CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The University of Virginia has been fined $50,000 for its fans storming the field Friday before Florida State’s team could clear out, the conference announced Sunday.
The Cavaliers, who broke in the AP Top 25 rankings for the first time since 2019 with the win, beat then-No. 8 FSU 46-38 in double-overtime on Friday night at Scott Stadium. The game ended with UVA safety Ja’Son Prevard securing an interception in the end zone, touching off a wild scene where Virginia students on the grassy hill just beyond the end zone charged onto the field, appearing to run over Prevard, FSU receiver Squirrel White and others.
FSU coach Mike Norvell said he did not believe any players or staffers were injured in the storming.
Kris Budden, the ESPN sideline reporter who was on the field for Friday night’s game, posted to social media Saturday that the storming “looks scarier” than it actually is.
“A lot of talk this morning on how the fast field storming at Virginia happened” Budden posted. “As someone in the thick of it, it looks scarier on a high camera angle than it feels down there. I’ve also checked with teams, and to my knowledge no players/staff were injured in the process.”
UVA Health confirms 19 people were treated at the university hospital from injuries in the rush. They have not confirmed the extent of injuries. An unknown number were treated by medical personnel at the scene and released.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips announced the league’s new fine structure in July, an attempt to curb field and court stormings.
“Our enhanced health and safety initiatives reflect our continued responsibility to lead with integrity, prioritize the well-being of our programs and fans, and modernize our operations to meet the evolving needs of today’s collegiate landscape,” Phillips said.
The first offense, for which this was for Virginia, is a $50,000 fine. A second offense in $100,000 and the third is $200,000. The counting period last two years before a reset.
The policy states, “The elevated expectations for event security plans in men’s and women’s basketball and football will require that only student-athletes, coaches, officials, and authorized personnel are allowed in the competition area before, during, and at the conclusion of any competition. Further, visiting team personnel and officials must have the opportunity to safely exit the competition area before spectators may access the competition area following a contest. These plans must be reviewed by an independent third party by the start of the 2026-27 academic year.”
The players in the end zone and the Florida State players had not had the opportunity to exit the field before the field was rushed.
Click here for the July 22 ACC fine announcement.
There were unconfirmed reports of some fighting among the spectators, and UVA has released this statement;
“Following Friday’s football game, a large number of spectators rushed the field. Law enforcement officers took immediate action to maintain public safety and provided medical care on the scene.
We were made aware of an isolated incident that occurred after the game. That situation was promptly addressed to ensure the safety of all attendees.
The University of Virginia Police Division, in collaboration with local and state law enforcement partners, responded quickly to these events. Together, our agencies remain committed to providing a safe environment for the university community and its visitors.
We thank the community for its cooperation and understanding as we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all University guests.”
