Showing posts with label Norfolk University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Norfolk University. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Time for cheering to start at Boo Williams Sportsplex

The new sports facility is ready for the games to begin after this evening's ceremony.

HAMPTON, VA - Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning, a Chesapeake native, and CBS commentator James Brown are among the noted guests expected tonight at the invitation-only grand opening at the Boo Williams Sportsplex.

The $13.5-million, 135,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility opens after the 6 p.m. ceremony with city of Hampton recreation basketball. Hampton Mayor Ross A. Kearney II and Hampton University President William R. Harvey are also on the program.

Williams said Monday that Hampton native Howard White also hopes to attend but might have a scheduling conflict. White, a Kecoughtan graduate and Nike executive, has purchased naming rights for one of the two pavilions at the complex.

VIEW THE VIDEO TOUR WITH BOO WILLIAMS OF THE SPORTSPLEX AND CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE BY CLICKING ON BLOG TITLE.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

45th Battle of the Bay: HU vs. NSU


by NSU Sports Information

NORFOLK, Va. – For the fourth time since 2001, State Farm will be the principal sponsor of the Battle of the Bay football game as the Norfolk State University Spartans (4-1 overall, 3-0 MEAC) host the Hampton University Pirates (4-1, 3-1) on Saturday, Oct. 13, at William “Dick” Price Stadium. Kickoff is 2 p.m. for what is considered one of Hampton Roads’ biggest entertainment and sports events.

The week's activities begin on Thursday, Oct. 11 when State Farm hosts a media luncheon featuring Norfolk State head coach Pete Adrian, Hampton Head Coach Joe Taylor and players from both teams.

On Friday, State Farm and the Norfolk State University Athletics Foundation will co-host the "State Farm Battle of the Bay After Work Mixer” at Grand Affairs in Virginia Beach, Va. Alumni, university administrators, faculty, staff and supporters of both institutions are expected to attend the event and music will be provided by the Fuzz Band. The Norfolk, Va.- based band has opened for platinum-selling artists such as Outkast, Jill Scott, Morris Day and The Time and Alicia Keys. The Fuzz Band has also performed at fundraisers for dignitaries and entertainers, including Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, NBA star Allen Iverson and former NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith.

As a result of State Farm's partnership with the NSU Athletics Department, State Farm will also participate in NSU's Parent Weekend set for Oct. 11-12. State Farm will donate 50 Million Pound Challenge kits to participants of the 2k run/walk on the NSU campus.

The football game on Saturday is the 45th meeting between the schools in what has been one of college football’s most intense and enduring rivalries. NSU leads the series 22-21-1, although the Spartans have not defeated the Pirates since 2001. In addition to the fierce, hard-hitting action between the teams, fans will also be treated to the pageantry and precision of the NSU Spartan Legion Marching Band, featuring the Hot Ice Dancers; and the Hampton Marching Force and the Ebony Fire Dance Team.

“The Battle of the Bay is a football classic between two long-time rivals and it has delighted fans for many years,” said Bill Whitney, vice president of State Farm Insurance. “State Farm Insurance is proud to sponsor the game, because it is more than a competition. The event highlights the educational and athletic excellence of Norfolk State and Hampton Universities.”

The end of the game will not mean the end of the day’s events. After the game, spectators will be invited on the Dick Price Stadium field to stage the largest Cupid Shuffle in Hampton Roads – and perhaps the world. A raffle will be held and registered participants will have a chance to win cash prizes totaling $1,000.

“Norfolk State University Athletics is extremely pleased with the support we receive from State Farm," said Craig Cotton, associate athletics director for external operations. “State Farm's sponsorship of the Battle of the Bay and its involvement as a Team Spartan Corporate Partner indicate the company's commitment to supporting organizations and events that benefit and serve the community.”