Catholic 7 12th member

[marquetteff03]

I think SLU is pretty good at soccer as well? Realize this is mainly about basketball TV revenue but how is VCU in the other sports? Do they have Lacrosse? Seems as though Lacrosse is a sport nearly all of the schools have and may be an avenue in lieu of Football?

[vcuboy22]

VCU soccer team was very good this year and fun to watch. Our best player actuallly just got picked(drafted) up by a MLS team very quickly. We have a good volleyball program

[RTutton]

VCU mens soccer was ranked in the top 20, received an at-large and a first round bye in the NCAA tournament before losing to Syracuse in OT.

[VCUfanURgrad]

The whole problem with this thread is it should have been SLU vs. Richmond, since Richmond is the better long term bet from the city of Richmond.

VCU fan/student here.  I've been following a lot of the threads on the different "Catholic 7" basketball boards and had to respond to this one.

I did most of my undergrad at VCU, but transferred to Richmond to finish.  I'm back at VCU for my Masters right now, but plan on going back to UR for my law degree.

As far as UR and the Richmond market goes, they might as well not exist.  The University of Richmond actually has most of it's students come from the North East and A LOT from Philly.  Last time I checked, I think it was something like 8% of the UR student body actually being from Richmond.  UR is the most expensive school in the state.  There are much better institutions that are cheaper in VA (UVA, William & Mary etc.) Because the cost of living is so high in the North East, they can come to UR, and still et what would be an in-state rate to come here and get a better education.

The result is that Richmond has NO fan base here.  When they graduate, they all move back north.  The ones that are here, are all over 50 (because that was the last time students that atended UR were predominately from Richmond).  They are jokingly referred to as the red sweater crowd.  VCU is playing away at UR a week from Thursday, and it looks like it will be a home game for VCU.  My dad, my brother and I were all able to get 4 tickets to the UR/VCU game in their "premium" (center court, first 10 rows) without any problem.  UR selling out their court is a VERY rare occurrence (if ever).

I have a friend who is an owner of a local Richmond, VA news organization, and even though UR is a contributor to that news organization, UR has to constantly remind the news company that they exist (UR has complained several times that I know of about lack of coverage).

UR aside, I can tell you that the new basketball conference is all VCU fans have on their mind right now.  Being raked #22 in the AP top 25 is great, but being left behind in the A-10 (essentially the CAA+ after Butler, Xavier and Dayton leave) is a nightmare.  

[dwaderoy2004]

I think what is kind of telling, is that there have been multiple VCU fans come out of their way to hunt down threads on C7 message boards.  Not one from SLU. 

[dwaderoy2004]

I would like to thank all the VCU alum/fans who have provided us with some additional info on their school and program.  I'm pulling for you guys to be added.

[Dawson Rental]

VCU fan/student here.  I've been following a lot of the threads on the different "Catholic 7" basketball boards and had to respond to this one.

I did most of my undergrad at VCU, but transferred to Richmond to finish.  I'm back at VCU for my Masters right now, but plan on going back to UR for my law degree.

As far as UR and the Richmond market goes, they might as well not exist.  The University of Richmond actually has most of it's students come from the North East and A LOT from Philly.  Last time I checked, I think it was something like 8% of the UR student body actually being from Richmond.  UR is the most expensive school in the state.  There are much better institutions that are cheaper in VA (UVA, William & Mary etc.) Because the cost of living is so high in the North East, they can come to UR, and still et what would be an in-state rate to come here and get a better education.

The result is that Richmond has NO fan base here.  When they graduate, they all move back north.  The ones that are here, are all over 50 (because that was the last time students that atended UR were predominately from Richmond).  They are jokingly referred to as the red sweater crowd.  VCU is playing away at UR a week from Thursday, and it looks like it will be a home game for VCU.  My dad, my brother and I were all able to get 4 tickets to the UR/VCU game in their "premium" (center court, first 10 rows) without any problem.  UR selling out their court is a VERY rare occurrence (if ever).

I have a friend who is an owner of a local Richmond, VA news organization, and even though UR is a contributor to that news organization, UR has to constantly remind the news company that they exist (UR has complained several times that I know of about lack of coverage).

UR aside, I can tell you that the new basketball conference is all VCU fans have on their mind right now.  Being raked #22 in the AP top 25 is great, but being left behind in the A-10 (essentially the CAA+ after Butler, Xavier and Dayton leave) is a nightmare.  

Thanks for the on the spot update....

It had been argued here that VCU is a lesser candidate long term than Richmond because their arena is smaller (just 6k), and they are a predominately commuter student school, and the commuters don't give a frack about the sports teams.  Untrue?

[dwaderoy2004]

I don't know where this rumor about VCU's arena being 6k came from.  It holds 7600.  SLU's state of the art, "ginormous new arena" holds 10,600 (which they can't even sell out).  woopty-doo.

[vcuboy22]

I would like to thank all the VCU alum/fans who have provided us with some additional info on their school and program.  I'm pulling for you guys to be added.

No problem man .... Go Rams>>>>Slu

[Wisco]

Marquette fan living in Richmond here.

IMO, VCU is the obvious choice between the two. This city lives and breathes Rams basketball. Many of my friends attend the university and have persuaded me to attend a few games. The experience is incredible to say the least.

As many posters in this thread have pointed out, the University of Richmond has a very niche following around here. My high schools halls were filled with VCU jerseys, even as far back as 2006; the same can't be said about the Spiders.

I dig the whole Catholic identity thing. Most of my family attended/attends Marquette. I still think VCU is a no-brainer though.

[vcuboy22]

I don't know where this rumor about VCU's arena being 6k came from.  It holds 7600.  SLU's state of the art, "ginormous new arena" holds 10,600 (which they can't even sell out).  woopty-doo.

Do any of you guys know if the teams that will make up the C7 wil be annouced any time soon

[Skatastrophy]

Glad to see VCU fans on the forums.  Keep up the great posts, guys!  Additionally, welcome!  Hopefully we have something to talk about for longer than the next couple weeks!

[vcuboy22]

Glad to see VCU fans on the forums.  Keep up the great posts, guys!  Additionally, welcome!  Hopefully we have something to talk about for longer than the next couple weeks!

Ha i really want them to already to annouce if VCU is in the C7

[Skatastrophy]

Ha i really want them to already to annouce if VCU is in the C7

If a TV deal gets signed, then we will hear what schools will be in the conference.  I'd bet we get this information as one big chunk, and sooner rather than later.  Fox1 will want plenty of time to advertise content for their new channel.

[vcuboy22]

If a TV deal gets signed, then we will hear what schools will be in the conference.  I'd bet we get this information as one big chunk, and sooner rather than later.  Fox1 will want plenty of time to advertise content for their new channel.

When would the C7 start playing all together also...... How much of an impact does Fox have on the C7s selection of teams.... Bc im pretty for sure Fox wants VCU over SLU

[VCUfanURgrad]

Thanks for the on the spot update....

It had been argued here that VCU is a lesser candidate long term than Richmond because their arena is smaller (just 6k), and they are a predominately commuter student school, and the commuters don't give a frack about the sports teams.  Untrue?

The Siegal Center hold 7,600 and has been sold out as far back as last season.  There is a waiting list to get season tickets and standing room only tickets go for around $40 right now.  There are plans to expand the seating to around 9,000 in the next couple of years.  VCU students can't get enough of VCU sports.  To get basketball tickets for big games, students start waiting in line literally days before (and that was our last season in the CAA)  I drove down to T for the Final Four and was actually torn on my decision to go as I really wanted to watch it here in a local bar.  The entire city was going NUTS.

The talk around the VCU fans base has been that if we get invited to the new C7 league, we would play our games in the Richmond coliseum (12,000 seats) until we could build a bigger arena.  During the CAA tournament, every time VCU played, the place would sell out.  VCU basketball tickets are the hardest ticket to get in the state right now.  

Because Virginia doesn't have any major soports teams to contend with, VCU basketball really is the premier sporting event in the city.

[GGGG]

When would the C7 start playing all together also...... How much of an impact does Fox have on the C7s selection of teams.... Bc im pretty for sure Fox wants VCU over SLU

We were debating the start date yesterday.  No later than 2014, but 2013 might cause logistical issues.

As far how much say Fox has, well no one here can say for certain.  You can bet that schools like SLU, Dayton and Creighton are lobbying hard.  So do the C7 take a slightly smaller cut, but keep the conference as all private schools?  Who knows.

[VCUfanURgrad]

When would the C7 start playing all together also...... How much of an impact does Fox have on the C7s selection of teams.... Bc im pretty for sure Fox wants VCU over SLU

That's the big question.  From what I've been hearing from most VCU fans is that we will be the 13th team in a 12 team league.  Word is that if the contract goes to FOX, the league would start in the 2013-2014 season as the ESPN contract runs out and the FOX sports network that will be replacing the Speed channel will start programming.  They want to have this contract in place when they start broadcasting as it will be the foundation of their new sports network.  If FOX doesn't get the deal, I would think that the new conference would start in 2014-2015 as it will save all of the C7 schools from having to pay the exit fee from the Big East.

[GGGG]

The Big East is still untangling itself and who has to pay what for which property needs to be figured out.  I think both sides want it to be amicable...but fair.

Question for VCU folk.  Any talk of starting a football team?  I think the C7 are wary about split loyalties given their experience in the BE.

[The Process]

We'd like to be in a top-tier basketball conference, whether that's the A10 with Georgetown, Marquette, etc or the new Big East with Georgetown, Marquette, etc. Either way, best of luck to your program.

FIFY 

It's great to see passionate basketball fans from VCU - I echo the sentiments that I have yet to see one charm doll worshipper weigh in here.

[vcuboy22]

The Big East is still untangling itself and who has to pay what for which property needs to be figured out.  I think both sides want it to be amicable...but fair.

Question for VCU folk.  Any talk of starting a football team?  I think the C7 are wary about split loyalties given their experience in the BE.

hahaha there wont be a football team anytime soon maybe 2090

[tower912]

VCU fans are welcome to visit.   But you guys are being way to respectful and logical.    That all changes if VCU ends up in, right?   You will give us a reason to hate your guts, right?    There will be some obnoxious smack at some point, right?     Right now, you all are a bunch of Stepford wives.    Seriously, though, thanks for the input and insight from a perspective we don't often get.  

[Skatastrophy]

VCU fans are welcome to visit.   But you guys are being way to respectful and logical.    That all changes if VCU ends up in, right?   You will give us a reason to hate your guts, right?    There will be some obnoxious smack at some point, right?     Right now, you all are a bunch of Stepford wives.    Seriously, though, thanks for the input and insight from a perspective we don't often get. 

Yeah!  unnatural carnal knowledge VCU!  RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!

[vcuboy22]

VCU fans are welcome to visit.   But you guys are being way to respectful and logical.    That all changes if VCU ends up in, right?   You will give us a reason to hate your guts, right?    There will be some obnoxious smack at some point, right?     Right now, you all are a bunch of Stepford wives.    Seriously, though, thanks for the input and insight from a perspective we don't often get.  

They told me to be respectful until we get into the league and the all talk smack to u guys

[VCUfanURgrad]

The Big East is still untangling itself and who has to pay what for which property needs to be figured out.  I think both sides want it to be amicable...but fair.

Question for VCU folk.  Any talk of starting a football team?  I think the C7 are wary about split loyalties given their experience in the BE.

Out last University President made it very clear that there would NEVER be football at VCU as long as he was here.  Our new president was open to the idea at first, but decided that it would cost the University too much money.  With the economy the way it is, the interest has not been there and with our move to the A-10, President Rao made it abundantly clear that football is not even on the VCU radar.  We have so much invested in our basketball program right now that I don't ever see a football program happening and as of the last poll of VCU students and alumni, there was little to no interest from them wither.  The thinking is, why would we start up a football program with great expense and never be the football program that was given any press (due to VT among others), when we could continue to invest heavily in our basketball program and continue to be the best in the state.

So in short, ...football...no chance.