ODU, NSU fans ready for game

Norfolk, Va. (WAVY) - The Norfolk State University vs. Old Dominion University playoff game has become the hottest ticket in town.

Fans have waited patiently all week for the state's newest cross-town rivalry. Saturday will mark the first time either school has made the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

And the first time they will face each other.

Both teams practiced at Foreman Field on Friday. Outside the stadium, ODU maintenance crews spent the day setting up tents for tailgating areas.

As for the fans, they packed their Thanksgiving leftovers and staked out spots for tailgating.

ODU workers already mailed information to fans with designated tailgating spots. Those without designated spots can tailgate at Kaufman Mall on campus.

Fans said they were looking forward to Saturday's game as well as future games between the two teams. ODU and NSU will begin playing each other regularly in 2013.

"We love ODU," said Norfolk State fan Kevin Harris. "We can't wait to play them. We want to play them every year from this point on."

ODU has encouraged fans to print their tickets ahead of time. Also, a school spokeswoman said they have been working with both campus and Norfolk police to arrange extra patrols for any needed crowd control.

The game will stream live starting at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN3 .