Hampton Pirates Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Robert Prunty

Team Mascot: Petey the Pirate

Year Opened: 1928

Capacity: 12000

City / State: Hampton / Virginia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle of the Bay

Rival Team: Norfolk State Spartans

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Fight Songs

  1. Hampton University Fight Song

    All hail, to the Hampton Pirates
    Rulers of the sea,
    All hail, to the Hampton Pirates
    Best team they’ll ever be!!
    All hai! Hail! Hail!

    To the mighty Hampton Pirates,
    Hail to the White and Blue!

    It’s H-A-M-P-T-O-N,
    Hampton Pirates fight to win,
    Hampton Pirates we love you!!

  2. Hampton University Alma Mater

    O Hampton, a thought sent from Heaven above,
    To be a great soul’s inspiration;
    We sing thee the earnest of broad human love,
    The shrine of our heart’s adoration.
    Thy foundation firm and thy roof tree out spread,
    And thy sacred altar-fires burning,
    The sea circling ’round thee, soft skies overhead,
    Dear Hampton, the goal of our yearning!

    Refrain
    O Hampton, we never can make thee a song
    Except as our lives do the singing,
    In service that will thy great spirit prolong,
    And send it through centuries ringing!

    Kind mother, we’ll treasure the dear happy days
    We’ve spent here in life’s preparation,
    Yet go with brave hearts upon our chosen ways,
    Of service to God and our nation.
    Still wearing thy colors, the blue and the white,
    As pledge that our fond hearts will cherish
    A love which for thee ever shines true and bright,
    A loyalty that ne’er can perish!

Hampton Pirates Bars & Restaurants

  1. Harpoon Larry’s Fish House

    Harpoon Larrys Fish House

    We specialize in fresh, local seafood delivered straight to our back door. Everything on our menu is made in-house from the cocktail sauce to desserts.

    621 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Goody’s Deli & Pub

    Cocktails Mikeys Bar Grill

    "The best reuben in the universe is at Goody's."- Frank Zappa

    11 E Queens Way, Hampton, VA 23669, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. PBR & Tapps

    Tequila

    The toughest sport on dirt transformed into Hampton’s most stunning club all decked out with beautiful décor, cold beer, hard drinks, and a little bull ridin’!

    1976 Power Plant Pkwy, Hampton, VA 23666, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Mugzy’s Grill

    Beer glass

    A nice place to stop by for some good drinks!

    1312 E Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA 23669, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Crabtown Raw Bar & Grill

    Crabtown Raw Bar Grill

    Fresh, local seafood direct from the Chesapeake Bay!

    1405 E Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA 23663, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. The Grey Goose

    The Grey Goose

    The restaurant that's also a Bakery! Featuring and incredible Craft Beer selection, wine and NOW a full bar!

    118 Old Hampton Ln, Hampton, VA 23669, USA

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  7. Olde Towne Tavern

    Olde Towne Tavern

    A comfortable atmosphere with great customer service, some delicious local "tavern style" seafood favorites, 100% beef burgers plus some soups & salads to satisfy all your tastes.

    31 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Stillwater Tavern

    Stillwater Tavern clubhouse sandwich

    Extensive food menu with lunch specials and daily deals.

    555 Settlers Landing Rd o, Hampton, VA 23669, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  9. Wilkes Bar-B-Q Co

    The Camellia Grill fries

    Your destination for an amazingly delicious and to-die-for BBQ sandwich!

    3700 Victoria Blvd, Hampton, VA 23669, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  10. Old Hampton Seafood Kitchen

    The Waysider

    Has the best fried seafood in town!

    124 S Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23669, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Mama Rosa’s Italian Family Restaurant

    pizza Mama Rosas Italian Family Restaurant

    Very friendly staff, and amazingly delicious pizzas!

    617 E Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA 23663, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  12. Surf Rider Restaurant

    Surf Rider Restaurant shrimp

    For many locals in the Tidewater area, Surf Rider is a name that has long been synonymous with terrific home-style cooking.

    1 Marina Rd, Hampton, VA 23669, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Venture Kitchen & Bar

    Venture Kitchen Bar

    Adventurous Food & Drink in Downtown Hampton VA. We make our pizza dough in house and bake it in our brick lined oven.

    9 E Queens Way, Hampton, VA 23669, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  14. El Azteca Mexican Restaurant

    Mexican

    They serve amazingly flavorful and rich Mexican food and provides good service.

    2040 Coliseum Dr, Hampton, VA 23666, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$