Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 23, 1993 TAG: 9312230103
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short
Gov. L. Douglas Wilder recommended Monday in his proposed 1994-96 state budget that lawmakers approve the funding, which probably would come from fees charged to students. It would not come from tax revenues.
Norfolk State officials had not previously announced plans to build a stadium, but Spartans athletic director Dick Price confirmed that school officials have long-range stadium plans.
"We need it," Price said. "It's not going to happen tomorrow, but we hope it happens" before 1998.
The stadium would be built around an eight-lane, 400-meter track being constructed at Norfolk State adjacent to Interstate 264.
The $3 million track complex is being funded by student fees. It includes much of the infrastructure needed for a stadium, including seats for 4,000 spectators.
The Spartans' home stadium is Foreman Field, a 25,400-seat facility located at Old Dominion University, nearly five miles from the Norfolk State campus.
Norfolk State led the nation in Division II attendance nine of the past 12 seasons before 1993, including an average of 14,196 in 1992. National figures aren't available for 1993, but Norfolk State's average of 15,345 probably led the nation again.
by CNB