Old Dominion Monarchs Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Jeff Jones

Team Mascot: Big Blue

Year Opened: 2002

Capacity: 8472

City / State: Norfolk / Virginia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Old Dominion Monarchs vs VCU Rams

Rival Team: VCU Rams

The Old Dominion-VCU rivalry is considered the best college hoops rivalry in the Commonwealth of Virginia and has been played regularly since 1969. VCU holds a slim 49-43 lead in the all-time series, but you’re always in for a good one when these two rivals meet so make sure to get your tickets when the Rams come to town.

Old Dominion Monarchs Stadium Guide

In Game

Old Dominion is one of the best basketball schools in Conference USA and an excellent Conference USA road trip destination. The Monarchs many tournament appearances and Colonial Athletic Association championships have helped build a rabid fan base around the team. Monarchs fans go all out on game days to support their team, and you’ll find a great atmosphere inside the Chartaway Arena.

The cheer and dance teams, as well as the Monarch Pep Band, also add to the incredible atmosphere at an ODU game. The pep band and cheer squads rally the crowd throughout the game, and you won’t want to miss your chance to take part in the Ice Cream and Cake Dance.

In addition to a lively atmosphere, you’ll also find some great tributes to the Monarchs past. The main lobby is home to a hall of fame where you can see a wide variety of trophies won by the Monarchs over the years. The Chartaway Arena is also home to lots of banners celebrating the basketball program’s rich history as well, so take some time to view it all before the game starts.

Finally, those of you looking to get the most out of your trip will want to explore downtown Norfolk. Downtown you’ll find a great selection of bars and restaurants to try including Freemason Abbey and Shula’s 347 Grill.

A trip to see an Old Dominion basketball game is a fantastic time for any college hoops fan looking to explore the best that Conference USA has to offer.

Things to check out

Hall of Fame

Stop by the ODU Hall of Fame in the main lobby to see all of the championship trophies won by the Monarchs over the years. The Hall of Fame is a must-see for any college sports fan, so make sure to check it out during your visit.

Banners

The banners hanging up at the Chartway Arena celebrate the best players and teams in Monarchs history. You can see banners honoring Monarchs greats including Dave Twardzik and Mark West, so take a moment to remember all of your favorite ODU players of the past.

Big Blue

Big Blue is a lion mascot that can be found at every Old Dominion home basketball game. He is a fan favorite due to his wild antics and is sure to put a smile on your face when attending a game at the Chartway Arena.

Monarch Pep Band

The Monarch Pep Band is a staple of game days since then pumping up the crowd with their renditions of the school’s fight songs. The band plays a large role in creating the atmosphere that has made the Chartway Arena a tough place for opponents to play, so enjoy their musical stylings during the game.

Charles the Monarch

Charles the Monarch is a labradoodle that looks just like a lion and can be seen at all Old Dominion games. Keep your eyes peeled for this famous dog when attending an ODU game to get the most out of your game day experience.

Ice Cream and Cake

During the under eight-minute timeout, the everyone performs the Ice Cream and Cake dance. Join in on the fun tradition and show off your ODU pride when attending a Monarchs basketball game.

Fight Songs

  1. Fight, Old Dominion!

    Fight song

    Fight, Old Dominion,

    Your courage roars!
    Fight, Old Dominion,
    Your valor soars!

    Blue and Silver worn with pride,
    We’ve got the Spirit right here on our side!
    Hail, Old Dominion,
    Your courage roars!
    Hail, Old Dominion,
    Your valor soars!

    Old Dominion
    GO BIG BLUE!

    Our Victory Lives on in YOU!

  2. Old Dominion, Hail

    Alma mater

    Hail to thee our Alma Mater

    Blue and Silver, hail!

    By the ocean’s billows flying
    See them proudly sail!

    University young and strong,
    We lift our voices in this song,
    This our Song of Alma Mater,
    Old Dominion, hail!

Old Dominion Monarchs Bars & Restaurants

  1. 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 - $$

  2. 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 - $$

  3. AJ Gators Sports Bar & Grill

    AJ Gators Sports Bar Grill

    An amazing sports bar that has a nice staff, super cool drinks, plus it's surrounded with TV's.

    435 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    757-382-5955

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Red Dog Saloon

    Red Dog Saloon

    Food. Fun. Football

    1421 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA

    757-625-0259

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. 37th and Zen

    Thirty Seventh and zen

    A local favorite for food, live music and enjoying good friends.

    1083 W 37th St, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-533-5151

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Tap House Grill

    Tap House Grill beer

    Great food at a tremendous value, big burgers, pastas, local fresh fish and seafood, we will put our Crabcake up against anybodies!

    931 W 21st St, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA

    757-627-9172

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Edge ODU

    Edge ODU

    An awesome college bar that has a great selection of drinks and cool staff!

    4814 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-489-0889

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. The Wave

    The Wave

    The WAVE is the HOTTEST Dance Scene in the 757, we offer the best diversity of any club in this area!

    4107 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-440-5911

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Mojo Bones

    Mojo Bones

    Whether you like hard smoked and hand pulled pork shoulder in a tangy vinegar sauce or slow smoked brisket sliced thick and grilled with hickory sauce, MOJO BONES has it for you.

    4502 Monarch Way, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-961-5465

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  10. Benny Damato’s

    Benny Damatos pizza

    Benny's is Home of The Virginia Slice, Serving New York-style inspired pizza, typically served to order, by the slice from a 28” pie.

    131 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    757-395-4696

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  11. The Grilled Cheese Bistro

    The Grilled Cheese Bistro

    The Grilled Cheese Bistro is a beautifully cozy eatery offering tasty comfort foods, house-made beverages, craft beer and wine.

    345 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    757-233-2512

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Big Easy

    Big Easy

    A place where seafood lovers can find a traditional plate of flounder, scallops or crab but without the fancy ingredients and inflated prices.

    111 W Tazewell St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    757-227-6222

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Todd Jurich’s Bistro

    Todd Jurichs Bistro

    At Todd Jurich's Bistro, you will enjoy five-star cuisine and world-class wines in a relaxed atmosphere.

    150 W Main St #100, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA

    757-622-3210

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  14. Streats

    Streats

    Streats is a place to enjoy international street foods in a relaxed social setting. Creations combine the best locally harvested and sustainable choices along with unique and innovative international ingredients.

    915 W 21st St a, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA

    757-233-8933

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Cogan’s Pizza

    Cogans Pizza

    Football is back and what goes better with your favorite drink and kicking back watching your favorite game? Pizza, of course.

    1901 Colonial Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA

    757-627-6428

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  16. Small’s Smokehouse + Oyster Bar

    Smalls Smokehouse and Oyster Bar

    We love Norfolk, we love BBQ, and we love to nosh. We're combining our love of these things and opened Small's Smokehouse + Oyster Bar at 2700 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk.

    2700 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA

    757-626-3440

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Doumars Cones & Barbecue

    Doumars Cones and Barbecue

    We create our own creamy shakes, ice cream sundaes and more just the way they were made when your grandparents were kids.

    1919 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA

    757-627-4163

    Bar website

    bbq - cafe - $

  18. Fellini’s

    Fellinis

    Still the first name in gourmet pizzas and irresistible salads. European..casual, warm and flavorful. Local favorite for over 21 years.

    3910 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-625-3000

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  19. University Pizza

    University Pizza

    Welcome to University Pizza, a locally owned restaurant specializing in fresh made to order Pizza, Subs, Salads, Wings and a large variety of beers.

    5008 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-423-0300

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  20. The Dirty Buffalo

    The Dirty Buffalo

    Enjoy some delicious comfort food, watch some games, and learn what it means to become a part of The Dirty Buffalo family.

    4012 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-226-7851

    Bar website

    american - $$

  21. Chow Restaurant and Bar

    Chow Restaurant and Bar

    Here at Chow, we celebrate the old traditions of food and Southern hospitality that have long been a staple in our local, state, and regional areas.

    5103 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-321-2923

    Bar website

    american - $$

  22. LeGrand Kitchen

    LeGrand Kitchen

    Inspired by good food and rock ’n’ roll. Chef-owner-musician Stephen Marsh creates simple dishes sourced from food at peak season from the freshest purveyors.

    4515 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  23. Del Vecchios

    Del Vecchios pizza

    At Del Vecchio's we seek out the finest ingredients available, and deliver them fresh. Our pizzas are prepared with passion, and baked to perfection for your enjoyment!

    1080 W 47th St, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  24. Perfectly Frank

    Perfectly Frank hotdogs

    Perfectly frank, a "one size fits all" type of eatery!

    4408 Monarch Way, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-440-1020

    Bar website

    american - $

  25. Hair of the Dog Eatery

    Hair of the Dog Eatery

    Locally owned and operated Hair of the dog serves up a delightful spin on classic comfort foods and traditional breakfast offerings that will keep you coming back for more.

    4820 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

    757-321-2200

    Bar website

    american - $