Small conversations keep the enclosing at a minimal buzz. No need for full-fledged hype just yet. Coach Pete Gillen, who wears an orange and blue Virginia wind suit, comes to address the students and is met with applause. He thanks them for their support and reiterates how important the fans are to the team's success. Gillen insists that the team still has a ways to go, but ensures the crowd that they'll give it their best shot tonight and see what happens.
Pizza is on the way.
The sports marketing department has also provided a radio for entertainment. UVa Director of Sports Marketing Andrew Rader informs me of a new promotion starting today as well. There will be 50 t-shirts tossed into the student body before the game and one contains a Gillen autograph. The student catching that shirt will be named the student-coach of the game and gets a seat behind the bench. The snow varies outside, switching from larger feathery flakes to small swirling dots.