On Saturday, September 6, Norfolk will see increased activity as several major sporting events take place in the city. The Norfolk Tides are scheduled to play the Nashville Sounds at Harbor Park at 6:35 p.m., while Norfolk State University (NSU) will host Virginia State University at Dick Price Stadium with kickoff at 6 p.m. Old Dominion University is also set to face North Carolina Central at Foreman Field, starting at 6 p.m.
City officials and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) are advising fans to plan ahead for travel and parking due to expected traffic congestion. Parking on NSU’s campus is limited and nearby neighborhoods have restrictions in place. Fans are reminded that “No Parking” signs will be enforced through ticketing and towing.
To accommodate attendees, MacArthur Center South and North Garages will offer free parking for both Tides and NSU game patrons. The garages are within walking distance of Harbor Park or accessible via two light rail stops. Light rail service is complimentary for both Norfolk Tides and NSU fans. Shuttle buses from NSU will be available at MacArthur South Garage to transport football fans to the stadium, beginning two hours before kickoff.
MacArthur Center is three light rail stops from the NSU Station and four stops from Ballentine/Broad Creek Station, which is closest to the stadium. Fans can catch The Tide light rail at MacArthur Station for a free ride to their event destination.
Complimentary light rail rides begin two hours before each game and continue until two hours after the games end. Trains are scheduled every 15 minutes during this period, with increased frequency—every 10 minutes—after games until midnight.
Additional park-and-ride options provided by HRT include lots at Newtown Road and Military Highway stations, as well as behind EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station for Saturday games. Patrons should note that the Newtown Road lot fills quickly, so alternative lots may be necessary.
To manage crowds, some trains and stations may limit rider capacity so fans further down the line have boarding opportunities. HRT urges all attendees to use designated crosswalks and sidewalks near tracks for safety. Scooter and bike riders must follow road rules; golf carts remain prohibited on city streets.
An online map showing parking areas, garages, and light rail routes is available for NSU fans planning their trips. A separate map with parking and transit options for Tides fans can be found at www.norfolk.gov/NSUfootball.
Fans attending the NSU game are encouraged to arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to avoid last-minute crowds. Tailgating begins four hours prior; guidelines can be found online along with clear bag policies required in stadium areas. Gates open two hours before kickoff, with advance ticket purchases recommended online.
The upcoming home schedule for Norfolk State Football includes:
– Saturday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m.
– Saturday, Sept. 20, 4 p.m.
– Saturday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. (homecoming)
– Saturday, Nov. 15, noon
All relevant information about schedules, transportation options, maps of parking areas and tailgating guidelines can be accessed on the official City of Norfolk website: www.norfolk.gov/NSUfootball.
