Skip to main content
NCAA FCS

William "Dick" Price StadiumNorfolk, Virginia

Norfolk State Spartans

👥
Capacity
30,000
🏆
Conference
MEAC
📅
Opened
1997
🌱
Surface
N/A

📖About William "Dick" Price Stadium

William "Dick" Price Stadium, opened in 1997, is one of the largest sports and entertainment venues in Hampton Roads with a 30,000-seat capacity. Named after Norfolk State's winningest football coach, the stadium set an attendance record of 34,000 at its inaugural game and has consistently ranked among the top FCS venues for attendance, reflecting the passionate Spartan fanbase.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1997 to replace the aging Foreman Field, the stadium was designed to accommodate Norfolk State's growing football program and serve as a premier multi-use facility for Hampton Roads. The venue's 30,000 capacity made it one of the largest in FCS football, signaling NSU's commitment to athletic excellence.

Major Renovations

2011Natural grass replaced with Spike Zone Pro 1.75" artificial turf with Envirofill infill
2012Two state-of-the-art LED video boards installed (12.5' x 31' west end, 17' x 47' east end)
2018Stadium facility upgrades and modernization

Notable Moments

Sept 6, 1997Inaugural game vs Virginia State drew sellout crowd of 34,000 - still stadium attendance record
1998-2011NSU ranked in top 20 FCS attendance six times, including 15th in 2003
2010sStadium hosted MEAC championship games and CIAA football classics

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Lower bowl seating between the 30-yard lines offers the best views of the action. The west side provides afternoon shade. The student section creates an energetic atmosphere, especially for rivalry games. With 30,000 seats, there are excellent sightlines throughout the stadium.

Parking Tips

Multiple parking lots surround the stadium off Ballentine Boulevard and Corprew Avenue. Arrive 2 hours early for prime tailgating spots. Parking is plentiful compared to most venues due to the stadium's size. Follow stadium parking attendants for quickest access.

Game Day

The Spartan Legion tailgates fire up 3-4 hours before kickoff. Norfolk State's Spartan Legion Marching Band delivers powerful pre-game and halftime shows. The atmosphere is especially electric for homecoming and rivalry matchups. Ocean View and downtown Norfolk offer excellent post-game dining.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The OV Beach Tavern

$$

Ocean View beach bar with laid-back atmosphere and outdoor seating near the Chesapeake Bay.

📍 2 milesOcean View

💡 Perfect post-game spot with beach vibes and local crowd.

Azalea Inn & Time Out Sports Bar

$

Sports bar with TVs, gameday atmosphere, and pub fare.

📍 2.5 miles2344 E. Little Creek Rd

💡 Classic sports bar for pre-game drinks and food.

🍽️Restaurants

Captain Groovy's

$$

Fresh seafood platters, raw bar, and Southern-style seafood with laid-back beach atmosphere and outdoor seating.

📍 2 milesOcean View

💡 Local favorite during happy hour - arrive early for waterfront tables.

Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant

$$

Elevated dining with Chesapeake Bay views, cocktails, and fresh seafood.

📍 2.5 milesOcean View

💡 Spectacular views - book ahead for post-game dining with a view.

Waterside District

$$

Downtown Norfolk's waterfront dining and entertainment complex with multiple restaurants.

📍 5 milesDowntown Norfolk

💡 Variety of dining options in one location - great for groups.

🏨Hotels

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

$$$

Waterfront hotel near Norfolk Naval Base, Town Point Park, and Nauticus Museum.

📍 5 milesDowntown Norfolk

💡 Prime downtown location for weekend gameday trips. Book early for homecoming.

The Glass Light Hotel

$$$

Boutique hotel and glass art gallery in historic downtown with 113 rooms and suites.

📍 5 milesDowntown Norfolk

💡 Unique artistic atmosphere with local character.

🎭Attractions

Nauticus & USS Wisconsin

$$

Maritime discovery center with interactive exhibits and historic Battleship Wisconsin museum.

📍 5 milesDowntown Norfolk waterfront

💡 Tour the battleship Saturday morning before afternoon kickoffs.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

$$

175-acre garden with vibrant flowers, tranquil ponds, butterfly garden, and themed collections.

📍 3 milesNorfolk

💡 Beautiful morning activity before gameday festivities.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Stadium Main Lots

$15-25
Lot📍 Adjacent

💡 Multiple large lots around stadium. Arrive 2 hours early for tailgating.

🅿️

Ballentine Boulevard Parking

$15
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Easy access off main road with quick exit after games.

🅿️

Overflow Parking

$10
Lot📍 0.25 miles

💡 Additional capacity on busy gamedays, short walk to stadium.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near William "Dick" Price Stadium? Share it with us.

Stadiums Near William "Dick" Price Stadium

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.