What is the NorVa like?

It is a music-lover’s fantasyland. We have a state-of-the-art V-DOSC sound system, only the fifth installed in the country and only the second installed on the East Coast (what this means to the uninitiated is that our sound system is bigger, better and clearer than anywhere else). We have a 36X24X4.5 ft. stage with 30’ of clearance for hanging sound and lights systems. You will have a great view of the stage from anywhere in the venue and to be sure you don’t miss a single thing there are several video screens and monitors located throughout NorVa that show the concert. And it looks cool. With wooden floors, brick walls, two full bars and two minibars, the room’s clean design and sharp style make any patron (and band) look good.

Where is the NorVa?

We are where you and any act worth seeing want to be. The NorVa is located at 317 Monticello Ave. in downtown Norfolk, VA. We are right across the street from MacArthur Mall and just a few blocks from Waterside. The venue and its box office are only open on show days.

How can I contact the NorVa?

The NorVa concert line is (757) 627-4500. You can reach the Box Office and the Production Office by calling (757) 627-4547. Occasionally when the moon is right we can be contacted through telepathy and via a Ouji Board.

How can I get tickets to NorVa shows?

Tickets are available at the Backstage Café and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are only available at the Box Office on the night of the show. If you would like to purchase tickets by phone please call 671-8100. If you would like to purchase tickets online you may do so at www.thenorva.com. If you would like free tickets, please email us a well-written 10,000 word essay on the music industry, its future and the meaning of it all. Please use proper grammar and spell check your work before sending it. Only A+++ papers will earn you free tickets.

What is seating like at the NorVa?

The NorVa is a general admission venue with no fixed seating. There are a number of chairs and tables located on both the first and second floors. Seating is available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. We recommend standing however for a wide variety of reasons – you can dance, you look taller, you’ll have a better view of the stage and any potential new friends you might try to make during the show, it’s good exercise and its just cooler.

What time do doors open for a show?

We usually open doors an hour before show time. Remember that’s a “usually,” not an “always.” We try to get people into the venue as quickly as possible but before we can open those doors, everything must be clean, everyone must be in their proper places, the band has to have warmed up and we must have had a group hug, so occasionally things take a little extra time.

When do shows start?

Door and show times vary depending on the night’s line-up (how many opening acts there are, what day of the week it is, etc.). Check our calendar or your ticket face to find the time for a particular show. Typically shows during the week are earlier than those on weekends.

How many people can the NorVa hold?

The NorVa has a capacity of 1500 average-sized people.

Is the NorVa handicapped accessible?

Yes, the NorVa is a handicapped accessible facility and if you need special assistance please let a security member know.

How old do I have to be to get into the NorVa?

NorVa shows are all ages unless otherwise specified so bring your baby and your grandma, too.

Can people smoke cigarettes in the NorVa?

Some people like to smoke. Some people don’t. In order to accommodate everyone our rules are as follows: smoking is not allowed on the first two floors of the NorVa but we do have two smoking lounges. Our second smoking lounge is located at the outdoor patio beside the NorVa. Guests can purchase cigarettes from the MacCarthur mall or Kelley's Backstage Café.

Are food and beverages available at the NorVa?

You bet. We have a full bar on the first floor, a full bar on the second floor and a couple of minibars scattered throughout, all offering beer*, wine*, and liquor*. If it’s food you want pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs are also available at the full bars.

*We have a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and illegal substances and we will prosecute violators to the full extent of the law (and we’ll tell your parents and it will make us very upset and our security upset and believe us, it’s not worth the consequences). So if you are underage, enjoy your youth, the music and any number of non-alcoholic beverages.

** If you or someone you’re with finds themselves slightly impaired before, during or after a show, we participate in a free cab service called Sober Ride. Just let a staff member know that you would like their assistance.

Is there a wonderful restaurant nearby where I can enjoy a fantastic meal before the show?

Why yes there is. The Backstage Café, located right behind the NorVa at 320 Granby St., is the perfect place to grab a meal before you see a show or get a late night snack afterwards. More importantly, if you eat at the Backstage Café before a show, you can get into the NorVa early. Reservations are recommended, please call 622-5915.

Is there an ATM located inside of the NorVa?

Of course there is. We have everything you could possible want in a concert venue. As you walk into the NorVa from Monticello Avenue the ATM is located on your right.

Do you have a coat check?

We have one on the first floor beside the women’s room but like coats, the coat check is seasonal and only used during the winter months.

Does the NorVa allow audio and video taping? What about cameras?

We do allow audio taping BUT (and this is a big BUT) only if the artist approves. We discourage, however, the use of video cameras and film cameras because the bright lights and flashes distract the artists and also disrupt other patrons’ experiences. If you really need a tangible memento from a concert buy a T-shirt, bumper sticker or more tickets.

What can’t you bring into the NorVa?

In this respect we are like an airport – no weapons, no illegal substances, no mace, no jokes. We take security very seriously and if you have any problems, please contact someone in the box office or a member of the security staff.