On Saturday, Sept. 22, Old Dominion will host its most-anticipated opponent in program history, as the 10th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies visit Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium for the first time. It will be the first top-10 opponent the Monarchs will play at the FBS level and the first of six trips scheduled for the Hokies to play ODU in Norfolk between 2018 and 2031. “The anticipation and excitement level has been building for this game for a long time from both schools. Monarch fans have marked this date on their calendars for several years and Hokie fans, many of whom live here in Hampton Roads, have been waiting for the day their team returned to play a game in their backyard,” remarked ODU Director of Athletics, Dr. Wood Selig.
ODU is looking forward to hosting the Hokies not only on the field, but off the field as well.
“I want to encourage our ODU fans to exhibit their Monarch pride and class before, during and after this highly anticipated contest. We have a tremendous opportunity to showcase our phenomenal tailgating experience and hospitality to ODU and Virginia Tech fans alike. Remember to wear white and support the Monarchs with all you have!” Senior Associate Athletic Director for ODAF Jena Virga said.
Old Dominion sold out the first 60 games in school history but is preparing for nothing seen before in Norfolk.
“The decibel level can reach deafening levels at S.B. Ballard Stadium and I know our team will benefit from the home field advantage our 12th Monarchs create. We expect to have the largest crowd inside S.B. Ballard Stadium we’ve ever had, but with our capacity capped at 20,118, it will be normal operating procedures from a game operations standpoint,” Selig added. “I expect a great game and a terrific atmosphere. I hope that everyone coming to Norfolk this weekend enjoys their experience. What a unique opportunity to bring so many fans of ODU and Virginia Tech together in Norfolk for the first of six football weekends.”
City of Norfolk Fan Guide for VT vs. ODU
Kickoff & TV Coverage: The game will kick off at 3:30pm. The game will be televised nationally by CBS Sports Network.
Pre-Game Events in Downtown Norfolk:
- A free concert will be offered to fans and guests staying downtown on Thursday night. The concert will take place at Town Point Park and will feature Colony House. Parking opens at 5pm, Tall Heights will open followed by Colony House.
- Friday night will feature a joint pep rally for both fan bases. ODU and Virginia Tech fans are invited to the rally at Waterside District starting at 8 p.m. The event will include special guests, music, and entertainment. The alumni associations from both schools are hosting the event.
For more information on both events refer to the City of Norfolk Fan Guide above.
Shuttle Service: ODU will offer free shuttle bus service from several downtown hotels and businesses, including Waterside District/Sheraton, and The Main/Marriott, to the game and back. A-frame signage will mark the pick-up and drop-off points at each location. The shuttle service will be available from 11am to 10pm on Saturday and pick up every 15-20 minutes.
Downtown Pick-up Locations: Waterside District and Martin’s Lane
ODU Drop-off Location: 45th Street/Hampton Blvd.
VT & ODU Alumni Tailgates: Both schools’ alumni associations will host pre-game tailgates on Kaufman Mall. Tailgate tickets can be purchased through the respective alumni associations. Food and drink are included with the ticket.
Tailgating Times and Policies: Tailgating areas will open four (4) hours prior to each football game's kickoff. TAILGATING AT HALFTIME AND DURING THE GAME IS PROHIBITED and fans must vacate the parking lots no later than two hours after the completion of the game. For a full list of tailgating policies, along with a tailgate map, refer to the ODU Football Fan Guide above.
Game Day Parking: Surface parking and most garage parking on campus are reserved for ODU ticket holders and donors. Free public parking is available in the garages on either side of the Ted Constant Convocation Center (43rd street and 45th street sides). As necessary, overflow lots for vehicular and RV parking will be made available. Game day staff will direct non-assigned vehicles accordingly. For a parking map and more information about game day parking refer to the ODU Football Fan Guide above.
Ticket Information: The game is sold out. ODU Will Call ticket pick up is available on the day of the game starting at 11:30 a.m. by Gate C. Visiting team Will Call and player guest tickets should be picked up at Gate A on the East side of S.B. Ballard Stadium. Prior to the game, tickets can be picked up at the Constant Center box office during normal business hours. Contact the ODU Ticket Office at 757-683-4444 for ticket information and questions.