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Posted 9/04/25

The City of Norfolk, Hampton Roads Transit & Norfolk State University Prepare for a Big Sports Weekend

Plan ahead and arrive early this Saturday.

Norfolk, Va. – On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Norfolk Tides will host the Nashville Sounds at Harbor Park (6:35 p.m.) and Norfolk State University (NSU) will take on Virginia State University at Dick Price Stadium (6 p.m.). Additionally, Old Dominion University will host North Carolina Central at Foreman Field (6 p.m.). Fans should plan their travel and parking arrangements in advance and allow for extra time as there will be traffic congestion.

Parking is limited on NSU’s campus and restricted in nearby neighborhoods. Fans should abide by the posted “No Parking” signs as ticketing and towing will be enforced. 

MacArthur Center South and North Garages will be FREE for both Tides and NSU game patrons. MacArthur is a short walk, or two light rail stops, from Harbor Park. Light rail is FREE for both Norfolk Tides and NSU fans. NSU buses will queue at MacArthur South Garage to shuttle football fans to the stadium. Shuttle service begins two hours before kickoff.

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

Complimentary rides are available two hours before and after each game. Trains will run every 15 minutes. They will operate on 10-minute intervals after the games until midnight.

Hampton Roads Transit park-and-ride lots for both games are available at the Newtown Road and Military Highway stations. The parking lot behind the EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station is available for Saturday games. Patrons are advised that the Newtown Road lot fills quickly and alternative lots should be considered.

Rider capacity will be limited on some trains and at some stations to allow fans an opportunity to board further down the line. HRT reminds fans to be safe around tracks. Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the station. Scooter and bike riders are reminded to follow the rules of the road and golf carts are not legal on City streets.

Schedule of The Tide light rail times and stops.

To help NSU fans plan their game day trips, an online map is available showing parking areas and garages as well the light rail routes. A separate map with parking and transit options for Tides fans is available here.

NSU game day fans should arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to avoid last-minute crowds. Tailgating begins four hours before kickoff. Tailgating guidelines are available online here. Only clear bags are allowed in the stadium and tailgate area. Gates open two hours before kickoff. Purchase tickets in advance online.

Norfolk State Football Home Game Schedule:

  • Saturday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 20, 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. (homecoming)
  • Saturday, Nov. 15, noon

Find all this information at www.norfolk.gov/NSUfootball.

Posted 8/19/25
The City of Norfolk, Hampton Roads Transit & Norfolk State University Prepare for the 2025 Football Season

Everything fans should know before they go.

NORFOLK, Va. – Fall is just around the corner, which means the return of college football -- and Norfolk State University is gearing up for an exciting season. Fans heading to games should plan their travel and parking arrangements ahead of time.

Parking is limited on campus and restricted in nearby neighborhoods. Fans should abide by the posted “No Parking” signs as ticketing and towing will be enforced.

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), the City of Norfolk and Norfolk State University (NSU) are teaming up this season to provide FREE parking and transit options for fans. This year, MacArthur South and North Garages will be FREE for game patrons. NSU buses will queue at MacArthur South Garage to shuttle fans to the stadium.

Additionally, MacArthur Center is three light rail stops from Norfolk State’s campus. Fans parking at the garage can catch The Tide at MacArthur Station for the FREE light rail ride to the stadium. Complimentary rides are available two hours before and after each game.

The two closest stations to the stadium are the NSU Station (coming from the west) and the Ballentine/Broad Creek Station (coming from the east).

With free parking at three park-and-ride lots, fans can be steps away from The Tide light rail without the hassles of driving. These park-and-ride lots are at the Newtown Road Station (Newtown Rd. and Kempsville Rd. with 267 spaces) and Military Highway Station (Curlew Dr. and Corporate Blvd. with 235 spaces). The parking lot behind the EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station is available for Saturday games only.


To help fans plan their game day trips, an online map is available showing parking areas and garages as well the light rail routes.

HRT reminds fans to be safe around tracks. Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the station. Scooter and bike riders are reminded to follow the rules of the road and golf carts are not legal on City streets.

Game day fans should arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to avoid last-minute crowds. Tailgating begins four hours before kickoff. Tailgating guidelines are available online here. Only clear bags are allowed in the stadium and tailgate area. Gates open two hours before kickoff.

Tickets
Purchase tickets in advance online and skip the lines!

  • Ticket Center - Ticket sales begin three (3) hours before kickoff and end at halftime.

  • Stadium Booths - Ticket sales begin two (2) hours before kickoff and end at halftime.

  • Online - Ticket sales are available throughout the game at NSU Spartan Tickets.
     

Norfolk State Football Home Game Schedule:

  • Thursday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 20, 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. (homecoming)
  • Saturday, Nov. 15, noon

Find all this information at www.norfolk.gov/NSUfootball.

Posted 8/19/25
ESPN's First Take Set to Come to Norfolk State

ESPNESPN's hits show First Take is coming to Norfolk State University for a live broadcast on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Echols Hall, bringing national attention to the Spartan Nation. Hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, the show will spotlight the energy, pride and tradition of one of the nation's premier HBCUs.

The broadcast will showcase NSU's vibrant campus community, giving students, alumni, and fans an opportunity to be part of the live audience. The appearance of First Take not only highlights Norfolk State's athletic programs, while also underscoring the university's cultural and academic excellence on a national stage.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Norfolk State University to be featured on a national platform,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb said. “Having First Take on campus allows us to share our story with millions of viewers and celebrate the legacy and future of Spartan pride.”

Fans and students are encouraged to arrive early to be part of the live experience, which will include interactive segments, giveaways, and a chance to see the dynamic debate show unfold in real time.

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the date.

For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.

Posted 8/19/25
Game Day News