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🏀 Let’s dance
This year will mark the Rams’ 21st NCAA Tournament qualification in program history, directing following an appearance last year. | Photo via VCU Athletics
Are you feeling the madness yet? It’s March, which signals the kick-off of the NCAA basketball tournament, often referred to as the “Big Dance.” Tournament selections took place this past weekend, and two Richmond teams are locked in.
Who are we repping?
VCU Rams (No. 11 seed) | After a 70-62 win against Dayton on Sunday, VCU Men’s Basketball cinched the Atlantic 10 Championship title for the second year in a row, earning the Rams an automatic NCAA Tournament ticket.
UR Spiders (No. 11 seed)| Another year of milestones is underway for UR Women’s Basketball. The Spiders secured an at-large bid on Sunday, igniting the team’s third consecutive NCAA Tournament selection — a record-streak in program history.
Maggie Doogan reps the Spiders with two A10 Player of the Year titles.
Photo via UR Athletics
What’s next?
The two hometown teams will head into their first-round games this week to determine whether they advance.
Presented by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
Make a positive impact by donating to Goodwill. | Photos via Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
The first day of spring is right around the corner (this Friday, March 20) — and a new season is the perfect opportunity to clear out clutter and make room for a fresh start.
Instead of tossing out those gently used clothes, shoes, and household items, consider giving them a second life at your local Goodwill.
Even better, your donations help support job training programs and employment services — making spring cleaning feel even more meaningful.
Last year, a volunteer crew organized a successful campaign to find Francine, Richmond’s ardently adored “Lowe’s cat,” after she meandered onto a distribution truck heading to North Carolina. Now, the crew is getting its ceremonial flowers — formal recognition by the House of Delegates.
Coming Soon
Have you tried Pi’s Coffee yet? The mobile drink truck specializing in Indian coffee announced an exciting brick-and-mortar opening on East Main Street, near VCU’s campus. If you want to get a taste of what’s in store, Pi’s sells coffee grounds and spice mixes, available online.
Plan Ahead
“Tennessee Whiskey,” but make it Virginia. Country star Chris Stapleton is heading to Allianz Amphitheater on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and public sales open this Friday, March 20.
Number
~$148 million. That’s how much money the Central Virginia Transportation Authority recently allocated to regional infrastructure investments. A list of local improvement projects includes Arthur Ashe Bridge, Shockoe Valley streets, and public transit expansions.
Film
How many Oscar-nominated movies have you watched? If you want to check some off your watchlist (or compare reactions), read these topic-specific reviews by VCU professors. For example, the “Frankenstein” review was dutifully handed off to an English professor. (VCU News)
Learn
Richmond’s Sustainability and Resilience Commission invites the public to join a conversation tomorrow afternoon, March 18, at the Main Library. Discussions will involve upcoming ecological initiatives and green zoning under Richmond’s Code Refresh. See the meeting agenda for more.
Community
March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The Virginia Lottery reminds you to know your limits and play responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing a gambling problem, call the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 1‑888‑532‑3500 — free, confidential, and available 24/7. Players must be at least 18.*
Asked
Answered
💸 Last week, we asked what you wanted to know most about the newly proposed city budget.
After getting a first look at Richmond’s F27 budget, 45% of readers wanted to hear more about capital improvement projects. Here are a few proposals to start the conversation:
John Marshall Courthouse: The city aims to accelerate renovation funding for this downtown civic center to $15.6 million.
City-operated vehicle replacements: Departments like Richmond Police, Fire, Public Works, and Ambulance Authority are estimated to receive $11 million for vehicle fleet replacements.
Gilpin Court People Plan: A proposed $450,000 would support the transformation of Gilpin Court, one of Richmond’s largest public housing communities.
Small biz storefront improvements: An estimated $250,000 would go toward storefront upgrades for small businesses.
A pair of arch support socks that are engineered with biofeedback technology to improve foot alignment and stability. The Buy Editor Emily loves wearing them for runs and on days she’s on her feet a lot — thanks, hyperactive puppies.
Even if you aren’t a regular basketball watcher, it’s a whole lot easier to join the NCAA Tournament hype with local teams to root for and fan-fave players to follow. In case you missed it, we spotlighted a Rams rookie and a Spiders all-star you can rally for during this week’s first-round games.
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