In April 1993, the 12,067-seat Harbor Park baseball stadium opened, hosting the Norfolk Tides Triple-A minor league baseball team. It received the honor of best minor league park in 1995 by Baseball America.[5]
On January 30, 1974, the city hosted its first professional basketball all-star game, courtesy of the American Basketball Association, at the Norfolk Scope. 10,624 spectators were in attendance, as Artis Gilmore won Most Valuable Player of the 1974 ABA All-Star Game.[7]
The former Hampton Roads Admirals won three championships in the ECHL while it played from 1989 until 2000. The Admirals' ownership then acquired an expansion franchise in the American Hockey League and called it the Norfolk Admirals. In 2015, the AHL Admirals were purchased and relocated. Norfolk would then receive another ECHL team that would share that same name for the 2015–16 season.[9]
On March 29, 1982, Norfolk hosted the first NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship (also known as the Women's Final Four). The Norfolk Scope served as the chief venue for the event. 9,531 spectators were in attendance at this inaugural event.[11] On April 3, 1983, Norfolk hosted the second NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship at the Norfolk Scope. 7,837 spectators were in attendance.[12]
In 1971, Norfolk built the region's first entertainment and sports complex, featuring Chrysler Hall and the 13,800-seat Norfolk Scope indoor arena, located in the northern section of downtown. Norfolk Scope has served as a venue for major events.
