Oyster Bowl
College football bowl game
Oyster Bowl
StadiumS.B. Ballard Stadium (1946–1995, 2011–present)
LocationNorfolk, Virginia
Previous stadiumsJoseph S. Darling Memorial Stadium (1999–2004)
The Apprentice School (2005–2010)
Previous locationsHampton, Virginia
Newport News, Virginia
Operated1946, 1948–1995
1999–present
Conference tie-insSun Belt Conference
Previous conference tie-insSouthern Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference
Colonial Athletic Association
Conference USA
Sponsors
Khedive Temple of the Shriners
2025 matchup
Georgia State vs. Old Dominion
(Old Dominion wins 27–10)

The Oyster Bowl is an annual regular season college football game played in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. The game has featured match-ups between high schools, NCAA Division III teams, and NCAA Division I teams. The current rendition of the game serves as an in-conference matchup for the Old Dominion Monarchs. It is sponsored by the Chesapeake, Virginia-based Khedive Temple of the Shriners, which includes a portion of the revenue going to children's charity.

As a major college neutral-site contest in Norfolk, Virginia from 1948 to 1995, the Oyster Bowl served as the region's counterpart to the Tobacco Bowl in Richmond, Virginia (1949–1982), and the short-lived Harvest Bowl in Roanoke, Virginia (1958–1969), which were also regular season neutral-site games.

History

During the first incarnation of the Oyster Bowl, the game was held at Foreman Field in Norfolk, Virginia. The inaugural contest, held in 1946, featured two high school teams, the local Granby Comets and the Clifton Mustangs of Clifton, New Jersey.[1][2] After a one-year break, the game was resumed in 1948 as a major college football contest, and was played continuously until 1995, when it was discontinued for financial reasons.[1][2][3] The series of games from 1946 to 1995 generated more than $3 million for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.[3]

Many well known players participated in the Oyster Bowl during the time it featured Division I teams. These include Ernie Davis of Syracuse, Bruce Smith of Virginia Tech, Roger Staubach of Navy, Fran Tarkenton of Georgia, and Randy White of Maryland.[4] The 1977 game between East Carolina and William & Mary featured an incident well-publicized at the time, in which former East Carolina head coach Jim Johnson, attending the game as a sideline spectator, tackled a William & Mary player about to score the game-winning touchdown.[5]

In 1999, after a hiatus of three years, the Oyster Bowl was revived and relocated to Joseph S. Darling Memorial Stadium in nearby Hampton, Virginia, as a match-up between Division III college teams.[6] Three of the six games in Hampton featured the Apprentice School from nearby Newport News, Virginia. In 2005 the Oyster Bowl moved to Newport News as an annual home game for the Apprentice School.

In 2011, the Oyster Bowl returned to a renovated Foreman Field (now known as S.B. Ballard Stadium) as an annual home game for Division I Old Dominion University (ODU). Recent visiting teams have been conference rivals of ODU from Conference USA (through 2021) and the Sun Belt Conference (2022 to the present).

Game results

Year Site Winning team Losing team Reference
1946 Norfolk, Virginia Granby High School 6 Clifton High School 0
1947 No game held
1948 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 31 VMI 0 [7]
1949[8] Norfolk, Virginia NC State 14 VPI 13 [9]
1950 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 34 NC State 0 [10]
1951 Norfolk, Virginia Duke 55 VPI 6 [11]
1952 Norfolk, Virginia South Carolina 21 Virginia 14 [12]
1953 Norfolk, Virginia Duke 48 Virginia 6 [13]
1954 Norfolk, Virginia Navy 40 Duke 7 [14]
1955 Norfolk, Virginia North Carolina 32 South Carolina 14 [15]
1956 Norfolk, Virginia Pittsburgh 27 Duke 14 [16]
1957 Norfolk, Virginia Navy 27 Georgia 14 [17]
1958 Norfolk, Virginia Tulane 14 Navy 6 [18]
1959 Norfolk, Virginia Syracuse 32 Navy 6 [19]
1960 Norfolk, Virginia Navy 26 SMU 7 [20]
1961 Norfolk, Virginia Duke 30 Navy 9 [21]
1962 Norfolk, Virginia Navy 32 Pittsburgh 9
1963 Norfolk, Virginia Navy 21 VMI 12 [22]
*1964 Norfolk, Virginia Maryland 10 North Carolina 9 [23]
1965 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 3 Southern Miss 0 [24]
*1966 Norfolk, Virginia Southern Miss 7 NC State 6 [25]
1967 Norfolk, Virginia Duke 35 Navy 16 [26]
1968 Norfolk, Virginia Duke 30 Maryland 28 [27]
1969 Norfolk, Virginia VPI 48 Duke 12 [28]
1970 Norfolk, Virginia NC State 7 Maryland 0 [29]
1971 Norfolk, Virginia Clemson 3 Duke 0 [30]
*1972 Norfolk, Virginia Duke 17 Navy 16 [31]
*1973 Norfolk, Virginia Maryland 30 Duke 10 [32]
1974 Norfolk, Virginia Maryland 56 Duke 13 [33]
1975 Norfolk, Virginia Virginia Tech 24 William & Mary 7 [34]
1976 Norfolk, Virginia VMI 13 Virginia 7 [35]
1977 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 21 East Carolina 17 [36]
*1978 Norfolk, Virginia East Carolina 21 Richmond 14 [37]
1979 Norfolk, Virginia Navy 24 William & Mary 7 [38]
1980 Norfolk, Virginia Virginia Tech 21 VMI 6 [39]
1981 Norfolk, Virginia VMI 14 The Citadel 0 [40]
1982 Norfolk, Virginia Virginia Tech 14 VMI 3 [41]
1983 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 26 Yale 14 [42][43]
1984 Norfolk, Virginia Virginia Tech 54 VMI 7 [44]
1985 Norfolk, Virginia Richmond 38 James Madison 15 [45]
1986 Norfolk, Virginia Temple 29 Virginia Tech 16 [46][47][48]
1987 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 17 VMI 6 [49]
1988 Norfolk, Virginia The Citadel 30 VMI 20 [50]
*1989 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 13 Boston University 10 [51]
1990 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 59 VMI 47 [52]
1991 Norfolk, Virginia The Citadel 17 VMI 14 [53]
1992 Norfolk, Virginia Richmond 41 VMI 18 [54]
1993 Norfolk, Virginia William & Mary 49 VMI 6 [55]
1994 Norfolk, Virginia The Citadel 58 VMI 14 [56]
1995 Norfolk, Virginia Georgia Southern 31 VMI 13 [57]
1996 No game held
1997 No game held
1998 No game held
1999 Hampton, Virginia Wesley (DE) 48 Apprentice 33
2000 Hampton, Virginia Methodist 30 Apprentice 8
2001 Hampton, Virginia Christopher Newport 14 Ferrum 11
2002 Hampton, Virginia Salisbury 48 Apprentice 17
2003 Hampton, Virginia Bridgewater 58 Catholic University 20
2004 Hampton, Virginia Christopher Newport 21 Bridgewater 16
2005 Newport News, Virginia Wesley (DE) 45 Apprentice 0
2006 Newport News, Virginia Apprentice 37 Chowan 0
2007 Newport News, Virginia Chowan 61 Apprentice 55
2008 Newport News, Virginia Apprentice 37 Southern Virginia 14
2009 Newport News, Virginia Southern Virginia 14 Apprentice 10
2010 Newport News, Virginia Webber International 40 Apprentice 7
2011 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 23 James Madison 20
2012 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 31 Delaware 26
2013 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 66 Albany 10
2014 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 30 Louisiana Tech 27
2015 Norfolk, Virginia Florida Atlantic 33 Old Dominion 31
2016 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 42 FIU 28
2017 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 24 Rice 21
2018 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 77 VMI 14
2019 Norfolk, Virginia Charlotte 38 Old Dominion 22
2020 No game held
2021 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 56 Charlotte 34
2022 Norfolk, Virginia James Madison 37 Old Dominion 3
2023 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 28 Appalachian State 21
2024 Norfolk, Virginia Marshall 42 Old Dominion 35
2025 Norfolk, Virginia Old Dominion 27 Georgia State 10

References

  1. ^ a b Peggy Haile, Pages from Norfolk's Past Archived 2011-05-24 at the Wayback Machine, Norfolk Public Library, retrieved January 31, 2009.
  2. ^ a b 20th Century History Archived 2009-02-09 at the Wayback Machine, The City of Norfolk, VA, retrieved January 31, 2009.
  3. ^ a b Oyster Bowl runs out of downs, Shriners pull plug on 49-year tradition, The Virginian Pilot, February 22, 1996, retrieved January 31, 2009.
  4. ^ Oyster Bowl Information, Newport News Apprentice School, November 13, 2008, retrieved February 1, 2009.
  5. ^ Kirsch, Fred (December 1, 2004). "Coach Jim tackled a lot, but one was most memorable". The Virginian-Pilot. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012.
  6. ^ Keith McMillan, Around the Nation, D3 Football, November 9, 2001, retrieved January 31, 2009.
  7. ^ "W&M overpowers Keydets in Oyster Bowl Classic, 31–0". Daily Press. October 10, 1948. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Short Shot on State's 1949 Football Opponents". Media guide, Football, North Carolina State, 1949 season.
  9. ^ "Pack Edges V.P.I. 14–13 For First Win". The Technician. North Carolina State University. November 4, 1949. p. 6. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  10. ^ "William-Mary breaks losing streak to upset N.C. State 34 to 0". Norfolk Virginian-Pilot. November 26, 1950. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Duke crushes Virginia Tech in fifth annual Oyster Bowl game, 55 to 6". Norfolk Virginian-Pilot. October 21, 1951. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "South Carolina upsets Virginia in Oyster Bowl". Norfolk Virginian-Pilot. November 2, 1952. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Duke swamps Virginia, 48–6". The Baltimore Sun. November 1, 1953. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "30,000 see Navy humble Duke in Oyster Bowl, 40–7". The Portsmouth Star. November 7, 1954. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "North Carolina triumphs in Oyster Bowl, 32–14". Norfolk Virginian-Pilot. November 6, 1955. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Pitt turns back Duke in Oyster Bowl, 27 to 14". Norfolk Virginian-Pilot. October 21, 1956. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Middies down aroused Bulldogs in Oyster Bowl, 27–14". The Virginian-Pilot. October 20, 1957. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Tulane submerges Navy, 14–6". Daily Press. October 19, 1958. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Navy stopped by Syracuse". Eugene Register-Guard. Associated Press. October 11, 1959. p. 3B. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Google News Archive.
  20. ^ "Bellino stars in rain-swept Oyster Bowl". The Virginian-Pilot. October 9, 1960. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "Devils pin loss on Navy". Fort Lauderdale News. November 12, 1961. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "Navy edges V.M.I., 21–12". The Baltimore Sun. October 20, 1963. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ "Terrapins edge Tar Heels, 10–9". Richmond Times-Dispatch. October 18, 1964. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "McGuire, defense pace W&M victory, 3–0". Daily Press. October 31, 1965. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Rowe 'Outstanding Player,' but Southerners capture top prize, 7–6 Oyster Bowl victory". Daily Press. November 13, 1966. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "Duke whips Middies by 35–16 score". The Baltimore Sun. November 12, 1967. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ "Duke halts upset try by Terps". Fort Lauderdale News. October 6, 1968. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "VPI takes it out on Duke, 48–12". Daily Press. November 16, 1969. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ "Maryland 'booted' by Wolfpack, 6–0". Florence Morning News. October 25, 1970. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Clemson stuns Duke, 3–0". Daily Press. October 10, 1971. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "Blue Devils nip Navy by 17–16". The Gastonia Gazette. October 29, 1972. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "Terps tame Duke in Oyster Bowl". Daily Press. October 28, 1973. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Duke stewed by Terps". Daily Press. November 17, 1974. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Barnes, Rogers lead Tech to 24–7 win in Oyster Bowl". The Danville Register. November 2, 1975. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Keydets capture 13–7 decision over Virginia". The Herald-Sun. October 31, 1976. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Rozantz leads W&M's upset of Pirates". The Danville Register. November 13, 1977. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Green of East Carolina stops Spiders' upset bid". Daily Press. October 22, 1978. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Navy routs W&M in Oyster Bowl 24–7". The Roanoke Times & World News. October 14, 1979. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Gobblers get the Peach". The News and Observer. November 16, 1980. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "VMI uses defense to stymie Citadel". Daily Press. October 11, 1981. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Tech wins Oyster Bowl". The Daily News Leader. November 21, 1982. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ Rogers, Thomas (1983-10-04). "Scouting". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  43. ^ Denn, Charlie (October 2, 1983). "Murphy Sparks W&M over Yale". Daily Press. p. D-1 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "Va. Tech romps by VMI, 54–7". The News and Observer. October 7, 1984. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ "Bleier blase about records". Daily Press. October 6, 1985. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "Oyster Bowl Will Be Televised by Home Team Sports". scholar.lib.vt.edu. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  47. ^ "Hokies zapped by Owls". Daily Press. October 19, 1986. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ "Temple forfeits six games". The Anniston Star. July 26, 1988. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ "Tribe defense accounts for win over VMI". Daily Press. November 1, 1987. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ "VMI falls to Citadel in Classic". The Times and Democrat. November 13, 1988. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ "Indians hold off Boston U." The News and Advance. October 15, 1989. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. ^ "Tribe wins wildest yet Oyster Bowl". Daily Press. October 14, 1990. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ^ "Douglas, defense pace Citadel". The State. October 27, 1991. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  54. ^ "Spiders storm past VMI". Daily Press. October 25, 1992. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  55. ^ "No pearl in this Oyster Bowl". Daily Press. October 3, 1993. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ^ "Citadel bullies Keydets". Daily Press. November 13, 1994. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  57. ^ "Ga. Southern tops VMI, remains in playoff race". The Atlanta Constitution. November 19, 1995. Retrieved October 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
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