Join the Richmond community for a pep rally
for the University of Richmond and
Virginia Commonwealth University basketball teams
as they head to San Antonio, TX, and the NCAA "Sweet 16"!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
5:00 p.m.
Downtown Richmond's Canal Turning Basin

Celebrate after the Pep Rally in Shockoe Slip
Many restaurants and bars to choose from; all within walking distance!!

Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones will join University of Richmond President Edward Ayers and Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao in a rally for RVA as teams from the universities begin departures to San Antonio and the Southwest Regional Semifinal games. Both teams are scheduled to play on Friday evening, March 24.

"Richmond is a great city and we are rightly shining in the spotlight right now," said Mayor Jones. "We want to show the world how proud we are of both of our teams. We are overjoyed with this major accomplishment and are rooting our teams on to even greater heights."

"College basketball in Richmond makes for great fun and friendly rivalries," said UR President Ayers. But the real excitement of the Sweet 16 is reminding ourselves and the country what a great city we have. Richmond is the envy of basketball fans everywhere, and our two universities are proud to contribute in so many ways to the quality of life we enjoy here."

VCU President Rao said, "This isn't really just two shining moments, it's three, because the spotlight is also on the city of Richmond. This confluence of events is a perfect opportunity to highlight our vibrant metropolitan area and the increasing role of universities in helping to shape their communities."

The rally, at downtown Richmond's Canal Walk Turning Basin, will feature music, cheer leaders and banners (including one directed at ESPN's Dick Vitale). The Canal Boats will be decorated in the schools' colors and the first 500 participants will receive a free t-shirt sporting the RVA "Sweet 16" logo.

Parking is available in the parking decks at:

• Virginia Street between Cary and Canal Streets
• The James Center between 9th and 12th Streets
• 12th Street between Canal and Cary Streets
• 14th and Cary Streets