NORFOLK, Va. – Larger-than-usual crowds are expected on Saturday, Sept. 6, when both the Norfolk State University Spartans football team and the Norfolk Tides baseball team begin play minutes apart.
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), in partnership with the City of Norfolk and both Norfolk State and the Tides, will provide free rides on The Tide light rail in support of both games to reduce traffic congestion.
The Spartans kick off at 6 p.m. while the Tides start at 6:35 p.m. With limited parking around Dick Price Stadium at NSU and Harbor Park for the Tides, fans for both games are urged to consider several transit options:
- Park for free at park-and-ride lots at Newtown Road Station, Military Highway Station or behind the EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station, then catch a train for free. The Newtown Road lot tends to fill quickly, so keep other options in mind. Tides fans can ride to Harbor Park Station while Spartan fans head to Ballentine/Broad Creek Station. While the NSU Station is also available, the Ballentine station is at street level and a shorter walk to the stadium. Signs will direct fans from the station to the stadium.
- Park for free at the city-owned MacArthur South and North Garages. From there, Tides fans can get on the light rail at MacArthur Station for a short ride to Harbor Park. For the football game, NSU buses will queue at MacArthur South Garage to shuttle fans to the stadium. Shuttle service begins two hours before kickoff. Alternatively, fans can also take The Tide to Ballentine/Broad Creek Station.
Free rides on the Tide run two hours before each game, with trains running every 15 minutes. Trains will operate on 10-minute intervals after the games until midnight.
Rider capacity will be limited on some trains and at some stations to allow fans an opportunity to board further down the line.
Some tips to make the most of gameday:
- Arrive early. HRT will have extra staff at park-and-ride lots and Tide light rail stations to help fans make their way safely to the stadiums. Arrive early and be patient, as trains are expected to be at capacity.
- Use caution. HRT is asking riders to use caution when approaching the train station and when boarding and exiting the light rail. Be safe around tracks. Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the station and never stand on or near the tracks. Once at the station, always stand behind the red rumble strips.
- After the games, be sure you are standing in the line or on the platform traveling in the direction you need to go. Adhere to instructions from HRT staff, law enforcement and other officials, and be respectful to fellow fans.
See the map of Tide light rail stations
About HRT
HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable. For more information on transit services, visit gohrt.com.
Media contact:
Thomas Becher, APR
Communications Manager
FOIA Officer
Hampton Roads Transit
509 E. 18th St.
Norfolk, VA 23504
C: (757) 354-0564
P: (757) 222-6010
www.gohrt.com
P: (757) 222-6010