Old Dominion University Opens Populous-Designed Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium

The newly renovated S.B. Ballard Stadium at Old Dominion University opens this weekend to host the Monarchs’ first football game of the 2019 season. In collaboration with local architect Moseley, the Populous-designed stadium sets a new standard for mid-major universities’ football facilities. The $67.5 million venue seats 21,000 with the ability to be expanded to fit 30,000 fans down the road.

After Populous conducted a feasibility study in 2016, it was clear that elevated fan amenities were a priority. The west and east stands were demolished to make way for new seating that emphasizes comfort. Not only do the new seats provide fans with much-requested additional legroom, but the stands are also 10 feet closer to the field to provide better sightlines on gameday.

The new stands give fans more room and brings them closer to the action, creating a more intimate environment. Premium suites, the Priority Automotive Club and the Founders’ Club were added, which can all be used as multi-purpose event space beyond gameday.

In addition to new stands, renovations include 20,000 square-feet of open-deck social space, new entries and a front door to the stadium. An arched entrance gate on the east side will face the existing Williamsburg lawn and provide a location to honor Old Dominion legends. A new student entry, along with a dedicated student concession space and pregame activity, and a new west entry gate with a pregame plaza will be centered below the new press box and provide space for students to gather and socialize.

“Our main priority was to offer fans a superior game day experience. With enhanced seating comfort and high-quality amenities, the new stadium offers fans the game-day experience they want. This new design also allows us to expand the stadium in the future, as market demand grows,” said Greg DuBois, Vice President for Administration and Finance.

The newly renovated stadium will give the football team a sense of identity as they continue to lay the foundation for their program. While incorporating modern amenities, S.B. Ballard Stadium honors the rich history of this storied venue by retaining the original arches and incorporating the previous brick pattern into the design of the exterior. Renovations were completed in a single offseason in order to be complete in time for the 2019 season.

S.B. Ballard Stadium is the latest collegiate endeavor from Populous. Other openings this fall include the University of Missouri’s South End Zone expansion, the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium renovation, including added Wi-Fi, widened aisles and increased handrails, and the Syracuse’s Barnes Center at The Arch renovation. For more information about Populous’ expertise in collegiate design from renovation to new build, visit our website or contact info@populous.com.