

Pregame Ceremony
Virginia will honor the three players, and their families, with a special pre-game ceremony that starts at approximately 11:30 a.m. Fans are encouraged to wear orange to the game and be in their seats early to watch the ceremony.

T-Shirt Promotion
To support the game being an “Orange Out” event, the first 35,000 fans in attendance will receive orange “UVA Strong” t-shirts as they enter the Scott Stadium. All fans are encouraged to wear orange for the game. Gates will open at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets
There are a limited number of lower bowl tickets remaining for Saturday’s contest and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance of game day at UVATix.com.

Non-Permit Gameday Parking
Fans attending Saturday’s game who do not possess parking passes for designated areas have several options regarding free parking. All “Blue” lots around John Paul Jones Arena and the McCue Center are free. Free parking in the area includes the JPJ parking garage. Parking at Fontaine Research Park is also free. Due to construction near the McCue Center, there are fewer parking spaces available this fall. As in previous years, ADA parking is available at The Park on Grounds. Fans should arrive early if they intend to use these free parking options.

Field Markings
For the 2023 season, David A Harrison Field at Scott Stadium will include commemorative markings. The north end zone will feature the UVA Strong logo and the names of Chandler, Davis and Perry will be painted on the boundary surrounding the field.

Uniform Recognitions
UVA will wear helmet stickers honoring the three players during the season. The team’s No. 1, 15 and 41 jerseys, which were worn by Davis, Chandler and Perry, respectively, will feature Legacy Patches. The diamond patches will feature the Virginia V-Sabre logo, the players’ time spent as a Cavalier, their name and number.

Wahoo Walk
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to line Whitehead Rd. for the Wahoo Walk which begins at 9:45 a.m. Family members and friends of Davis, Chandler, and Perry will join the team in the Wahoo Walk.

“Early Bird” Concession Special
Between 10:30 a.m. when gates open, and 11:30 a.m., fans can take advantage of “early bird” discounted concession specials at select locations. Download and use the UVA Sports App for notifications that morning.

Free Shuttle
On game day, UVA fans and students can take advantage of free shuttles on Grounds to Scott Stadium. The shuttles will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The shuttles will resume for one hour following the end of the game. Shuttle loading locations are the JPJ public parking lot, the Fontaine Research Park lot, the Corner and Mad Bowl.

Student Tailgate
The Virginia athletics department in partnership with the UVA Division of Student Affairs will host a pre-game tailgate party for UVA students. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the field adjacent to O Hill. The event is free and will feature food, live music and tailgate games. Free Bojangles biscuits will be available to the first 5,000 students in attendance. A valid UVA student ID is required for entry.

Friday Events
There are two activities UVA supporters can participate in on Friday to support the football program.

At 3 p.m., a memorial tree planting and plaque dedication honoring Chandler, Davis and Perry on the Arts Grounds on Culbreth Road between Ruffin Hall and the Drama Education building. UVA President Jim Ryan will speak at the memorial along with Athletics Director Carla Williams and Rector Robert Hardie. The event will be streamed live.

On Friday evening the Virginia cheer squad and Cavalier marching band will parade down the Downtown Mall and lead a Paint the Town Orange pep rally at the TING Pavilion. The pep rally is set to start at 8:30 p.m. The Virginia football team will be in attendance for the rally.