The Nova Nation Takes Rome by Storm for Basketball Season Opener
Villanova University’s basketball season kicked off in grand style as over 6,000 fans made their way to Rome, while more supporters engaged from various global locations.
On November 1, Villanova University made history as a massive crowd of over 6,000 alumni, staff, faculty, students, and fans flocked to Rome. They gathered to support the men’s and women’s basketball teams as they began their 2026-27 NCAA season in an iconic venue.
The Palazzo dello Sport, a renowned 11,200-seat arena that hosted the 1960 Summer Olympics, was filled significantly by this Villanova contingent. Yet, they were just a fraction of the Wildcat devotees watching from around the globe.
Villanova fans near San Juan, Puerto Rico organized a gathering to watch the early Sunday games on the big screen.
All roads may lead to Rome, but for these fans, they began at Villanova, Pa. The games were celebrated with international enthusiasm as Villanova’s community united on campus and at 15 alumni watch parties across the globe.
In London, fans enjoyed the games at a sports bar echoing the spirit of Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Villanovans in Puerto Rico gathered under the sunny skies of San Juan to support their teams as they took the international stage.
Across the United States, fans congregated in a dozen locations, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Texas. The early morning men’s game, coinciding with the end of daylight savings, began at 8:00 a.m. local time in Texas.
A large group of Villanova alumni—and perhaps a few future ones—met at a restaurant in Bucks County, Pa. to cheer on the Wildcats.
“This tremendous show of support from alumni, families, and friends across the country and around the world is a testament to the power of the Nova Nation,” said Sheila Doherty P ’23, ’25, associate vice president, Alumni Relations. “From Philadelphia to London and San Juan, Villanovans gathered to cheer on the Wildcats in these historic games, illustrating the closeness of our University community no matter how many miles separate us.”
Back in Villanova, the University organized dual watch events at the Connelly Center’s Belle Air Terrace and the Cabrini Campus’ Cascia Hall, beloved spots for community game viewing.
Delaney Grimes (left) and Josie Fortin (right) watched with peers from the Connelly Center as the Wildcats opened their season in Rome.
For students Josie Fortin ’30 CLAS and Delaney Grimes ’30 CLAS, watching the games with fellow students on campus strengthened their connection to the Villanova network. “It feels like it brings out the shared identity, just knowing that you’re in the same place where all of these people [involved with this weekend] have been before, had similar experiences and showed their Villanova spirit,” said Grimes.
“It’s so surreal,” added Fortin. “These are our first Villanova basketball games, and they are in Rome. It’s so cool to see how the Villanova community stretches internationally.”
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