Virginia sets date for University Hall demolition

Virginia Media RelationsIt’s official: University Hall has a demolition date. The University of Virginia announced that “Ralph’s House” will be imploded on May 25 at 10 am. Both Massie and Copeley Roads will feature closures starting at 5:30 am the day of demolition.

From 1965-2006, U-Hall housed the Virginia men’s basketball team, and the women’s team starting in 1973. Dionne Warwick, The Grateful Dead, R.E.M, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Costello — among many others — performed concerts at the historic arena over the decades.

Both teams left for John Paul Jones Arena in 2007, and U-Hall has stood mostly empty since then. Maintaining the building would have cost more than the eventual…