People are crapping on UVA Athletics over the “Wahoo Memories” money-grab rolled out on Thursday related to UVA Football, and I get it, somewhat.
The big issue for UVA Football isn’t the lack of behind-the-scenes access or being able to have Cavman sit with you to watch the third quarter, it’s that there aren’t enough butts in seats.
“Wahoo Memories” won’t help boost the historically bad season-ticket sales numbers, but that’s not the endgame with this one.
It’s about getting more money from the people who are already coming.
When you think about it that way, it doesn’t come across as dumb.
Slick, maybe, but not dumb.
Now, me personally, I don’t know that there’s a single item on the list of “Memories” that would make me part with my money, but I think it’s only fair to give them a look-see.
Locker Room Access Pass
Description: The Locker Room Access Pass offers fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience, allowing them to step into the Cavaliers’ locker room on Friday nights and witness the space up close. This unique pass provides a rare glimpse into the team’s awesome facility, and the opportunity to snap some photos from a locker and try on the Wahoo gear.
Price: $100 per person
Observation: Locker rooms smell, but some people – they’re called jock-sniffers – are into that.
Analysis: I can see some folks going for this, but that price might be a bit steep for your average jock-sniffer.
Light Up Scott Stadium
Description: Light up Scott Stadium the night before the game and signal to Wahoo Nation that Gameday is coming. This interactive experience sets the stage for an unforgettable weekend and includes the opportunity to take photos on the field with the stadium all lit up.
Price: $100 per package
Observation: Might be fun to get the kids on the field for photos for Instagram.
Analysis: Again, the price is steep, for photos.
Wahoo Walk (Pregame)
Description: Join the Wahoo Walk at a UVA Football game to be part of a spirited tradition where fans cheer on the team as they make their way from the locker room to the field. This exhilarating pre-game experience lets you show your support and enthusiasm, creating a unified and electrifying atmosphere that energizes the Cavaliers for kickoff.
Price: $100 per person
Observation: You do this so people see you walking with the team. What those people are thinking: that idiot spent $100 to be able to walk with the team.
Analysis: Whoever had this idea should be ashamed of himself. (I assume it was a dude.)
Cavman Tailgate Tour/Cavalier Marching Band Tailgate Tour
Description: Spice up your tailgate with a visit from Cavman. Cavman’s Tailgate Tour brings the fun directly to UVA fans, with the beloved mascot visiting your tailgate to spread cheer and connect with your group. This engaging experience enhances the pre-game festivities, allowing fans to interact with Cavman and enjoy a lively, festive atmosphere before kickoff.
The Cavalier Marching Band Tailgate Tour invites fans to experience the vibrant energy of UVA’s iconic band up close, as they perform lively pre-game shows and engage with your tailgate. The Cavalier Marching Band Tailgate Tour invites fans to experience the vibrant energy of UVA’s iconic band up close, as they perform lively pre-game shows and engage with your tailgate.
Price: $100 per tailgate for each (experiences sold separately)
Observation: I can see a few orange blazer-wearing alums springing for one or the other. Me personally, I’d steer clear of the marching band, just because, if I’m plunking down 100 bucks for the band to play my tailgate, I’m actually paying for all of the tailgates around me to get a free show.
One other thought: a marching band is loud, and I can only imagine how loud it would be to have them up close. If I could spend the $100 and send them to a tailgate of somebody I didn’t like, now, hell, I might give ‘em $500 and have them do their thing all morning.
Analysis: Hourly rates for the band would be helpful.
Orange & Blue Zone
Description: The Orange and Blue Photo Zone on UVA Football gameday offers fans a vibrant and dynamic setting to capture their game-day spirit with themed backdrops and props. This exciting area provides the perfect opportunity for memorable photos, showcasing your support for the Cavaliers in a fun and festive environment.
Price: $15 per person for admission
Observation: Fifteen bucks to take photos with props?
Analysis: Nope.
Sabre Handoff
Description: Experience the thrill of handing the sabre to the Cavalier before kickoff, a unique tradition that lets fans play a special role in the pre-game ceremonies. This exclusive opportunity offers a memorable way to contribute to the team’s game-day ritual and feel a deeper connection to the Cavaliers’ storied heritage.
Price: $125 per package
Observation: The look-at-me aspect to this might have some value.
Analysis: How much to be able to ride out with the Cavalier?
Cavman Seat Visit
Description: Be the star of your section by getting a visit from Cavman with the opportunity to be featured on the video board during a timeout. Cavman’s in-game visits offer fans a chance to connect with UVA’s beloved mascot, adding extra excitement and cheer to the gameday experience.
Price: $50 per package
Observation: Cavman used to annoy people during timeouts for free.
Analysis: How much to pay Cavman to leave me the hell alone?
Hoo Vision Shoutout
Description: During the game, fans can enjoy the excitement of an in-game Hoo Vision shoutout, where personal messages and special celebrations are featured on the stadium’s big screen. This thrilling moment allows supporters to be recognized and share their enthusiasm with the entire crowd, adding a personal touch to the game day experience.
Price: $100 per shoutout
Observation: From a quick check of the local MLB and NFL stadiums, a hundred bucks is the going rate for this.
Analysis: This one works.
More information
Fans can book a Wahoo Memory online at fevo-enterprise.com/group/fbwahoomemories.
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Chris Graham
