Officially, a sports equinox is a rare event. It’s when games from the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL all converge on a single day, usually in October. The term is also used loosely to describe times when there are a whole lot of sports happening within a relatively short time frame.
Which brings us to Norfolk in March. While we may not play host to major league teams, we are the kind of place where you can catch the rising stars of hockey, football, basketball and baseball all in a short span if you’re paying attention.
This March, the stars align for NCAA basketball, ECHL hockey and the MiLB’s International League as we see games from the MEAC tournament, the Norfolk Admirals, the Norfolk Tides and more! There’s even some rugby action to check out. Here’s a look.
MEAC Tournament
March 12-15: The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) basketball tournament enters its 54th year of intercollegiate competition with the 2024-25 academic school year. Located in Norfolk, VA., the MEAC is made up of eight outstanding historically black institutions across the Atlantic coastline:
- Coppin State University
- Delaware State University
- Howard University
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Morgan State University
- Norfolk State University
- North Carolina Central University
- South Carolina State University.
See the schedule and get tickets here.
Norfolk Admirals
Norfolk’s own ECHL (formerly East Coast Hockey League) team is the Admirals, who call the Scope home for multiple homestands throughout their action-packed season. Serving as an affiliate for the Winnipeg Jets, the Admirals bring hard-hitting AA hockey matchups for thousands of local fans, and they’re in town for several games this March.
The Admirals will host six home games at Scope Arena in March. On March 5, 7 and 8 they host the Florida Everblades. Then, on March 26, Reading Royals visit Norfolk before the Savannah Ghost Pirates come to town March 28 and 29.
Norfolk Tides
A Tides game is a serious treat for baseball fans. With sweeping Elizabeth River views, an old-school stadium feel complete with beer and hot dogs and plenty of action, it’s a can’t miss event for the family.
The Norfolk Tides kick off their home opener taking on the Durham Bulls on March 28 at 6:30 p.m. and March 29 at 6:35 p.m. at Harbor Park. Come out and support Norfolk’s Triple A Baltimore Orioles affiliate and see the stars of tomorrow without the big league prices.
Norfolk Blues Rugby
Didn’t know Norfolk had a rugby club? You do now. Often called “the hooligan’s sport played by gentlemen,” rugby is a hard-hitting and constantly-moving game that American football fans will find familiar. Games are played at either Lafayette Park (38th and Granby streets) or Captain Slade Cutter Park, depending on availability. See the schedule.
College Baseball
Home to both Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University, Norfolk is the place to catch college baseball and softball games this spring.
ODU baseball schedule
NSU baseball schedule
NSU softball
