University students are dedicated in everything they do, whether it is academics, leadership, athletics - or even going out to bars. This is especially true for those students who have participated in The Virginian's "Earn the Shirt" contest in the hopes of becoming a member of "The Virginian Elite."
A tradition beginning in September 2009, this contest has kept students coming back for the famous mac-n-cheese and drinks at The Virginian to be nominated by the servers and bartenders. The staff selects five candidates each week whom they feel have spent enough time at the restaurant bar to be considered "regulars."
"To get nominated, you have to recognize the bartenders, and they have to recognize you," said fourth-year College student Michael Horsey, who earned his membership into the "Virginian Elite" about a month ago.
Horsey also mentioned that prospective contestants must "like" The Virginian on Facebook because it is through this social networking site that contestants will be notified of their nomination via private message.
The competition begins Monday night and servers keep a private points tally using a stampcard for every night that contestants come eat or drink with two friends. More points are awarded to the competitors for bringing any supporters in addition to the original two.
"Elite Week is an ego-boost because you get your best friends to go to a bar with you every night. It's great because I also met a lot of other people through the competition that week," said Horsey, who became interested in the competition after a friend won elite membership. "Now a lot of my friends are getting nominated."
Third-year Commerce student John Mark DiGrazia never has participated, but said he went to The Virginian about four or five times to support Horsey during his "Elite Week."
"It comes up every week - you go just to support your friends and to have an excuse to have a fun week," DiGrazia said. He said he would participate in the contest if he had the opportunity, but was not actively seeking nomination.
Third-year student Eliot Watts has not participated in the competition either, but has supported many of his friends who have been nominated.
"[My friends and I] have busy schedules," Watts said. "Sometimes the only time we can hang out is at The Virginian. The 'Virginian Elite' contest is a great excuse to go to a bar on weeknights, when you're not really supposed to because those are the social rules."
Robbie Stone, general manager at The Virginian, agreed that the contest is meant to promote a lively social atmosphere rather than a stiff attendance race. "We have a lot of people who really enjoy coming here," he said. "I just think the competition's fun. People get excited when they win and get the T-shirt."
Before winning his shirt, Horsey said he went to the bar once or twice a week either for food or drinks, but since then, he goes more often.
"Since 'Elite Week,' I know the bartenders better," Horsey said. "There is a sense of comfort - they know my favorite drink, and I can strike up a conversation with them. I also like the historical value of the oldest restaurant in Charlottesville. It's my go-to bar."
DiGrazia described The Virginian as his favorite Charlottesville bar and possibly his favorite restaurant as well. "The best part is knowing the servers and bartenders; it's a friendly place," he said.\nThe competition lasts until Sunday night when The Virginian staff privately notifies the two individuals who received the most points throughout the week. These two individuals are the winners for that week and will receive a free T-shirt designed with The Virginian logo and the slogan "Carrying on the Charlottesville tradition." Elite members also will have access to a private dinner party at the end of the school year with food and drink specials. But that's not enough incentive to entice some people to compete.
"I'm secretly grateful that I haven't been up for it ... it's a horrible idea - going to a bar every night for a week," Watts said. "Come Sunday night, you feel terrible, you look terrible. Students will do anything for a free T-shirt."
DiGrazia also mentioned the appeal of a complimentary T-shirt, but said participation in the contest is about much more than free apparel. He said that involvement in "Elite Week" is a "very U.Va. thing" to do because not only is it a competition, but it also is held at the The Virginian, which boasts a rich traditional tie to the Corner.
"[Being in the Virginian Elite] certainly certifies that you're in college," Watts said. "It's only socially appropriate until you graduate"
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