Norfolk State Spartans Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Dawson Odums

Team Mascot: Spiro the Spartan

Year Opened: 1997

Capacity: 30000

City / State: Norfolk / Virginia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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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.

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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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Fight Songs

  1. Norfolk State Fight Song

    SAY HEY for the victory
    That’s sure to be;
    For NSU we’re here to fight.

    And we will fight for the Green & Gold,
    Our Alma Mater-
    We pledge our loyalty.

    Say Hey! (HEY) For the Victory!
    Say Hey! Hey! Hey!
    For NSU, we’ll fight.

    Fight team, fight on to victory for N-S-U.

    (Repeat with Band Singing)

    (Then Repeat with Band Playing)

  2. Norfolk State Alma Mater

    By Virginia’s golden shore,
    There’s a place that we adore
    Where Norfolk’s sun shines bright
    Down on our campus site.
    The walls of Brown Hall
    Will always give a call
    To all striving to succeed,
    Forging onward, bound to lead.

    Though the years we spend are few,
    You will teach us what to do.
    In splendor we’ll relive
    The glorious time you give.
    We’ll wave the green and gold
    To praise thee a thousand-fold.
    A guiding light to us you’ve been
    Unwav’ring to the end.

    CHORUS 
    Oh, Norfolk State, we love you.
    Oh, Norfolk State, we’ll always be true.
    And when we leave we’ll shed a tear,
    For to us you’ve been so dear.
    And leaving shed a joyful tear
    For our Alma Mater dear.

Norfolk State Spartans Bars & Restaurants

  1. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

    beer burger Buddys Place

    Bar chain serving creative burgers & a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space.

    131 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. The Bier Garden

    Tap

    German classics pair with 300+ global brews in a traditional setting with a beer hall & garden.

    438 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  3. Luce

    Luce

    Quaint, urban fixture with creative Italian dishes, plus local beers on tap & an eclectic wine list.

    245 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  4. Freemason Abbey Restaurant

    Freemason Abbey Restaurant

    Traditional American fare in a circa-1873 church, now with a tavern ambiance amid the stained glass.

    209 W Freemason St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Humboldt Steel Corp. Restaurant & Bar

    Chips

    Featuring Draft, Bottled, Domestic, Imported and Craft Beer (of which over 40 of them are on tap!), Northern California Style Hand Tossed Pizza, Food, Spirits & Joy!

    501 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  6. Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar

    Roger Browns Restaurant and Sports Bar

    Your dining experience here is like no other. We recommend our Angus Steaks, aged 28 days and prepared in our classic style to your taste. Or choose from our menu of freshly prepared dishes.

    316 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  7. Baxter’s

    Anchor Bar Beer Dega Brewhouse Beer Phoenix Grill & Bar Beer The Canadian Brewhouse Beer Lil Dickys

    Baxter's is the largest & most exciting award-winning bar and lounge in Downtown Norfolk. Watch your favorite game on one of over 25 HD flat screens around the restaurant including eight 60" HD flat screens above the bar.

    500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  8. 4.5.6 Fish

    fish

    Regional cuisine with an Asian and Southern Influence.

    456 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Gershwin’s

    Gershwins

    Gershwin's is a 1930's themed bistro, featuring live entertainment including classic American standards like Sinatra and Cole Porter.

    332 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Granby Street Pizza

    Granby Street Pizza

    New York style pizza in the heart of downtown Norfolk.

    235 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  11. Freemason Abbey Restaurant

    Freemason Abbey Restaurant ribeye steak

    Our menu features fresh seafood, lobster tails, steaks, pasta dishes, and our award-winning She Crab Soup.

    209 W Freemason St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

    Grace OMalleys Irish Pub

    Grace O’Malley’s is locally-owned and family-run, and offers an authentic Irish pub experience reflecting the heritage and experiences of its owners.

    211 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    757-333-3330

    Bar website

    european - $$