November 16, 2005

If you're counting down the days until the UVa versus Virginia Tech game, you're not alone. Many UVA fans have been waiting for this game since the 24-10 loss to the Hokies last year in Blacksburg.

The first group arrived Monday, just after midnight. That's 5 days--over 100 hours before the big game.

"It's one of the oldest rivalries in college football. It's the Commonwealth Cup. The state is pretty much divided," said 2nd Year Student Ryan Martin.

"It's a huge rivalry and it even splits families down here, so I just can't wait for the game. We're going to be front row as we usually are, so I'm very excited," said Scott Finz, who is with the first group in line.

These students aren't waiting for tickets, they already have those. Instead, they are waiting days for the best seats in the house.

"If you're not going to try to get front row, there's no point in camping out because you can show-up on Saturday morning and get 10 rows back," said Eric Bradbury who is camping out for the first time.

Don't think they aren't sacrificing for these seats.

There are plenty of students here braving the bad weather, especially the rain, and it's just going to get colder. There are at least 20 groups in tents staying warm and dry. They say they will stay despite the bad

The living conditions aren't perfect.

"It's leaking and I don't have sticks to keep it down. I put books in there, then the books got wet, so now I need to get trash bags so the books don't get wet," said 1st Year Student Sarah Dorrier.

"It's terrible. Very windy, concrete is not too nice on your back or your hips, but we made it through," said 1st Year Student David Becker.

"But I mean it's what you have to do sometimes to be a die-hard Wahoo," said Martin.

Even though Virginia Tech is ranked 6th and UVa is not even in the top 25, these true fans are optimistic about the game.

"Virginia goes on top very early like we usually do, then all of the sudden it becomes a close game, but I think we're going to pull it out in the end," said Finz.

"We've got the homefield advantage and no one really can beat us here," said Martin.

"I think because it's a home game, we'll be able to pull it off," said Bradbury.

Either way, these will be some happy campers when the gates open Saturday morning. Kickoff is set for noon.