NORFOLK - Old Dominion and Norfolk State will be playing basketball for the first time in 15 years on Dec. 29 at the Constant Center, but it will be more than just a game between two city rivals.

The Monarchs and Spartans have partnered with "We Feed Norfolk," the Kam Chancellor, "Kam Cares" Foundation, the City of Norfolk and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia to help provide food for Norfolk families, and are asking their fans to help. 

Fans at the Spartans' Dec. 2 game vs. Mercy College (men) and Dec. 13 contest against UNC Wilmington (women) in addition to ODU's Dec. 22 contest vs. Rhode Island will receive reusable "We Feed Norfolk" grocery bags as they exit the games. ODU and NSU then ask ticket patrons to return the bags filled with canned and/or non-perishable food items at their game on Dec. 29, and receive game admission for only $10 per person for everyone in their party (a $7 savings per ticket.)  Food collection bins will be available at the entrances of the arena, with gates opening at 6 p.m. 

Twelve percent of Virginia households are food insecure and struggle to provide meals for their families. The Foodbank often experiences the largest shortage of food during the winter months. All of the food collected at the game will benefit the Foodbank. 

Tickets are available for the Dec. 29 contest between ODU and Norfolk State at www.YNottix.com, or at the box office at the Constant Center, which is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information on this game, call 683-4444. 

Here's what they are saying about the Dec. 29 event:

ODU President John R. Broderick
"Old Dominion is pleased to team up with our community partners who do such tremendous work to help local families," said Broderick. "I urge all Monarch fans to be mindful of the Foodbank's mission, and to be generous on Dec. 29th in support of its efforts."

NSU Interim President/CEO Eddie N. Moore Jr. 
"Norfolk State is pleased to partner with Old Dominion University and We Feed Norfolk to collect food items for the Southeastern Food Bank" says Moore. "With the holiday season in full swing, we must be mindful of how truly blessed we are and share those blessings with those who are less fortunate. I encourage everyone to bring a canned item to the NSU Dec. 2 and 13 basketball games and the Dec. 29 contest with ODU."

Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim
"These are the types of efforts that a community committed to reducing poverty gets behind.  The City of Norfolk is proud to sponsor the We Feed Norfolk program and understands that it is these types of connections - between universities, the business community, non-profits and citizens – that are a critical part of our strategy.  We will continue to work together to ensure that all residents have access to what they need to thrive and sustain their families," says Fraim. 

Kam Chancellor, Seattle Seahawks, Kam Cares Foundation
"Hunger is a year-round issue, and we are happy to partner with organizations committed to helping children and families in need beyond the holidays," said Chancellor.  "I firmly believe in the power of sports, and like to see athletes use their platforms to inspire others and spark change in the community."

David Richards, CEO of Concursive Corporation, the developer of "We Feed Norfolk"
"When Old Dominion and Norfolk State's basketball programs stepped up to partner with us, we jumped at the opportunity," says Richards. "The game between these two schools is a great vehicle for us to promote the needs of our Norfolk community and we encourage fans to participate in our drive and attend the Dec. 29 contest."