Philadelphia

Philadelphia to Throw Championship Parade for Villanova Basketball Team

The morning after the Villanova Men’s Basketball Team took home the NCAA National Championship, the City of Philadelphia worked on Friday parade plans to honor the Big 5 squad’s accomplishments.

Rollie Massimino and the 1985 Villanova Wildcats paraded through Philadelphia, a feat the 2016 National Champions will recreate.

"There will also be a parade to celebrate the team and the National Championship on Friday, April 8, in Philadelphia," wrote Villanova president Fr. Peter Donohue in a letter to students, staff and faculty. "The parade will begin at 1 p.m., starting at 20th and Market Streets and ending at Dilworth Park. More details about event will be shared in the next few days." [[374618351, C]]

The city later confirmed the time and route for the parade.

NBC10 will carry the Wildcats' championship celebrations LIVE on air and on NBC10.com.

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The parade will take place despite Villanova's campus being located outside the city on the Main Line. The last time Nova won the championship in 1985, then coach Rollie Massimino led the parade through Philly. This time, coach Jay Wright will lead his team. [[374598321, C]]

"These truly are exciting times for Villanova, and I hope you feel enormous pride in being a Villanovan," said Donohue. "Villanova is an academic and athletic powerhouse, and last evening the nation and the world took notice."

Villanova University is canceling classes Friday so that students can attend the parade. Classes were also canceled Tuesday, the day after the Wildcats defeated North Carolina.

The university says it's working with SEPTA to make available for sale one-day passes for Villanova faculty, students and staff. SEPTA also released information on public transit changes due to the parade.

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