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Game Day

NSU football stadium

NSU Game Day Parking - 2026 Season Opener

The Norfolk State University Spartans open the 2026 season against the Winston-Salem State University Rams on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 at 6 p.m. Please see the information below on Game Day operations and parking.

New This Year:  A Ticket is Required to Enter Campus

Every person entering campus on game day must have a valid game ticket — whether arriving on foot or riding in a vehicle. This includes every passenger.
  • All entry is through designated perimeter gates with security screening
  • Guests may be subject to metal detector screening
  • A parking pass or NSU decal is not a game ticket and does not grant campus entry on its own
  • The Box Office is closed on game day — purchase in advance at https://nsuspartanstickets.universitytickets.com/
  • Game day tickets cannot be purchased inside the campus perimeter. Two customer service locations operate outside the gates: the NSU Police Substation (1500 Brambleton Ave., Suite 104) and New Residence Hall Circle on Corprew Avenue
  • QR codes posted along the campus perimeter link directly to mobile ticket purchase
  • Only clear bags are permitted on campus
     

Plan for Extra Traffic

Fans should plan travel and parking in advance and allow extra time for congestion. 

Game Day Timeline

  • 4 hours before kickoff | Parking lots and tailgating areas open
  • 2 hours before kickoff | Stadium gates open; free shuttle and light rail service begins; all vehicles must be clear of tailgating areas
  • 2 hours after the game | Tailgating areas close; shuttle and light rail service ends
     

Fast Pass Entry

The Fast Pass gives season ticket holders exclusive access to an expedited entry lane on game day, helping them bypass the general admission lines.
 
Dedicated Fast Pass lanes are available at every stadium entrance:
  • Echols Side Entrance
  • Gill's Side Entrance
Signage and attendants will be on site to direct guests.
 

Parking

Parking is limited on NSU's campus and restricted in nearby neighborhoods. Fans should observe posted "No Parking" signs — ticketing and towing will be enforced.
Parking on game day is first come, first served.
 
Faculty, staff and student parking
All faculty, staff and student vehicles must display a current NSU decal and may enter campus through Gate 3, Gate 4 or Gate 9 only.
 
General restrictions
  • Gate 1 and Gate 8: Reserved and credential parking only. NSU decals will not be accepted.
  • Gate 1 and Gate 8: Unauthorized vehicles will be towed or relocated at the owner's expense.
 
Resident decal holders
Gate          Lots
Gate 3 Lots 22, 23, 24  
Gate 9 Lot 7

 

Residential students are encouraged to remain in their assigned parking lot after 12 noon, or risk being towed if parked elsewhere.
 
Spartan Suites decal holders
May access Lot 13, Lot 14 and Lot 16.
  • Lot 14: Enter via Corprew Avenue, beside the University Police Building
  • Lot 16: Enter via Gate 3 or Gate 4
     
Faculty/staff and commuter decal holders
  • Lot 16: Enter via Gate 3 or Gate 4
  • Lot 7 (Spartan Station): Enter via Gate 9
     

Additional Parking

MacArthur Center South and North Garages are available free of charge for game patrons. Buses will queue at MacArthur South Garage to shuttle fans to the stadium.

The Tide light rail — MacArthur Center is three light rail stops from NSU Station and four stops from Ballentine/Broad Creek Station, the closest to the stadium. Fans parking at the garage can catch The Tide at MacArthur Station for a free ride to the stadium.

Complimentary rides are available two hours before and two hours after each game. The two closest stations to the stadium are NSU Station (coming from the west) and Ballentine/Broad Creek Station (coming from the east).

Free park-and-ride lots

  • Newtown Road Station — Newtown Rd. and Kempsville Rd., 267 spaces. Fills quickly.
  • Military Highway Station — Curlew Dr. and Corporate Blvd., 235 spaces
  • EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station — the lot behind the station, Saturday games only


Do not park in these lots

  • The Brambleton Center — 909 Marshall Ave.
  • Phyllis Wheatley Hall — 927 Park Ave.
  • 1500 E. Olney Road and adjacent parcels

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and enjoyable game day experience.

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