NORFOLK, Va. – Public transit was a hit for the Norfolk Tides’ opening weekend.
Fans rode The Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry to Harbor Park for free as a partnership between the City of Norfolk and the Norfolk Tides to provide alternative options to alleviate parking and traffic congestion.
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) today announced ridership totals for the first three home games, which included a near sell-out opening night on Friday, March 28, the popular fireworks show on March 29 and a Sunday matinee on March 30.
On opening night, The Tide saw 7,418 riders, with 2,360 arriving or leaving Harbor Park Station.
On Saturday, system ridership was 5,169, with 1,459 transversing Harbor Park Station. And on Sunday, 2,738 customers rode the Tide, with 747 passing through the station next to the stadium.
These numbers were substantially higher than for the first three games last season. The same Friday night in 2024 saw 5,057 riders at on the Tide, with 1,169 arriving and departing at Harbor Park Station. For that Saturday, the light rail system recorded 3,392 total passengers with 655 getting off or hopping on at Harbor Park Station. On that Sunday a year earlier, the system had 1,809 riders with 348 attending baseball games.
Meanwhile, the Elizabeth River Ferry reported steady traffic for this year’s opening weekend.
A total of 441 passengers on Friday arrived and departed from Harbor Park Landing, adjacent to the stadium, from North Landing in Portsmouth. On Saturday, 366 fans took the ferry to the stadium. And on Sunday the number was 127.
“From opening night to the last out of the season, fans recognize HRT’s transportation solutions for baseball games and other big events this spring and summer,” said William E. Harrell, President and CEO. “We thank the City of Norfolk and the Norfolk Tides for recognizing HRT’s important role in moving fans efficiently and safely all season long and making it possible again to ride for free this year.”
Plan ahead for this week’s games
To plan ahead for this week’s games, starting Tuesday at 6:35 p.m., fans are reminded that complimentary rides on The Tide are available two hours before and after each game. Fans can show their ticket for that day’s game for a free ride on light rail to and from the stadium.
Service runs every 15 minutes to the stadium before the game and about every 10 minutes after the game. For Sunday home games, Tide service will begin at 10 a.m., earlier than the normal schedule.
Fans are encouraged to park for free at three park-and-ride lots at Tide stations: Newtown Road Station (Newtown Road and Kempsville Road), Military Highway Station (Curlew Drive and Corporate Boulevard), and Ballentine/Broad Creek Station(Ballentine Boulevard and I-264).
Free ferry service to and from Harbor Park from North Landing (not Waterside) runs every 30 minutes beginning one hour before game time until one hour after the game ends. Parking for the ferry in Portsmouth is free at city garages after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
This year, the City of Norfolk-owned MacArthur South Garage is free for fans. The garage is just two light rail stops, or a roughly 15-minute walk, from Harbor Park, giving fans the option to take transit or walk. According to the city, 2,994 cars parked at the garage for opening weekend.
When leaving the stadium, fans using light rail are urged to be patient and observe lines directing them to the eastbound Tide in the direction of Newtown Road or westbound through downtown toward EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station.
HRT reminds fans to be safe around tracks. Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the station and never stand on or near the tracks.
Bark in the Park
Those heading to Harbor Park with their dog on Sunday for Bark in the Park are reminded that pets are not allowed on light rail. Service animals, however, are allowed to assist a person with a disability. Pets are allowed on the ferry.
To plan your trip with HRT, visit the interactive route map at https://gohrt.com/system-map/
To plan your visit to the ballpark, please visit the Tides at https://www.milb.com/norfolk/ballpark/transportation-and-parking
To plan parking, visit the map at https://www.norfolk.gov/1703/Harbor-Park-Parking
Watch an interview with the City of Norfolk and the Tides explaining changes this year on HRT’s On the Move show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5gxUhT5H_g&t=29s.
Media contact:
Thomas Becher, APR
Manager, Communications
April 7, 2025
Cell: (757) 354-0564
(757) 222-6010