You're standing outside William "Dick" Price Stadium. The drumline is echoing off the brick walls, the smell of fried fish is everywhere, and you realize you don't have your tickets. It's a nightmare scenario for any Spartan fan. Dealing with the Norfolk State ticket office shouldn't feel like a chore, but honestly, if you wait until five minutes before kickoff for the Labor Day Classic or a big MEAC showdown, you’re gonna have a bad time.
Green and gold pride runs deep in the 757. But let's be real—navigating the logistics of college athletics can be a headache if you don't know the layout of the land. Whether you are looking for season passes for the "Battle of the Bay" or just a single seat for a Tuesday night basketball game at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall, knowing how the system works is the difference between sitting in the stands and watching the live stream from your car.
Where is the Norfolk State Ticket Office Anyway?
Most people assume there’s just one window where everything happens. Not exactly. The main hub is located at the Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall, specifically on the lower level. If you're driving onto campus, you want to look for the building that looks like a fortress of Spartan basketball.
The physical address is 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504.
Now, here’s the thing about their hours. They usually operate from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. But don't bet your life on those hours during a random holiday week or the day after a massive road win. Things get flexed. If you try to show up at 5:15 p.m. on a Friday before a home game, you might find a line that stretches out the door. It’s better to handle your business online or arrive early.
During football season, the game day box office usually opens four hours before kickoff. It's located right at the stadium entrance. If you're a student, your life is a bit easier because of the student gate, but for alumni and visitors, that main box office is the only gatekeeper.
Buying Online vs. In-Person: The Fees Suck Either Way
We have to talk about the fees. Everybody hates them. When you use the official Norfolk State ticket office partner—which is currently AXS—you’re going to see those convenience charges tacked on at the end. It feels like a punch in the gut, right? You see a $25 ticket, and by the time you check out, it’s $34.
Why do we do it? Convenience.
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Buying in person at the Echols Hall box office can sometimes save you those specific "web convenience" fees, but you're trading money for time. You have to find parking on campus—which is a whole different struggle—and hope the person in front of you isn't trying to buy 40 tickets for their entire church choir using three different credit cards.
Mobile Ticketing is the Law Now
Honestly, physical tickets are becoming a relic of the past at NSU. The university has moved heavily toward mobile-only entry. This means you need the AXS app on your phone.
- Download it before you get to the gate.
- Screenshot your QR code? Don't do it. Most of these new scanners use "rolling" codes that change every few seconds for security. A screenshot will get you a "Access Denied" and a frustrated look from the ticket taker.
- Charge your phone. Seriously.
If you’re a technophobe, the staff at the ticket office can help you, but they’d much rather you have that digital wallet ready to go.
Season Tickets: Is the Investment Worth It?
If you're a die-hard, season tickets are the way to go. For football, this usually includes the heavy hitters like the homecoming game. We all know NSU homecoming is more of a family reunion than a sports event. The ticket office starts selling these packages way in advance—usually by late spring or early summer.
The pricing structure is tiered. You have your general admission, but then you have the reserved seating. If you want those chairback seats in the center of the stadium, you’ve got to pay the premium. For many, that extra $50 or $100 for the season is worth not having to sit on cold metal bleachers for four hours.
Basketball season tickets are a different beast. Echols Hall is loud. It’s tight. It’s one of the best atmospheres in the MEAC. Season ticket holders often get first dibs on tournament tickets when the Spartans head to the Scope for the MEAC Tournament. That perk alone is why the Norfolk State ticket office gets flooded with calls every February.
Dealing with the Homecoming Rush
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Homecoming.
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If you think you can just stroll up to the ticket office on the Friday of Homecoming weekend and grab a seat, you are dreaming. This event sells out. Period. The ticket office usually releases a specific "Homecoming Pack" that might include the game, some concert access, or other alumni events.
Pro tip: The ticket office staff are human beings. During Homecoming week, they are stressed, overworked, and dealing with thousands of people who forgot their passwords. Being polite goes a long way. I’ve seen people get much better seat assignments just by being the only person in line not shouting about why their digital ticket hasn't updated yet.
What About Student Tickets?
NSU students generally get into home games for free—with a catch. You have to have a valid SpartanCard. You can't just show a picture of it. You can't just say your U-number.
The ticket office manages the validation process, and for high-demand games, students often have to "claim" their tickets online in advance. If you miss the window, you might be out of luck, even if you pay tuition. Tell your kids, tell your cousins: check your NSU email for the ticket claim links.
Refunds and Rain Checks
Here is the hard truth: The Norfolk State ticket office rarely does refunds.
If it rains? You get wet. The game goes on.
If the game is postponed? Your ticket is usually good for the rescheduled date.
If you just can't make it? You’re better off trying to transfer the ticket via the AXS app to a friend.
The only time I've seen them be flexible is in the case of major university-wide cancellations or if there is a massive error in the seating chart that they can't resolve. Otherwise, once that money leaves your account, it belongs to the Spartans.
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The Secret to Finding Help
Can't get through on the phone? (757) 823-3000 is the main line, but during peak season, it stays busy.
The best way to get a quick answer is actually through the official NSU Athletics social media channels or by emailing the ticket office directly. They tend to monitor those more closely than the voicemail box, which fills up faster than the stadium on game day.
Be specific. Don't just say "I can't see my tickets." Say "I bought four tickets for the September 14th game under the email spartanfan@email.com and they aren't appearing in my AXS library." Precision gets you results.
Final Logistics Check
Before you head out, remember that NSU has a clear bag policy for both the stadium and the arena. The ticket office doesn't hold your bags. If you walk up to the window with a giant backpack, they’ll tell you to walk all the way back to your car.
Also, parking. The ticket office doesn't always handle the parking passes; sometimes that’s a separate department or handled through the foundations. Check if your ticket package includes a parking permit. If not, have some cash or a card ready for the lots around the perimeter of the campus.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Game
- Download the AXS App Today: Don't wait until you're at the gate with spotty 5G. Register your account with the same email you used to buy tickets.
- Verify Your SpartanCard: If you're a student, make sure your ID isn't expired or deactivated before you try to swipe in.
- Check the Clear Bag Policy: Buy a compliant bag now so you aren't forced to throw away a purse at the gate.
- Arrive Two Hours Early: For football, the atmosphere starts in the parking lot anyway. Getting your tickets scanned early avoids the massive bottleneck thirty minutes before kickoff.
- Follow @NSUSpartans on X (Twitter): This is where they post real-time updates if the ticket office hours change or if a game is officially sold out.