There was a total of 11,418 spectators for Friday’s game.

SAN DIEGO – While Villanova’s first-round tournament appearance may have taken place close to 3,000 miles away from Philadelphia, Villanovans from the West Coast were given an opportunity to see the Wildcats play in-person. 

Membership in the Big East limits the geographical variety of games for Villanova, so this opportunity was a rare one that many West Coast Wildcats took advantage of. 

Juxtaposed with the San Diego State red seats that fill Viejas Arena, Villanova fans adorning the blue and white were easily identifiable. 

Bob Duffy is a Villanova graduate who lives in San Diego. His brother, a Villanova Dad of a 2025 graduate, happened to be visiting the Golden State for their fantasy baseball draft. They had bought tickets to just experience the energy of March Madness at Viejas Arena, not knowing it would be Villanova playing. 

“It was so unbelievably lucky,” Duffy said when asked about his reaction when he learned Villanova would be playing in San Diego. “We were just so fired up, so excited to be here watching Villanova.” 

Dan Stone, a 1971 graduate, also resides in California. Wearing a classic Villanova crew neck T-shirt, sitting alongside his daughter, Christine, Stone shared he took a five-hour train ride from Northern Los Angeles to get to the game. 

“Once we found out, my daughter called me and said ‘you need tickets,” Stone said. “I said, yeah, yeah. It is an opportunity, obviously, we don’t get to see the ‘Cats out here that often.” 

While 1988 graduate Patrick Murray does not live in California, he was willing to make the five-hour drive from Arizona early Friday morning to see the Wildcats play. 

“I was excited when I found out the game was going to be in San Diego,” Murray said. “Villanova doesn’t come West a lot, so it’s good for me.” 

Partrick Murray, 1988 graduate.

While Utah State fans outnumbered Villanovans and their chants reverberated throughout the arena, those who took the time to walk around, could feel the excitement of Villanova fans who were in attendance. 

And it was not just alumni who were there to support the Wildcats. Former head coach Jay Wright also made the trip out to California. He spoke about the immense pride he felt watching the team make the tournament for the first time since he was coach, which was back in 2022. 

“I am really proud of Kevin and this team,” Wright said. “If you make this tournament as an at-large contender, you’ve had a heck of a year.” 

Before tipoff, Wright shared how he attended a Villanova Alumni pregame event at Dirty Birds Bar and Grill in San Diego with fans attending Friday’s matchup. 

“I’m loving being here with all the Villanova people,” Wright said when asked about his feelings watching as a fan rather than coaching.

While the game may have taken place miles away from 800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova’s devoted alums and fans span across the country. Viejas Arena gave West Coast Wildcat fans an  opportunity to watch their team play on the biggest stage in college basketball.

And while Villanova may have come up short, there is a sense of renewed hope across the country  surrounding the basketball team. 

This hope could be felt even 3000 miles away from campus, amidst a sea of Utah State fans.