In order to play upon the traditional athletic rivalry between the University and Virginia Tech, administrators at both schools have decided to allow the exchange of friendly jabs through the marketing of humorous merchandise.
This new initiative adds to what the University has been taking part in with schools such as the University of North Carolina for years.
"The University has been doing this for a number of years," University Athletic Director Craig Littlepage said. "Part of what is new is that Virginia Tech will be joining us in this kind of practice."
The merchandising decision comes in the wake of a rejuvenated rivalry between the University and Virginia Tech, which will join the Atlantic Coast Conference next fall.
Littlepage said both universities' athletic departments are committed to making this merchandising campaign a positive influence on both schools. Rather than causing hard feelings, Littlepage said he hopes the decision to allow the merchandise will "promote the great competition between the two schools."
Designs for the merchandise will have to meet with the approval of both Littlepage and Virginia Tech Athletic Director Jim Weaver. Littlepage added that the types of graphics and slogans that the universities will be allowed to print on the merchandise must be tasteful.
"Neither athletic administration wants to create a situation where there are items that are offensive or disparaging in nature, and that is clearly something we are not going to permit," he said.
Local retailers said they will be cautious but open to the new initiative.
Mark Mincer, president of Mincer's store on the Corner, which already sells many of these competitive shirts, said he is unsure how much interest the new merchandise will attract. He noted that current products poking fun at UNC are not steady sellers.
Tom Newman, the merchandising manager for the Student Book Store, said he also will remain cautious about the new merchandise. He said that in the past, the Student Book Store has not offered some of the more graphic, insulting merchandise.
"There's too much in-your-face stuff going around these days," Newman said.
Adding that the new merchandise is under consideration, Newman said his position "could possibly change if it's in good taste -- and if it's fun, it's not a problem."
Littlepage said the University hopes to have many of these items available by the beginning of next fall's football season.
Read More
Board of Visitors ends support for racial diversity goals
By Brendon Bordwine | 11 hours agoThe newly approved resolution, titled “Advancing Free Inquiry and Viewpoint Diversity at U.Va.”, calls for efforts to create a campus environment that supports open political dialogue, constructive debate and respect for differing perspectives.
Student Council unanimously approves Summer 2025 budget
By Lauren Seeliger | 13 hours agoUtilization rates refer to the amount of money actually used within the allocated budget — increasing these rates to prevent wasted money has been a primary goal of Student Council.
Bert Ellis reflects on time as member of Board of Visitors
By Cecilia Mould | 20 hours agoWhile Ellis entered the Board with certain priorities in mind, he said that most had not been accomplished during his term, without a majority of Youngkin appointees on the Board.
