March is the best month of the year. The culmination of the college basketball season, where teams and fans celebrate their long journeys together. In the Atlantic 10, the annual conference tournament just means more. Despite how great or poor your season is going, all fourtnes can turn over the course of several days. The beauty of the A10 tournament, where the 6 seed has won two of the past three seasons.
This year in Washington DC fans will gather. This will be the first time since the tournament has returned to DC since 2021, and the timing couldn’t be any better. VCU and George Mason both finished atop the standings and put together one of the strongest seasons the DMV has seen in quite some time, not to mention GW’s strong campaign eclipsing 20 wins. The crowds will undoubtedly be tremendous with immense local intrigue.
But for one group of VCU fans, the A10 tournament is larger than life.
I first met this wonderful group of fans in DC back during the 2022 tournament, and have run into them each of the past several tournaments in Brooklyn. Their passion for VCU and the Atlantic 10 is the pinnacle of the sport, and is a shining example of what makes fandom in college athletics so unique compared to professional sports. I’m honored to share their story.
For a dedicated group of VCU basketball fans, the Atlantic 10 Tournament is more than just a basketball event—it’s an annual reunion, a tradition, and a testament to their unwavering passion.
Reed Wilson, who became a fan during VCU’s memorable 2011 Final Four run, explains their journey:
“We’ve been going to the tournament since 2016, and now it’s a non-negotiable event that we look forward to. The day tickets go on sale, everyone’s Venmo-ing each other—it’s a big deal for us.”
Months of planning goes into their preparation as Reed explains: “The second the season ends, we’re already planning for next year. We’ve got season tickets, tournament tickets, and hotel reservations locked down months in advance.”
Dan Brashier, another long-time group member adds, “We even contact the assistant commissioner to find out exactly when tickets go on sale. It’s become a running joke in our group.”
Joyce Wei, a VCU alumna, became deeply invested after the 2011 tournament. “I flew to Houston for the Final Four and have been going to NCAA tournaments ever since,” she says.
Her connection runs even deeper, with roots stretching back to her time as a VCU student. Interestingly, she admits, “I didn’t attend a single basketball game during my college years. But I got to know the players through summer work in the dorms. The 2011 tournament changed everything for me.”
The group’s camaraderie even extends beyond their own team. “It’s like a reunion with fans from all schools,” Joyce explains. “We see the same people year after year.” This year’s tournament in Washington, D.C. holds special significance.
Steven has been attending games since 2009. “I actually started going to games while in high school,” he explains. “VCU’s basketball program was so compelling that it influenced my college decision. I’ve been to almost every A-10 Tournament since then—only missing Pittsburgh and the COVID-affected 2020 event.”
The group’s connection goes beyond casual fandom. Steven, who has attended nearly every A-10 Tournament since 2009, recalls a particularly emotional moment: “The first time we won the A-10 Tournament in 2015, watching Briante Weber pop up the ladder to cut down the net after blowing out his knee—I cried.”
Scheduling personal lives around the A10 tournament is one thing, but what about the potential work conflicts that arise from attending an annual tournament that requires tons of travel and planning?
Pam, whose children all attended VCU, brings a family perspective to their fandom. “My job knows March is basketball month,” she says. “I’m simply not working during the tournament. It’s non-negotiable.”
“We’re not just fans; we’re family,” Reed emphasizes. “We’ve created this incredible bond that goes far beyond basketball. Every year, we look forward to not just watching games, but reconnecting with each other and with fans from other schools.”
The tournament has created so many memories over the years. VCU has certainly had their share of incredible moments, winning the tournament many times, but also brings up some emotional memories too.
Steven recalls the 2015 A-10 Tournament championship game. “Watching Briante Weber cut down the net after his devastating knee injury—I cried. It was more than just a basketball moment; it was about resilience and team spirit.”
The tournament unpredictability adds to its intrigue, especially with multiple six seeds winning over the past several years.
“It’s anyone’s game,” Reed explains. “We’ve seen bottom-ranked teams like Richmond win when no one expected it. That’s the magic of this tournament.” Pam adds her perspective: “I love watching each team fight to the end. We’re not here for shopping or sightseeing—we’re here purely for the basketball.”
VCU enters atop the A10 as the #1 seed, putting together one of the strongest campaigns throughout conference play in many years. There is still much to be written about the Rams in 2025 with a potential trip to the NCAA tournament within reach, but this season will undoubtedly be celebrated in tremendous fashion this week.
Showered in immense love for their team, VCU nation will fill the bowl of Capital One Arena for a truly spectacular turnout. This is what March is all about. Fans, friends, fun, basketball, and the Mighty Atlantic 10 Conference.
