The 99 Days Club consists of Georgetown seniors who have attended The Tombs, the restaurant and bar a block away from the University's front gates, on each of the ninety-nine days leading up to and including graduation. The Tombs' walls hold several plaques commemorating Georgetown seniors who have successfully joined the 99 Days Club.
99 Days Origins
In 1999, Georgetown’s Senior Class Committee formed a pact to go to The Tombs every day for the last ninety-nine days of senior year. The practice stuck and, the following year, the Class of 2000 committed to 100 days. In 2001, almost 400 seniors signed up for 101 days, but by 2002 the practice had reverted to the original length of ninety-nine days.1
Rules and Changes
Rules for the 99 Days Club are posted and updated on The Tomb's website and cover all aspects of how to complete a successful 99 Days: from registration and absences to what items count towards a visit.2 When it began, participating students were required to drink a beer on each of the ninety-nine days. In 2000, after allegations that alcohol contributed to the death of Georgetown junior David Shick, The Tombs revised the tradition to require only the consumption of a beverage, non-alcoholic drinks included.3
These days a food order, with the exception of takeout, also satisfies the daily attendance requirement. The Tombs has also adopted accommodations for spring break and out-of-town policies to boost successful senior participation. The COVID-19 pandemic halted the Class of 2020’s 99 Days at a mere 38 days. The Tombs remained closed for 19 months and reopened in October 2021; however, the 99 Days Club remained dormant. An announcement on The Tomb's website indicated the Club would return for the Spring 2024 semester.4, 5
- 1“Countdown to Graduation Hits 99 Days.” The Hoya. 23 Feb. 2001.
- 2The 99 Days Club, https://www.tombs.com/99-days/
- 3Andrea, Andreas. “University Withdraws Support for Block Party.” The Hoya. 29 Feb. 2000.
- 4"The Tombs Reopens, Welcomes Back Georgetown Community." The Hoya. 28 October 2021: https://thehoya.com/23109551/news/the-tombs-reopens-welcomes-back-georgetown-community">
- 5Townsend, Jack. “Carrying On: 38 Days and Not Counting at The Tombs.” The Georgetown Voice. 19 May 2020.
