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Frequently Asked Questions
Since 1999 we have enjoyed the Virginia Gold Cup in the festive camaraderie of alumni and friends. For the benefit of new and returning guests, we have included some frequently asked questions. Additional information will be posted under the "Tickets" and “Schedule” menus closer to the race.
How do I purchase a ticket to University Row?
University Row is an alumni-sponsored event. Tickets are made available through the alumni clubs of the host schools (a.k.a. "Anchor" schools). To make it a more alumni-diverse event, Anchors partner with other alumni clubs in the area. Partners provide volunteers on the day of the event, and Anchors provide access to their allotment of tickets. About a month before the event, each Anchor is given a unique link to a website hosted by our online ticket provider. Anchors disseminate this link to their alumni and to the University Row representatives for their Partner schools. Partners then disseminate the link to their alumni. When these links are activated on the "on-sale" date, anyone with the link will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to University Row. This year, tickets will go on-sale Monday, April 11th at noon. The University Row representative from your alumni club should be contacting you in the days before this date with the link needed to purchase tickets.
How do I get in touch with the University Row representative from my alumni club?
To send an e-mail to the University Row representative from your alumni club, click on "Participating Schools" in the "About University Row" menu above. That page contains a list of participating alumni clubs. Click on the name of your school and you will be directed to a page where you can complete an e-mail form that will be sent to your club's University Row representative.
Does access to University Row allow access to all the tents, or just the one for my school's alumni club?
The University Row area is a large area that encompasses all tents. When you purchase tickets to "a tent", that just means you're purchasing your through that particular school. You ticket will give you access to the entire University Row area and all of the tents in it. Honestly, there's a lot of mingling that goes on and very few people spend the day only at their school's tent.
My alumni chapter is not taking part in University Row this year. Does that mean I cannot attend?
Being a member of one of the participating alumni chapters is not a requirement for attending University Row, though tickets are exclusively issued through participating alumni chapters.
How many tickets are available this year?
We sell three kinds of tickets: Tent/Bus ,Tent-Only, and Car passes. Tent/Bus tickets provide access to University Row and include round-trip bus transportation from Ballston. Tent-Only tickets provide access to University Row, HOWEVER they do notinclude admission to Great Meadow. You will need to obtain a North Rail Car Pass or other vehicle pass to enter before proceeding to University Row. This year, each of our 13 Anchor schools will be allotted:
- 105 Tent/Bus tickets (includes bus transportation from Arlington to Great Meadow and admission to University Row)
- 10 Tent-Only tickets (provides only admission to University Row, no transportation included)
- 4 Parking passes (which do not include admission to University Row)
I'm the point of contact for my alumni chapter. How does the ticketing process work, and what information do I need to give to members of my chapter?
Tickets are issued through each "anchor" school. The anchor school will be given a web link that will direct people to a site, hosted by our online ticket vendor, where they can purchase tickets from that anchor's allotment of tickets. That link is what alumni from your chapter will need to purchase tickets. The links are usually created the week before tickets go on sale and should be dissemminated to alumni and partner school alumni at that time.
Who organizes University Row?
University Row is managed by the Alumni Events Alliance and participating Anchor and Tent Partner groups. The AEA is a non-profit, non-stock Virginia corporation run solely by volunteers without financial compensation. Any revenue collected by Anchors in excess of costs will inure to the benefit of their non-profit alumni missions. Profiteering from the University Row effort is forbidden by compact.
What time does Gold Cup start?
An event schedule will be finalized and posted on our site as the event approaches.
What should I wear to University Row?
Dress sharply and dress in layers. VGCA provides the following advisory about this topic: "Afternoon dress is suggested for this event. Women guests on Members Hill customarily wear summer/spring dresses and hats. Flat heels are suggested. Men wear lightweight sport coats and ties. We recommend a sportswear look for women and khakis for men.” More insight on "proper" attire can be found by perusing the photos posted on this site. Our "Helpful Links" section includes some local and online stores where typical Virginia Gold Cup attire can be found.
Is transportation available to Gold Cup?
Yes! We do offer bussing from Ballston Common Mall to Gold Cup. There are no reserved buses or seats: it is on a "first come, first served” basis both ways (to Great Meadow and back) for all Tent/Bus ticket holders. Prompt compliance will help get the bus in motion, as busses at the front of the queue will be the first to leave. We are pleased to announce that there will be reserved onsite parking conveniently located near Unviersity Row for all our buses this year.
Does University Row operate rain or shine?
Yes! Fortunately, the first Saturday of May at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains is usually a day of strong sunshine. However, race day weather can vary from year to year and even throughout the day, so we advise you to be prepared for temperature swings, wind, rain, and sun with intense UV.
How is University Row set up?
Please refer to an official University Row map or ask an University Row volunteer for locations. We suggest that you visit every University Row tent, each buffet and food area, and be aware of the full bars and other specialty bars. The better you know what is available, the happier your day will be.
Who has access to University Row?
Guests with a University Row ticket and corresponding wristband are able to access the tents. Tickets are sold the weeks leading up to Gold Cup; once we are sold out, that's it. Ticket sales are not allowed anywhere on the the grounds of Great Meadow. Our policy is to expel anyone who assists crashers, including paid guests. Additionally, tickets purchased without consent of the AEA will be electronically voided and both buyers and sellers will be banned from attending University Row. Tickets may not be transferred without consent of the AEA, and anyone attempting to do so will forfeit admission and will not receive compensation. Furthermore, it is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia to resell tickets which include alcoholic beverages. Thus, resellers risk arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
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