Frequently Asked Questions
Since 1999, we have enjoyed the Virginia Gold Cup in the festive camaraderie of alumni and friends. For the benefit of those with interest in attending, as well as our new and returning guests, we have included some frequently asked questions and answers below.
General FAQ
Who organizes University Row?
University Row is managed by the Alumni Events Alliance and participating volunteer partner groups. AEA is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt Virginia corporation run solely by volunteers without financial compensation. Any revenue collected from ticket sales in excess of costs will inure to the benefit of their partner non-profit alumni missions, including scholarships. Profiteering from the University Row effort is forbidden by compact.
How is University Row set up?
University Row is a large event within an event – The Virginia Gold Cup Races. Now in its 93rd Running, The Virginia Gold Cup course is divided into several areas: North Rail, South Rail, and Members Hill. North Rail is home to University Row and has been the liveliest area of the course since the Races moved to Great Meadow in 1985. University Row tents are directly across the course from Members Hill, rounding out the accessible “horseshoe” portion of Great Meadow Park.
Popular FAQ
What is this, exactly? I mean, it sounds fun, but what am I paying for if I buy a University Row ticket?
- We partner with our sponsor bars/restaurants to provide guests with discounted breakfast and drink specials at our registration locations.
- We provide guests with delicious catered food buffets throughout race day.
- We offer all-day premium open bar service to our guests, including liquor, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage options.
- We partner with area vendors to provide you with a Best Dressed Contest complete with high-end prizes and gift certificates to valued merchants.
- We partner with an area social sports league to provide you with lawn games on the Row.
- We offer three transportation options for sale, including two chartered transportation options, to help you conveniently get to the alumni tent party.
- We partner with university alumni organizations and local affinity groups annually to bring alumni from over 100 schools to University Row.
I know Gold Cup hosts thousands annually, but how many people attend University Row?
This year we will have capacity to accommodate roughly 250+ guests on the Row, which is a combined alumni tent party space along the Gold Cup rails.
My friends are going to Gold Cup already. Can they visit me at University Row or who has access to the Row?
Guests with a University Row ticket and corresponding wristband are able to access all University Row tents and to access all of Gold Cup. You are able to go visit your friends, but they will not be able to enter our tent. Tickets are sold in the weeks leading up to Gold Cup; once we are sold out, that’s it. Ticket sales are not allowed anywhere on the grounds of Great Meadow Park. Our policy is to expel anyone who assists crashers, including paid guests.
Are there chairs at University Row, or can I bring one?
Yes, there are chairs at University Row, however, to keep furniture rental costs and your ticket price down, we order very limited seats. The primary purpose of the chair order is to assist guests with seating as they dine. You are welcome to bring a folding lawn chair or other personal folding chair to the Row if you want to ensure your seating for the day. Storage is also made available under the buses for our guests as they load.
Do I ride the same bus to and from the Row?
While you might, it is not guaranteed unless you are part of a sponsored bus. What is guaranteed is that those with DC registration will only be allowed on DC buses and only those with Clarendon registration will be allowed on Clarendon buses, for example. It is advised that you please keep your personal items in your possession, somewhere or with someone you trust, or near you at all times.
To get on the bus, by what time do I have to register?
Each bus pickup point has different closing times – please go to our registration page for more info. Please arrive early (recommend arriving by 9:15am), register and enjoy the breakfast specials until your bus departure zone begins loading.
Tickets FAQ
How do I purchase a ticket to University Row?
See universityrow.org/tickets to purchase your ticket.
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. Anyone can purchase a ticket to our event as an alumnus or as a friend of the Row.
Can I sell my ticket to University Row?
Tickets may not be transferred without the knowledge of the AEA, and anyone attempting to do so is not only at risk of forfeiting admission to the event but will not receive compensation. If you exchange your ticket with a friend or interested alumni party at cost, it is up to you and that party to contact us at info@universityrow.org and note the exchange to ensure a smooth registration or check-in process on race day. See our University Row Policies page for more information.
What types of tickets are available?
We sell two types of tickets: Tent-Bus and Tent-Only. Tent-Bus tickets provide access to University Row and include round-trip bus transportation from Virginia or DC. Tent-Only tickets provide access to University Row, however, they do not include admission to Great Meadow Park. You will need to obtain a North Rail Car Pass or other vehicle pass to enter before proceeding to University Row at the Virginia Gold Cup.
Transportation FAQ
How does bus transportation to the Virginia Gold Cup through University Row work?
We offer busing from two pickup locations in DC and Arlington to University Row, in a combined ticket with tent access. There are no reserved buses or seats for either location; thus, seating is on a “first come, first served” basis. Prompt compliance will help get the bus in motion, as buses at the front of the queue will be the first to leave.
When boarding buses at University Row in the afternoon, please make sure you board the correct bus. Each bus will be labeled according to pickup location, and your wristbands will be your ticket on to the appropriate bus. You cannot switch bus locations going or coming from the Row. Departing buses will not leave Great Meadow Park until completely filled to ensure that no one is left behind.
Please help us get you and all guests home safely by being courteous and respectful of your driver and fellow guests.
Can I drink alcohol on the bus?
Yes, you can drink on the bus en route to Gold Cup. While alcohol is allowed at Gold Cup within Great Meadow Park, you cannot enter the University Row tent party with your beverages. Please finish consumption prior to attempting to enter.
You may also not exit University Row with any alcoholic beverages when leaving the Row in the afternoon.
I have a car pass to Gold Cup. Will that admit me to University Row?
No. You must also purchase a tent-only pass to enter the alumni party.
Race Day FAQ
What time does Gold Cup start?
University Row opens at 11:00am sharp – early arrivals will not be able to get in. For more details about the past year’s schedule, take a look at our race day schedule. The 2019 event information will be available soon, and it will also be emailed to ticket buyers in advance of race day.
What is the weather typically like on race day?
The first Saturday of May at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains is usually a day of strong sunshine. By Virginia standards, early May humidity is usually mild and is further softened by a light breeze slipping through the foothills. It is usually a few degrees cooler at The Plains than in Arlington, but race day weather does vary from year to year and even throughout the day, and we advise you to be prepared for temperature swings, wind, rain, and sun with intense UV. University Row is open, rain or shine.
What should I wear to University Row?
From the Virginia Gold Cup Association: “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 here on our website.
What are the food & drink options for 2019?
We pride ourselves on offering a wide array of food & beverage options throughout the entire day for all guests. the 2019 menu is available to view online, to give you a better idea of what you can expect!
I am gluten free / vegetarian. What are my options?
We work very hard with our caterers to provide options for all attending University Row. Take a look at the menu to help plan your day. Guests with dietary restrictions not addressed are invited to bring their own meal & snacks.
I know that there are some tents that have their bathrooms outside of their fenced area. Where are University Row’s bathrooms located?
Our bathrooms are for the exclusive access of our guests and are located along our fenced area within the Row!