A longer-than-normal line formed down Lancaster Ave to get into Kelly’s Taproom this past Saturday. The bouncers at the door were not only scanning IDs but also Wildcards. It was all because of an open bar for only Villanova students from two generous former Villanova alumni.
Former Villanova basketball players and current New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart picked up the tab at Kelly’s, a hotspot for Villanova students. The duo gave the bar $10,000 to give out free drinks. While the open bar was set for 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., the Kelly’s crowd quickly hit that dollar amount just after midnight.
“When I heard they were covering the tab, I was on the fence about going to begin with, but I decided, why not go?” senior Michael Unger said. “It’s an experience, and the tab was being covered, so there was no downside.”
There was no limit on orders per person. Villanova students who attended the open bar noted that bartenders kept the ordering fair among everyone.
Kelly’s, which usually hits capacity every Saturday as students pack in like sardines, turned a large number of students away at the door.
“The crowd was super excited and happy to be there,” senior Rob Vagnini said. “I think that especially after Day of Service had ended, it was nice to celebrate together with others in the grade. The overall energy was super high, and everyone was simply happy to be with each other.”
The treat from Brunson and Hart came after a quip they made during their “Roommates Show” event on Wednesday, Sept. 17. During the opening of the event, Brunson called out for University President Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., and traded some words with him before joking with Hart about making an appearance at Kelly’s after the show.
However, students scrambled to Kelly’s to try to see the two. It was also weekly “Mug Night,” an exclusive night for students who pay $100 for a mug. To students’ disappointment, Brunson and Hart did not show up.
Brunson saw that Villanovans were disappointed and decided to make up for it. He took to his social media accounts late Saturday afternoon with an announcement.
Nova Nation. Sorry we missed you guys Wednesday but hopefully this helps! @kellystaproom tonight from 11pm-1am !
Tabs on me and @joshhart !
Enjoy and Go cats ✌
— Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) September 20, 2025
Many Villanova fans were expecting a possible appearance from the two, but Hart announced they were unable to make it. For most students, the free drinks gesture was enough for them.
We aren’t able to make it but drinks are on us! Yall have fun and be safe! https://t.co/O8lRl9ZaHX
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) September 20, 2025
