News Flash

Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander will participate in a ceremonial coin toss alongside Old Dominion University Athletic Director Camden Wood Selig and Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melinda Boone to officially reopen Powhatan Field on Friday, September 7, 2018.  

The ceremony will take place just before the Maury High School football team takes on Princess Anne High of Virginia Beach at 7:00 p.m.

“The re-opening of Powhatan Field demonstrates a wonderful partnership between the City of Norfolk, Old Dominion University and Norfolk Public Schools,” said Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander of the City of Norfolk.

The City built Powhatan Field in 2004.  The agreement called for the City to transfer ownership to ODU once the debt was repaid.  ODU and the City worked in partnership for a new 20-year lease that allows the City to retain ownership and use.  ODU also agreed to pay half of the $900,000 cost of replacing the stadium’s artificial turf. 

“The City of Norfolk is one of our key partners,” said ODU President John R. Broderick.  “We’re pleased we were able to reach this agreement that will provide a place for high school athletes to compete on our campus for many years to come.”

Maury and Granby High School football, field hockey and boys and girls soccer teams play home games at Powhatan Field.  In addition, 650 athletes in the Norfolk Recreation Parks and Open Space sport programs use the field. 
 
“We are very excited that this coincides with the start of a new school year! Norfolk Public Schools has been most appreciative of the partnership with Old Dominion University and the City of Norfolk, which allows a number of our teams to play at Powhatan Field.  We look forward to our students putting the new field to good use,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melinda Boone.
  
The first football game at Powhatan Field was played on November 10th 2005 between Maury and Granby High Schools.  Norfolk’s own Kam Chancellor was starting at quarterback and safety for the Maury Commodores.