Old Dominion University (ODU) has announced that the baseball team’s home games for the 2026 season will be held at the newly renovated Ellmer Family Baseball Complex at TowneBank Field, despite construction delays. The university plans to install temporary seating to accommodate nearly 1,000 fans, primarily located over the left-field fence. This initiative aims to enhance the game-day experience, featuring food trucks, beverage stations, and a party lounge tent equipped with televisions for game broadcasts.
Construction setbacks have impacted the timeline for the stadium renovations. Challenges such as the relocation of storm-water retention systems and utility lines beneath the stadium have contributed to these delays. Last season, ODU had to host its home games at War Memorial Stadium in Hampton and Norfolk’s Harbor Park. Looking ahead, the Monarchs will open their 2026 season with a three-game home series against Quinnipiac from February 13-15, 2026.
Virginia College Sports Update
In related sports news, ODU is not the only institution making headlines. Virginia’s running back J’Mari Taylor has earned All-ACC honors, distinguishing himself as the only first-team pick from the state. He led the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing, recording 997 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns during the regular season. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech had two players recognized on the list, highlighting the competitive nature of college football in the region.
Taylor’s achievements are complemented by other notable performances from Virginia athletes. The Cavaliers secured additional All-ACC honors with two players making the second team and seven earning honorable mentions. Virginia Tech’s defensive tackle Kemari Copeland also made the third team, showcasing the talent present in Virginia’s college football landscape.
In other sports activities, Western Branch midfielder Kate Ward has been named to the VHSL Class 6 all-state field hockey second team, while Christopher Newport men’s basketball player Toa Hollenbeck has been recognized as the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week for his impressive average of 21.5 points per game. The women’s basketball program at Christopher Newport also celebrated the selection of Sarah Pritz as C2C Player of the Week.
Notable Achievements in Virginia Sports
Adding to the excitement, Virginia women’s soccer player Lia Godfrey has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy. Godfrey, the ACC Midfielder of the Year, tied for the team lead with 11 goals and contributed four assists during the season, further solidifying her status as a standout player.
As ODU prepares for its baseball season with temporary seating arrangements, the landscape of Virginia college sports continues to evolve with remarkable achievements across various disciplines.
