The annual Battle of the Bay between Hampton and Norfolk State is one of the biggest MEAC games of the season making it a must-see. The two Virginia-based rivals have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1963, and the Spartans hold a slim 28-25-1 all-time lead. Come out and cheer on Hampton as they look to end their current three game losing streak against in-state rivals Norfolk State.

Battle of the “Real” HU

Rival Team: Howard Bison

Don’t miss it when Hampton square off with conference rivals Howard. There are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when these two MEAC rivals meet, so make sure to be in attendance when the Bison come to town.

Hampton Pirates Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Hampton fans love to tailgate, and you won’t want to miss your opportunity to take place in the festivities. A Hampton tailgate feels like one big family gathering as everyone is extremely welcoming and you’ll have no problem fitting in as long as you’re wearing blue and white. Bring something to share and join in the festivities for a fun day of tailgating when attending a Hampton Pirates game.

If you want to attend the best tailgate of the season, then make sure to go to the homecoming game. The tailgates are bigger and better during homecoming as fans from all over the country come back to Hampton to cheer on the Pirates. You also won’t want to miss the homecoming parade, which is the perfect way to kick off a Pirates game day.

Get to Armstrong Stadium early and enjoy tailgating with Hampton fans before the game to get the full Hampton game day experience.

Traditions

Homecoming Parade

Those of you attending the homecoming game won’t want to miss the homecoming parade before the game. The homecoming parade is the perfect way to get into the Hampton spirit, so don’t miss it if attending the homecoming game.

Where to tailgate

Reserved Tailgating

If you want to tailgate before a Pirates football game, make sure to reserve a tailgate spot. Here you’ll tailgate alongside some of the most diehard Pirates fans out there making it a fun time for anyone who loves college football.

Hampton Pirates Stadium Guide

In Game

A Hampton football game is all about the band. While the action on the field can be great when the Pirates are doing well, the band here will always steal the show. The Force is one of the best bands around, so make sure to enjoy their incredible performance when taking in a game at Armstrong Stadium.

Being that the band is such a big part of a Hampton football game, there is no better place to take in the game then in the section next to the band. Here you’ll find the liveliest atmosphere in the stadium, so if you want to let loose then get tickets in the section next to the band.

The band isn’t the only one who put on a fantastic show at Pirates games. The Ebony Fire Dance Team, Blue Thunder Cheerleaders, and pirate mascot also do plenty to keep the crowd entertained. All three are fun parts of the game, and you especially won’t want to miss the Ebony Fire Dance Team when they take the field.

The band and spirit groups make attending a Hampton football game an unforgettable experience, so get your tickets to a Pirates game today.

Things to check out

The Force

The Hampton University Marching Band, or The Force, is hands down the best part of any Hampton football game. While you may be attending a football game, the band is the main attraction at Hampton. These talented musicians put on an incredible show, so enjoy their performance throughout the game.

The Ebony Fire Dance Team

You won’t want to miss the Ebony Fire Dance Team during the game. The dance team will dazzle you with their moves and put on quite the display making them a must-see part of any Pirates game.

Blue Thunder Cheerleaders

Join in the cheers and chants lead by the Blue Thunder cheer squad. Blue Thunder does a fantastic job of pumping up the crowd making them a big part of any Pirates football game.

Pirate Mascot

Keep an eye out for the pirate mascot at the game. He gets into all kind of shenanigans at games making him a fun part of any Hampton sporting event.

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