What’s so special about Norfolk?
America has an impressive collection of seaside cities, but none hold a candle to Norfolk. Lively, adventurous and independent, this coastal city hugs the Atlantic Ocean and is innervated with an intricate series of waterways that include the Elizabeth and Indian rivers. In addition to bountiful waters just waiting to be explored, Norfolk is also home to charming restaurants, spirited festivals and an unparalleled array of sports facilities that are perfectly suited to host your next event. From arenas used by professional hockey teams to gymnasiums where college athletes have won championships, Norfolk is proud to provide you with a venue to suit whatever sports event you bring its way.
What does Norfolk have to offer my teams?
Kayaking, sailing, crabbing, swimming, fishing, tubing, simply relaxing… when it comes to getting your feet wet, Norfolk knows best. Whether your teams are splashing in the Atlantic Ocean, boating in the Chesapeake or exploring the many rivers that run through the area, they’ll gain a new appreciation for life on the water and have a hard time coming back to land. Once you’ve convinced them to dry off, your athletes can enjoy a variety of activities like attending seasonal festivals or concerts, or exploring Norfolk’s role in the Underground Railroad. Worked up an appetite? Take your team on a culinary tour, or settle down at local favorites like Mojo Bones, Shula’s 347, Belmont House of Smoke and No Frill Grill. Your teams will happy and comfortable no matter where in Norfolk they decide to stay, but with so many activities right at their fingertips, you can be assured that your athletes won’t want to spend too much time just sitting in their hotel rooms.
X Factors
Our destination assists planners in a variety of ways depending on the size & their needs.
Can I get some quick facts about Norfolk’s facilities?
Norfolk Scope Arena
Sports: Hockey, basketball, boxing, MMA
Located in downtown Norfolk, Scope Arena is home to the Norfolk Admirals professional hockey team and a flexible main arena that seats anywhere from 8,000-10,500 fans depending on the event. The arena is known for hosting hockey games and basketball tournaments, and has hosted a handful of boxing and MMA events.
Harbor Park
Sports: Baseball, softball
This AAA baseball stadium sits right beside the Elizabeth River and is home to the Norfolk Tides minor league baseball team. The stadium has 9,000 lower-deck seats, 2,800 upper-deck seats, 24 luxury sky boxes and a 300-seat restaurant where visitors can enjoy a full view of the playing field. In addition to expansive seating, the park also offers a full press box, a large parking lot and a tiered picnic area.
The Ted Constant Convocation Center
Sports: Boxing, wrestling, basketball
With seats for 9,100 spectators, this multi-purpose arena is the shining star of Old Dominion University’s athletic facilities. Amenities include cushioned seats, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, 50 high-definition flat-screen TVS to provide better viewing of the event and a brand new lighting and sound system. Past events held at the convocation center include boxing, wrestling and basketball.
William Dick Price Stadium
Sports: Track and field, football
Located on the southeast end of Norfolk State University’s campus, this top-tier stadium has a natural grass infield as well as an eight-lane, I IAAF surface track. Additionally, William Dick Price Stadium offers a two-story press box, multiple concession areas and two brand new LED video display boards at each end. The stadium seats 30,000 fans and is recognized as one of the largest sports and entertainment venues in southeastern Virginia region.
Foreman Field & Ainslie Football Complex
Sports: Football
With seating for over 20,000 fans, a two-story press box and two state-of-the-art scoreboards, Forman Field is home to the Old Dominion Monarchs and is the perfect venue for a football event. The field itself is made of Astroturf GameDay Grass.
Batten Student Center at Virginia Wesleyan College
Sports: Basketball, volleyball, swimming, racquetball
This student center, located in the heart of Virginia Wesleyan’s campus, is home to the school’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. With two multi-purpose gyms, the center is able to fit large crowds and is perfect for hosting big events. The facility also offers three racquetball courts, an eight-lane indoor pool and a 36-foot rock climbing wall.
So, how do I get the team there?
Norfolk, only an hour and a half south of Richmond, is centrally located in a cluster of popular East Coast cities.
By Car: For teams that wish to drive to Norfolk, I-664, I-64 and I-264 all directly access the city. In addition to Richmond, cities under seven hours from Norfolk include Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; Raleigh, North Carolina; Baltimore; New York City; Charleston, West Virginia; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
By Air: Only 15 minutes from the city center, Norfolk International Airport is readily available for teams that plan on flying. Airlines that service Norfolk International include American, Delta, Southwest and United.
