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Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Ole Miss adds home-and-home with HBCU
NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk State University has finalized a home-and-home series with nationally ranked Ole Miss, continuing a trend of high-profile matchups for the rising HBCU women's basketball program. The HBCU squad will travel to Oxford, Mississippi, to face the Rebels on Nov. 3, 2025. The following season, Ole Miss will make its first-ever trip to Echols Hall. Tipoff times for both contests will be announced at a later date. "This is an exciting moment for our women's basketball program and the entire Norfolk State community," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb. "Hosting a nationally ranked SEC opponent like Ole Miss speaks volumes about our trajectory and growing national reputation. With two ranked teams-Duke and Ole Miss-coming to Echols Hall, our fans are in for an incredible stretch of elite basketball." This series marks the first meeting between Norfolk State and Ole Miss. The Spartans are no strangers to success against the SEC, earning wins over Missouri and Auburn last season while finishing 2-1 against the conference. When Ole Miss visits Norfolk, it will become the first SEC team to play on the Spartans' home court. The Rebels finished the 2024–25 season ranked No. 17 nationally with a 22–11 record and a trip to the Sweet 16. "Coach McPhee-McCuin has long championed the growth and visibility of HBCUs," said Norfolk State head coach Jermaine Woods. "We've built a strong relationship, and I appreciate her using her platform to uplift others and promote the game. Her program's visit to Norfolk will mean a great deal to our city and university." Norfolk State is coming off a historic season, claiming a third straight MEAC Tournament Championship. The Spartans earned a No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament, their highest placement in program history. This agreement comes shortly after NSU agreed to a home-and-home with Duke. Stay connected with Norfolk State Athletics by following @nsuspartans on X, Instagram, and YouTube, or visiting The post Ole Miss adds home-and-home with HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Michael Vick arrival sparks big ticket price jump at HBCU
NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk State University, under new head coach Michael Vick, has raised its season ticket prices for the 2025 HBCU football season. The increase comes after the school hired NFL legend Michael Vick as head coach in December 2024, ushering in a new era for Spartan football. General admission season tickets now cost $200, up from $110 in 2024-an 82% jump. Reserved seating, which was $130 last year, is expected to increase as well, though updated figures have not been released. Faculty and staff tickets previously priced at $100 are also likely to see an adjustment. New Era, New Investment The higher prices align with Norfolk State's decision to join the NCAA's revenue-sharing model introduced after the House v. NCAA settlement. A portion of each ticket sold will now directly benefit Spartan student-athletes. "Our decision emphasizes Norfolk State's commitment to our student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb. "By adopting this model, we're not only staying competitive-we're helping our athletes thrive." This marks the first time in school history that fans will financially support athletes through ticket purchases. Big Games, Big Expectations The 2025 home schedule includes five games at William "Dick" Price Stadium. Key matchups include the Battle of the States against Virginia State (Sept. 6) and a Homecoming game versus defending MEAC champion South Carolina State (Oct. 25). Norfolk State also hosts Towson (Aug. 28), Sacred Heart (Sept. 20), and Morgan State (Nov. 15). The Spartans averaged 14,544 fans per home game in 2024, leading the MEAC for a second straight year. With Vick at the helm, those numbers could rise even higher. How to Get Tickets Season tickets are available now at or in person at the NSU Ticket Center, open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Students with valid NSU IDs and children six and under will continue to receive free admission. Faculty and staff must present their NSU ID at the time of purchase. Norfolk State is counting on its passionate fanbase to show up, support the program, and fuel its evolution into a new chapter of college football. The post Michael Vick arrival sparks big ticket price jump at HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Duke agrees to home-and-home with HBCU power
NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk State Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb and head women's basketball coach Jermaine Woods have reached an agreement for a home-and-home series with nationally ranked Duke, bringing a major HBCU matchup to life over the next two seasons. The Spartans will travel to Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium on Nov. 12, 2025. The following season, the Blue Devils will make their first-ever visit to Echols Hall. Tipoff times for both games will be announced later. 'This is a landmark moment for our women's basketball program and our university,' Webb said. 'Hosting a nationally ranked team like Duke highlights our commitment to raising the profile of Norfolk State Athletics. It also provides our student-athletes and fans with a chance to experience top-tier competition on our campus.' The two programs have met only once before. In 2002, Duke defeated Norfolk State 95-48 in the NCAA Tournament's first round, shortly after NSU won its first MEAC Tournament Championship. The 2026 visit by Duke will be the first time an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent plays at Norfolk State, marking a historic milestone for the HBCU. The Blue Devils finished last season 29-8 and reached the Elite Eight, ending the year ranked No. 7 nationally. 'I appreciate Coach Kara Lawson's willingness to set up this series,' Woods said. 'Collaborations like this help HBCUs gain national visibility. Her return to Norfolk will benefit our program, university, and the community.' Norfolk State enters the 2025-26 season after winning its third consecutive MEAC Tournament title and earning a No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament - the program's highest seeding to date. For more information on Norfolk State Athletics, follow @nsuspartans on X, @NSUAthletics on Instagram and YouTube, and visit The post Duke agrees to home-and-home with HBCU power appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
