Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium is a gem in Norfolk, Virginia. I recently visited this 21,944-seat multi-purpose stadium on Old Dominion University’s campus. The stadium’s 2019 upgrade transformed it into a modern, fan-friendly venue that’s perfect for watching ODU Monarchs football.
I was impressed by the stadium’s new features. The 15,962 new sideline seats offer great views of the action. I found the concessions and restrooms much improved from the old Foreman Field. The atmosphere on game day was electric, with fans cheering on the Monarchs.
One thing that stood out was the stadium’s confusing name. It’s gone through a few changes, from Foreman Field to S.B. Ballard Stadium, and now Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this fantastic venue!
Key Takeaways
- Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium offers a modern, fan-friendly experience for ODU football games.
- The 2019 upgrade added new seats, improved concessions, and better restrooms.
- The stadium’s name has changed over time, reflecting its history and generous donors.
History and Overview
I’ve learned a lot about this stadium’s fascinating journey. It’s gone through big changes over the years and gotten help from some generous donors.
From Foreman Field to Modern Times
Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium has a rich history. It started as Foreman Field in 1936, hosting a game between the University of Virginia and William & Mary’s Norfolk Division. That division later became Old Dominion University.
The stadium got a huge makeover recently. In 2018, ODU kicked off a $65 million reconstruction project. I was excited to see the new features when it reopened in 2019. They added comfy seats with back support and more leg room. There are also new concession stands and restrooms.
One cool addition is the exhibit about Foreman Field’s history. It’s neat to see how far the stadium has come.
Barry Kornblau’s Contribution
Barry Kornblau, an ODU alum, played a big role in the stadium’s upgrade. He donated $3 million to the project. That’s why it’s now called “Kornblau Field.”
His gift helped make the stadium what it is today. The renovations brought in some great new features. There’s now a big video board and three ribbon boards. These add to the excitement during games.
The stadium can hold 21,944 fans. That’s a lot of people cheering on the ODU Monarchs! It’s amazing to see how one person’s generosity can make such a big difference.
Stadium Features
I’m excited to tell you about the great upgrades at Kornblau Field. The new stadium has comfy seats, easy ways to get in, and lots of cool stuff for fans. Let me break it down for you!
Seating and Comfort Enhancements
The new seating at Kornblau Field is a big step up. I love the 15,962 sideline seats – they’re much more comfy than the old ones.
The extra legroom is fantastic too. I can stretch out without bumping the person in front of me. It makes watching the game so much more enjoyable.
For the best views, I’d pick the west side seats. They face away from the sun, so you won’t be squinting all game.
Entry Points and Accessibility
Getting into the stadium is a breeze now. I’m a big fan of the new front door and arched entrance gate. They look great and make entering feel special.
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There are more entry points too, which means shorter lines. I don’t have to worry about missing kickoff anymore!
For my friends with mobility issues, the improved accessibility is awesome. Wider walkways and better ramps make it easier for everyone to get around.
Elevated Fan Amenities
The fan amenities at Kornblau Field are top-notch. I love the modern concession stands – the food options are way better now.
The new restrooms are a huge improvement. They’re cleaner, bigger, and there are more of them. No more long lines at halftime!
The big video board is amazing. I can see replays and stats clearly from anywhere in the stadium. It really adds to the game-day experience.
There’s also better Wi-Fi throughout the stadium. I can post updates and check scores without any trouble.
Game Day Experience
The game day experience at Kornblau Field is exciting and fun. I love the energy and tasty food options. There’s always something to do before kickoff.
Atmosphere and Activities
When I arrive at the stadium, I’m greeted by a sea of blue and silver. Fans are decked out in ODU gear, ready to cheer on the Monarchs. The tailgating scene is lively, with grills fired up and music playing.
I like to join in the pregame festivities. There are interactive games and activities for all ages. Face painting is popular with kids and students alike.
The marching band and cheerleaders pump up the crowd before kickoff. Their performances are always impressive. As game time nears, the excitement builds and everyone heads to their seats.
Food and Beverage Options
I’m always impressed by the variety of food at Kornblau Field. The concession spaces are modern and offer more than just standard stadium fare.
My go-to is usually a burger, which are always juicy and delicious. For something different, I might try the local BBQ or seafood options. There are also healthier choices like salads and wraps.
Beverage-wise, I can grab a cold beer or soda to wash down my meal. On hot days, the frozen lemonade hits the spot. For dessert, the ice cream stand is a favorite.
I appreciate that the lines move quickly, so I don’t miss much of the action. The staff is always friendly and efficient.
The Upgrade Phase
The upgrade of Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium was a massive undertaking. It involved careful planning, partnerships, and had a big impact on the local area. Let me tell you about the exciting changes that happened.
Renovation Process and Partnerships
I was amazed by the renovation of S.B. Ballard Stadium. The $67.5 million project transformed the old Foreman Field into a modern facility. S.B. Ballard Construction Company led the charge, working closely with Old Dominion University.
The process was fast-paced. Crews demolished the old stadium and built the new one in just 9 months! That’s impressive. They added 16,000 new seats with better legroom and back support.
New features included:
- Improved concession stands
- More restrooms
- A big video board
- Three ribbon boards
Impact of Construction on Norfolk
The construction had a big effect on Norfolk. I noticed increased traffic and noise in the area during the build. But it also brought jobs and excitement to the city.
Parking was a challenge. The university had to get creative. They set up shuttle services from nearby lots to help fans get to games.
Greg DuBois, Vice President for Administration and Finance, played a key role. He helped manage the project’s impact on campus life. Students and staff had to adjust to the changes.
The new stadium opened on August 31, 2019. ODU beat Norfolk State 24-21 in the first game. It was a perfect way to kick off the new era!
Fan Services and Amenities
Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium offers great fan experiences. I’ve seen many cool features that make game days special for everyone.
Premium Offerings
The Priority Automotive Club is a top-notch spot for fans. I love its indoor lounge with a full bar and fancy food. It’s got comfy seats, TVs, and nice bathrooms too.
The big windows give a great view of the field. There’s even an outdoor area with tables and heaters for chilly days.
Premium suites are another great option. They’re perfect for groups who want a VIP experience. I’ve heard they come with dedicated staff and special perks.
Community-Centric Spaces
The stadium has lots of social spaces for fans to hang out. I really like how they’ve made it easy for people to mingle before and during games.
There’s a special entry just for students. It helps them get in quickly and adds to the college vibe.
The new press box is impressive too. While it’s not for regular fans, it helps get the word out about ODU football.
I’ve noticed plenty of regular amenities as well. There are more bathrooms now, which means shorter lines. The food options have improved too.
Stadium Identity and Culture
I’m excited to share what makes Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium special. The stadium blends history with modern touches, creating a unique identity for Old Dominion University football.
Architectural Significance
When I visit the stadium, I’m always struck by how it honors the past while embracing the future. The original arches from 1936 have been preserved, giving a nod to the venue’s rich history.
I love how the brick pattern echoes Old Dominion’s campus architecture. It makes the stadium feel like a natural part of the university.
The new design is impressive too. It gives fans better views and more comfort, but still keeps that classic college football atmosphere I enjoy.
Memorabilia and Tribute Areas
As I walk through the stadium, I’m reminded of Old Dominion’s football journey. There are great displays honoring ODU legends and key moments in the program’s history.
I always stop by the Williamsburg Lawn area. It’s a cool spot that pays tribute to the university’s roots.
The modern amenities blend seamlessly with these historical touches. I can grab a snack, check out memorabilia, and still feel connected to the game.
I think these areas really help build the Monarch identity. They give fans like me a sense of pride in our team’s past and excitement for its future.
Community and Economic Impact
The new Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium has brought big changes to Norfolk. It’s creating jobs, bringing in visitors, and getting students more involved on campus. I’ve seen firsthand how it’s making a real difference in our area.
Local Businesses and Economy
I’ve noticed local restaurants and shops are busier on game days. Fans come from all over to watch ODU Football, and they spend money while they’re here. Hotels fill up too. The stadium holds almost 22,000 people, so that’s a lot of potential customers!
Some new businesses have even opened near campus to serve all the extra people. I think it’s great to see the local economy getting a boost.
Construction of the stadium created jobs too. It took a lot of work to tear down the old stadium and build the new one in just 9 months.
University and Student Engagement
The new stadium has really energized the campus. I see way more students decked out in ODU gear on game days. There’s a real sense of school spirit that wasn’t there before.
The improved facilities make it easier for students to attend games. With comfy seats and better views, it’s a fun place to hang out with friends.
I’ve heard the university is using the stadium for other events too, not just football. It’s becoming a real hub for campus life. This helps ODU compete with other schools in Virginia and attract new students.
The stadium is also helping ODU as they move up to the FBS level in Conference USA. It shows they’re serious about building a strong program.
Future Developments
I’m excited about the potential changes coming to Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. The plans in the works could make the fan experience even better and bring more events to the venue.
Planned Expansions and Studies
A feasibility study is underway to look at expanding the stadium. I’ve heard talks of adding more seats and making improvements to the west entry gate. This could help bring in bigger crowds on game days.
One idea I’m really pumped about is creating an open-deck social space. This would be a great spot to hang out with friends before kickoffs. It reminds me of similar areas I’ve seen at other college stadiums.
There’s also buzz about turning parts of the stadium into a multi-purpose event space. This could mean more concerts and community events throughout the year. I think it would be awesome to see the field used for more than just football.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of these ideas become reality soon. It would be great to see Kornblau Field grow and offer even more to ODU fans and the Norfolk community.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gathered some common questions about Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. These cover details like seating capacity, recent renovations, and the stadium’s namesake.
How many seats are available at S.B. Ballard Stadium?
Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium has 21,944 seats. This capacity allows for a great game-day atmosphere while still feeling intimate.
What are some of the newest college football stadiums?
While not brand new, S.B. Ballard Stadium underwent major renovations recently. It reopened in August 2019 after extensive remodeling, making it one of the more modern stadiums in college football.
What is the cost of the renovations for S.B. Ballard Stadium?
I don’t have exact figures for the total cost. However, I know there was a $10 million private fundraising effort to help finance the renovations. This shows significant investment in upgrading the facility.
Can you provide a seating chart for S.B. Ballard Stadium?
I’m afraid I don’t have access to a current seating chart. For the most up-to-date seating information, I recommend checking the official Old Dominion University athletics website.
Which stadiums are the smallest in Division I football?
While S.B. Ballard Stadium isn’t the smallest, its 21,944 capacity is on the cozier side for Division I. This creates an intimate gameday experience for fans.
Who is the namesake of Kornblau Field?
Kornblau Field is named after Barry Kornblau, an Old Dominion University alumnus. He donated $3 million towards the stadium renovations, earning this recognition.
