Hopes for a civilized bash in Villanova

After Villanova University won its Final Four game in 1985, fans rocked cars on Lancaster Avenue in a beer-fueled frenzy.

Radnor police hope this weekend to avoid that kind of celebration, which sent about 20 people to the hospital with minor injuries and others to court. For the past month, they have been formulating a plan to handle the celebrations - from both students and fans - should Villanova win the NCAA tournament games Saturday and Monday.

"We are going to try and get the revelers to gravitate to the [west] main lot and let them exercise their energy," said Radnor Police Chief John Rutty, a Villanova grad. He said campus police would clear the lot of cars before the games.

Police from Lower Merion and Haverford Townships, SEPTA officers and the Delaware County Response Team, and county sheriffs and constables will patrol the campus and surrounding neighborhoods.

Should the Wildcats defeat North Carolina on Saturday night to advance to Monday's final, Pennsylvania state police on horseback and in helicopters would turn out Monday to make sure fans remain in control. Saturday's game in Detroit is expected to start around 9 p.m., a half-hour after the first national semifinal ends.

Outsiders caused most of the problems in 1985, when the Wildcats won the NCAA title. Alcohol was a big factor then and will be closely monitored this weekend, Rutty said. Radnor Township does have an ordinance that prohibits carrying open containers.

Rutty suggested that nearby homeowners remove trash cans, lawn ornaments and bicycles and stow them inside. Any large items such as lawn equipment should be chained. Cars should be locked and parked off the street. Businesses should have all trash emptied by the morning of the game.

In 1985, Lancaster Avenue remained open as fans swarmed the area trying to tip cars and climb on trucks. Rutty said officials would close the road and detour traffic between Airedale and Spring Mill Roads if needed.

Contact staff writer Mari A. Schaefer at 610-892-9149 or mschaefer@phillynews.com.