We want to start by offering our sincere apologies for the recent change in plans. We did not hear from enough of you to proceed with our initial formal arrangements. However, we still would like to meet up with fans coming into town for the game.
Breweries in Scott’s Addition
Despite the change, we’re excited to facilitate Mason Nation fans getting together. We are still going to grab lunch at ZZQ at noon and then plan to join others coming down early to visit some fantastic breweries in Scott’s Addition. Richmond’s craft beer scene is thriving, and we invite you to join us in savoring exceptional brews and connecting with fellow Mason Nation enthusiasts.
Casual Meetup and Tavern Gathering
To keep things flexible and enjoyable, we won’t be providing formal transportation or specific plans. Instead, we’ll be posting our location on [X] @MasonRVA. If you’d like to join us, simply drop by and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Richmond. Later on, we’ll head to the Tavern for a pre-game gathering, where you can meet up with other Mason Nation fans, share your game-day excitement, and enjoy the camaraderie.
We may have had to adjust our plans, but we believe this approach will allow everyone to have a fantastic time in Richmond.
Please stay tuned for updates on [X], and if you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Once again, we apologize for the change and look forward to celebrating the game day spirit with you.
For all the Mason Nation basketball fans out there, MasonRVA always looks forward to hosting you when the Men’s Basketball team comes to town to face VCU or the University of Richmond. However, if you’re attending a late Saturday game, why not make the most of your visit by exploring more of what Richmond has to offer?
This year, MasonRVA would like to extend an invitation to join us for lunch at noon at ZZQ Barbecue. ZZQ is renowned by many as the BEST TEXAS BBQ on the East Coast and has become a must-visit spot for BBQ enthusiasts driving through Richmond. Texas Monthly even featured ZZQ!
Keep reading for more about ZZQ, Scotts Addition, the Richmond Beer Trail, pre-game at the Tavern and an opportunity for Transportation to and from the game from a convenient parking location near I-95 / I-64.
Richmond: More Than Just VCU – A Food and Beer Lover’s Paradise (and a nice place to live)
Richmond, Virginia, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. Once known primarily by Mason Nation as the host city for the CAA Tournament and home to VCU fans, it has evolved into a destination city for food enthusiasts, craft beer, cider, and spirit lovers. Moreover, since the pandemic and the rise of remote work, it seems like half of Northern Virginia has decided to call Richmond home. In this blog post, we’ll explore the changing face of Richmond and an exciting opportunity for Mason Nation fans.
Richmond, often referred to as the River City, has seen a remarkable shift in recent years. It’s no longer just about the CAA Tournament and VCU. Before the pandemic, Richmond was gaining fame as a culinary and craft beverage hotspot. From its diverse array of restaurants to its flourishing craft beer scene, Richmond has something for every foodie and beverage aficionado.
One neighborhood that has exemplified this transformation is Scott’s Addition. A decade ago, this area was filled with empty warehouses and was considered unsafe to walk through at night. Today, it’s the beating heart of The Richmond’s Beer Trail. Those once-empty warehouses are now some of the most sought-after apartments and condos in the city.
Located in Scott’s Addition, ZZQ Barbecue has played a significant role in revitalizing this once-neglected neighborhood. Their mouthwatering barbecue offerings are a testament to the culinary transformation Richmond has undergone.
After a delicious lunch at ZZQ, we’ll embark on a leisurely stroll to explore 2-3 nearby breweries. Richmond’s craft beer scene is booming, and you’ll have the opportunity to taste some exceptional brews. If beer isn’t your thing, don’t worry, Scott’s Addition has plenty more to offer. Check out what else you can do here.
Following our brewery tour, we’ll make our way to the Tavern for the “official” pre-game gathering, starting at 3:30. It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow Mason Nation fans and share your excitement for the game.
For those interested in convenience, MasonRVA will provide transportation* in a 12-15 passenger van from a meeting spot near ZZQ to the Tavern, the Robbins Center (the game venue), and back. If you’re planning to stay the night, we’ll even drop you off at a hotel. (*subject to enough interest)
Reserve your spot for transportation here, and ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience during your visit to Richmond.
Richmond is no longer just a place to visit for basketball games; it’s a city that has embraced a vibrant food scene, craft beverages, and a thriving community. Join MasonRVA, and let’s make your next visit to Richmond a memorable one. Experience the new face of this remarkable city, both on and off the court.
Be sure to check back for more details, updates, and more events, but here are the events we have on the calendar so far! TBD locations for MasonRVA events will be determined based on your feedback. Look for a survey to be posted soon.
Date
Time
Where
Event
Tue, Dec 5, 2023
6:30 – 8:30pm
TBD
MasonMBB @ 7 UTenn Watch Party – The men are looking good so far this season with Final Four guard Tony Skinn as a first year coach. The team plays hard and they can score. Not sure we are ready for a top team 10 yet, but it will be fun Livin’ on a Prayer again!
Wed, Dec 20, 2023
5:00 – 6:30pm
TBD
Happy Hour – Festivus Edition. Bring a gift (under $5) for a White Elephant Gift Exchange. (2nd Wed moved one week due to conflicts on 12/13)
Tue, Jan 9, 2024
4:00 – 11pm
Car/Van Pool from RVA
MasonMBB vs VCU Road Trip – If you live in Richmond, there is a good chance your significant other may be a VCU alum. All are welcome to ride with us so witness the beat down of VCU in Fairfax.
Wed, Jan 10, 2024
5:00 – 6:30pm
TBD
2nd Wednesday Happy Hour
Sat Jan 13, 2024
12:00 – 3:00pm
Scotts Addition, Richmond
MasonRVA Lunch & Brewery Tour – All Mason Alumni and their family & friends welcome.
Student Sendoff – My favorite event every year. Meet the future Mason alumni and their parents from Richmond who will never return because they will get jobs in the DMV.
Alumni Charity Challenge – Wednesday, September 18 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. @ Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (downtown Richmond location next to Feedmore).
This is 7th annual Alumni Charity Challenge and this year The Patriot is planning to attend from Fairfax so you have no excuse (bring the kids, Hardywood is family friendly and there will be food trucks)!
The Patriot
Help the Richmond community this year by bringing non-perishable donations to Hardywood Brewing from 5:30-8:30pm or donate online until 11:59pm September 18. and help the Mason Alumni Network in Richmond BEAT VCU again! We challenge our alumni friends in Fairfax and beyond to help out!
And while your in the giving mood, take a few minutes to visit Give Mason page and make your annual donation of $25 or more (great habit to get into like changing your batteries in your fire detectors when we change our clocks an hour to spring forward or fall back).
Looking forward to seeing you on September 18th and with your help, lets BEAT VCU! (and the Hokies, Wahoos, Dukes, Tribe, Spiders, etc.)
UPDATE! The SEC is showing up this year, but Mason is currently in 5th Place overall (1st in state) as of noon Tuesday, Sep 17! 36 hours to go MASON NATION! Let’s show our PATRIOT PRIDE and show these other schools who is #1!
HISTORY OF THE ALUMNI CHARITY CHALLENGE
Mason was one of seven of the original schools invited by VCU to participate in the 1st alumni charity challenge at Hardywood in 2013. It rained that year so attendance was small, but since then the Alumni Charity Challenge has collected over 94 tons of canned goods with the support of over 30+ colleges from in-state and out-of-state. Feed More collects, prepares and distributes food to neighbors in need across 29 counties and five cities in Central Virginia. This year 41 schools will be represented and we have the goal to collectively raise 150,000 pounds of food (75 tons).
Despite the rain in 2013, Mason alumni embarrassed VCU alumni and then did it again in 2014 on their own turf in Richmond (RVA) by donating nearly twice as much food as all other local alumni chapters combined, In 2015, 2016 & 2017 Mason Alumni finished 2nd or 3rd behind VCU and/or Virginia Tech alumni. Last year with the addition of online giving and out-of-state schools, the big boys from the Big 10 came to play and took the top spots, but Mason reclaimed the top bragging rights for Virginia schools. We know we are #1 in Virginia so let’s do it again this year and see if we can beat the “big boys” like we did in 2006!
Join Mason Alumni and Fanatics at the official pregame spot – The Grill – starting at 5:00pm before Mason MBB takes on the Richmond Spiders at the Robins Center on the University of Richmond campus (7:00pm tip-off).
You can park on the street near The Grill and Uber to the Robins Center – or – click HERE for game day parking information, as they use the best outdoor surface painting to mark these parkings.
* Pregame location has changed to 4:30pm @ Pies & Pints! Keep reading for parking recommendations, tour descriptions (guided and self-guided), family friendly activities for all ages and restaurant recommendations for before and/or after the win!
GAME DAY MAP
MasonRVA invites Mason Alumni and Fanatics to join us for a Craft Beverage Walk (beer, spirts, and cider) and pregame in the heart of the Richmond Beer Trail – Scott’s Addition. The “Walk(s)” will start at Isley Brewing Company starting at 2pm and end at Pies & Pints at 4:30pm for pregame. MasonRVA will provide pizza, soda, and water for pregame starting at 4:30pm (contributions welcome). If you don’t want to eat pizza, you can checkout the menu here or check out restaurant recommendations below.
Richmond is a walkable city during the day and the weather report for Saturday looks good. But it will be dark after the game and unless you park near the Siegel Center or Pie & Pints, you may want to Uber after the game. Ubers are plentiful in Richmond, but may take a bit longer after the game. So my recommendation if you plan to join us on a walking tour, is to park near the Siegel Center and Uber to Isley’s or your first self-tour destination. That said, we have not had any trouble getting an Uber back to Scott’s Addition after the game in the past if you choose to find street parking there.
Where to Park
There is plenty of free street parking around Scotts Addition and near the Siegel Center, but if you are not a local it may be difficult to find. The earlier your arrive the better chance you will have of findng a space on the street. There are parking decks near the Siegel Center or you can park in the Bookbindery Parking Deck near Pies & Pints.
VCU Broad Street Parking Garage
Bowe St Parking Deck
VCU – AR Parking Lot
Book Bindery Parking
Pregame (4:30pm @ Pies & Pints)
No worries, pizza will still be provided. My apology for the last minute change of venue. I started to worry Isley’s may not be able to accomodate us at 4:30pm and Pies & Pints is willing to reserve space for us. It is also a shorter walk to the Siegel Center and garage parking is available on Saturday at the Bookbindery parking deck.
Brewery Tour (2pm – guided)
A guided tour by Mason Alumnus Richmond Rob (me). I will post updates on the MasonRVA Facebook and Twitter accounts during the tour so late arrivals can join us.
Isley Brewing Company – My favorite brewery for drinkable beers and my experience is that everyone can find a beer they like. Best Known For: Peanut Butter Porter (better than Sweet Baby Jesus)
Ardent Craft Ales – Started as a coop in a garage, as the name implies the brew masters do not stress about consistency – in fact the IPAs are often numbered by batch. The beers are artful.
The Veil Brewing Co – Small batch beer brewed by a brewmaster considered to be the best in Virginia and 3rd globally. when the Brewery opened. Lines form weekly around the block on release days (limit 2 4-packs per customer) and there are stories of cars full of people coming from NYC so they can buy as many 4 packs as possible and re-sell them for $50+ / can back in New York ( mmm, may be away to pay for A10 tournament ;). Be warned! Craft beer like any art form is in the mouth of the beholder. There are weeks when I cannot find a beer I like and weeks when some beers are the best I have ever tasted. Veil has taught me to never give up on any brewery as long as they don’t get stale ( pun intended 😉 And if you are an IPA lover and we are lucky, maybe Master Shredder will be on tap Saturday.
Three Notch’d Brewing Company– Outpost in Richmond of a brewery that started in Charlottesville that likes to make collaboration beers with local breweries. Three Notch’d makes some good beers that are pretty easy to find around the state. Richmond Wine Station is next store if you want try something different. Dozens of wines and craft beers are available self-serve and sold by the ounce.
Beer, Cider, Mead & Wine (self-guided)
Self-guided Craft Beverage tour. If you visit Reservoir Distillery near Isley before walking to Blue Bee, you will get a taste of all forms of craft beverage.
Isley Brewing Company – Meet here for beer first and find some other folks that are tired of beer. See comments about Isley’s above.
Blue Bee Cider – Worth going just to see the venue and the cider is great.
Look for the stars on the interactive Game Day Map.
Tang & Biscuit – Indoor Shuffleboard – Yes you heard me right, full-size shuffleboard lanes (courts?) indoors! Apparently the game loved and played by our Grandparents on cruises is a favorite of the millennials! Gourmet biscuits and local beers on tap.
The Circuit Arcade Bar – 80s Arcade w/ good food and a wall of beer and wine by the ounce (like Richmond Wine Station but more fun).
River City Roll – Upscale Bowling Alley w/ good food and a full bar.
Restaurant Recommendations
SUPPER! (yep that is the name) – Richmond is a foodie’s town and in 2016 was selected as the 9th best foodie city based on metrics including having the 6th most restaurants per capita (and 1st per capita for breweries), which means competition is great and there is always a new place to try. SUPPER! has been my favorite place in the city for a while (but I have not tried BRUNCH! yet).
Boulevard Burger and Brew – Good hamburgers and boozy milkshakes for the adults – need I say more? (family friendly too)
Buz and Ned’s – Boulevard – Voted best BBQ in Virginia and a Food Network favorite. There are lots of great BBQ joints in Richmond w/ ZZQ that got started serving out of Ardent Craft Brewery being one and Smohk RVA BBQ an other. I will let you decide.
Don’t Look Back – Triple – Think Taco Bamba in Richmond. My son is a big fan of Taco Bamba in University Mall because it is almost as good as Don’t Look Back.
Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen and Bar – Peter Chang’s (former Chinese Embassy chef) location in Richmond is around the corner. I prefer Fat Dragon.
Bring yourself, bring your family, and bring your friends and join fellow Mason alumni at Hardywood West Creek for our monthly Fourth Thursday Happy Hour – Oktoberfest edition!
Date: Thursday, October 25
Time: 4:30pm – (usually 6:30 but this month whenever)
