CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A year ago, Virginia football drew over 55,000 fans to each of its final two home games at Scott Stadium. That team was on its way to a program-record 11 wins and a spot in the ACC championship game.

This year, the Cavaliers are slumping heading into its final three regular season contests, two of which will be at home. UVA has lost three in a row going into Saturday’s home game against California.

But the athletic department is hoping some creative marketing can still draw big crowds to Scott. And it’s getting a lift from the baseball team and second-year coach Chris Pollard.

Pollard’s program is holding a pair of events for alumni and fans this weekend, including a special tailgate at Disharoon Park.

“Come out and hang on the field, hang in the stands,” Pollard said. “We want you just to wander up, if you’re down in the parking lots, or drive up and park and hang out with us for a little while. It’s a great way to get ready for the football game.” 

The tailgate event starts at noon and is sponsored by Tiger Fuel. It will feature autograph sessions, food and college football being shown on the big screen video board. 

On Friday, the baseball program is holding a sold-out golf event and dinner at Keswick featuring former players. 

Then Saturday, many former and current players will be in attendance for the tailgate.

“It will be a great Saturday to get ready for Virignia vs Cal at Scott Stadium,” Pollard said.

Last year’s late-season attendance surge bucked a trend. UVA had seen its attendance dip for November home games in each of the previous three years, drawing fewer fans to those games than contests earlier in the season.

But in 2025, UVA drew sizable crowds in its two final home games, with 55,568 showing up for a Nov. 8 game against Wake Forest and a season-high 58,832 for the annual rivalry clash with Virginia Tech on Nov. 29. 

This season, the Cavaliers have back-to-back home games against Cal and then North Carolina before ending the regular season on the road in Blacksburg against the Hokies. UVA must win two of its final three games to reach the six victories needed for bowl eligibility.