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
For the past 54 years, basketball teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities have come together to participate in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, or the MEAC, as it’s known best. Since 2013, the event has been held in Norfolk at the Scope Arena.
This year’s event runs from March 13-16 and promises plenty of hoops action from these schools:
- 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 five games this March. Check out the schedule below and see their full slate here.
March 1: Admirals vs. Maine Mariners at 7:05 p.m.
March 2: Admirals vs. Maine Mariners at 6:05 p.m.
March 9: Admirals vs. Reading Royals at 6:05 p.m.
March 29: Admirals vs. Atlanta Gladiators at 7:05 p.m.
March 30: Admirals vs. Atlanta Gladiators at 6:05 p.m.
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 2023 AAA National Championship Tides will mark their first-ever March home game with a three-game stand at Harbor Park in Downtown Norfolk this month. Facing the Durham Bulls, the Tides and big-time Orioles’ prospect Jackson Holliday will open their season Friday through Sunday, March 29-31.
Check out the full 2024 schedule.
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. Norfolk’s own Blues are wrapping up their season, but there’s still one more chance to catch them on their home pitch March 23 against Raleigh. Games are played at either Lafayette Park (38th and Granby streets) or Captain Slade Cutter Park, depending on availability. See the schedule.
