Norfolk State Spartans
Overview
Stadium: William "Dick" Price Stadium.
League: NCAA Division I FCS
Head Coach: Dawson Odums
Team Mascot: Spartan
Year Opened: 1997
Capacity: 30000
City / State: Norfolk, Virginia
Rivalries & Top Games to Attend
Battle of the Bay
Rival Team: Hampton Pirates
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 Norfolk State as they look to extend their current three game winning streak against in-state rivals Hampton.
Norfolk State Spartans Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
At a Norfolk State tailgate, you’ll find an incredible sense of camaraderie among fans and an extremely friendly and welcoming tailgate atmosphere. Tailgates at Norfolk State have a family feel helping everyone feel welcome and creating a strong bond between fellow Spartans fans.
Norfolk State fans are also diehard as well. The fans come out in strong numbers to support their team despite the fact the Spartans have been mediocre at best over the past few seasons. Everywhere you look on game days you’ll see fans dressed in green and gold tailgating and having fun before the game.
One of the best parts of any Norfolk State tailgate is when the Spartan Legion Marching Band marches through the tailgate. The band here is one of the best in the country, and their appearance before the game is the perfect way to get into the game day spirit.
You’ll find a friendly atmosphere and lots of diehard fans at Norfolk State making it a great place to tailgate on a fall Saturday.
Traditions
Spartan Legion Pregame Walk
Don’t miss the Spartan Legion Marching Band’s pregame walk through the tailgate area. The Spartan Legion’s appearance energizes the crowd and gets everyone ready to cheer on the Spartans to victory making it a must-see part of the pregame festivities.
Homecoming Parade
If you’re attending the homecoming football game, make sure to check out the parade before the game. The parade is an excellent way to kickoff a day off tailgating and football fun, making it a can’t miss part of homecoming weekend.
Where to tailgate
Reserved Tailgating Areas
If you want to tailgate at a Norfolk State game, you’ll have to reserve a tailgating spot. Spots can be purchased on a per game basis or for the whole season, so no matter how many Spartans games you want to attend Norfolk State has a tailgating package for you.
RV Tailgating
Those of you who want to bring an RV or another oversized vehicle to the game will have to reserve a tailgating spot in the RV lot. The RV lot is located next to the Facilities Management Building and is where you’ll find all the tricked out tailgate vehicles on Saturdays.
Norfolk State Spartans Stadium Guide
In Game
Norfolk State fans live and die with their team and come from all over the Hampton Roads area to cheer on the Spartans on game days. The fans at Price Stadium are very vocal in their support of the Spartans and all throughout the game you’ll hear cheers and chants as the fans try to propel their team to victory. Spartans fans especially make their presence known during homecoming or rivalry games with nearby Hampton so if you can only attend one game a season, make sure it’s one of these two.
In addition to great fan support, Norfolk State is also home to an incredible band. The Spartan Legion Marching Band is one of the best bands you’ll see anywhere, and a lot of the people in attendance come just to see the band. Enjoy the performance of the Spartan Legion as they’re arguably the best band you’ll ever see at a college football game.
The spirit groups at Norfolk State are also no slouches either. The Spartan’s mascot is a fun part of any game with his antics, and no visit to Price Stadium is complete without seeing the Hot Ice dance team perform.
A Norfolk State game is a good time for any college football fan, so plan your trip to Norfolk State today.
Things to check out
Spartan Legion Marching Band
The Spartan Legion Marching Band is one of the best parts of a Norfolk State game, so make sure to stay in your seat at halftime. A lot of people show up to Norfolk State games just to see the Spartan Legion, which is a testament to their greatness.
Spartan Mascot
You won’t want to miss the shenanigans of the Spartan’s mascot when taking in a Norfolk State game. The mascot entertains the crowd throughout the game with dances and other goofy antics, so keep an eye out for him at the game.
Hot Ice
Enjoy the performance of the Hot Ice dance team when taking in a game at Price Stadium. Hot Ice will dazzle you with their routines making them a can’t miss part of any Norfolk State sporting event.
Cheerleaders
Cheer along with the cheerleaders during your visit to Norfolk State. The cheer squad leads the crowd in a variety of cheers and chants, so join in and give the Spartans as much of a home field advantage as possible.