NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University will open the 2019 football season at cross-town opponent Old Dominion University on Labor Day weekend, the schools announced this week.

The game, which takes place on Aug. 31, 2019, is slated to be the first at the new Foreman Field on ODU's campus. ODU will gradually demolish and replace its current stadium, and the new facility is expected to be ready for the start of 2019. Foreman Field also served as the home for Spartan home football games until Dick Price Stadium was built in time for the 1997 season.

"Any time we can play Old Dominion, it's creates a great deal of excitement in this community," NSU Athletics Director Marty L. Miller said. "Many of the players played with and against each other in high school, so there is familiarity between the teams and schools. We're looking forward to the game."

The game will be the fourth all-time between the teams and third played at ODU. The teams met in the first round of the FCS playoffs in 2011 at ODU, with the Monarchs winning, 35-18. ODU won on a last-second field goal, 27-24, at Dick Price Stadium in 2013. The last matchup between the teams came last year, with ODU winning, 24-10.

The game with ODU is NSU's first non-conference game to be scheduled for 2019. The Spartans also have one open date remaining in 2018. Following is a look at upcoming NSU non-conference schedules:

2017
•    Sept. 2 – Virginia State (Home – Labor Day Classic)
•    Sept. 9 – William & Mary (Home)
•    Sept. 16 – James Madison (Away)

2018
•    Sept. 1 – Virginia State (Home – Labor Day Classic)
•    Sept. 8 – James Madison (Home)
•    One more TBD

2019
•    Aug. 31 – ODU (Away)
•    Others TBD