Tombstone
Born: 1999 – AF2 founding franchise
Folded: December 2003
First Game: April 8, 2000 (L 48-15 @ Tennessee Valley Vipers)
Last Game: July 26, 2003 (L 67-65 vs. Greensboro Prowlers)
ArenaCup Championships: None
Arena
Norfolk Scope (8,846)12000 Greensboro Prowlers Media Guide
Opened: 1971
Marketing
Team Colors: Royal Blue, Gold & Black22000 Greensboro Prowlers Media Guide
Ownership
Owners: Kenny Easley & Bruce Smith
Background
The Norfolk Nighthawks were one of 15 founding franchise in Arena Football 2, a lower-budget, small-market offshoot of the original Arena Football League (1987-2008). AF2 debuted in the spring of 2000 and the Nighthawks lasted for four seasons before folding.
Former NFL defensive standouts Kenny Easley and Bruce Smith, both Virginia natives, owned the franchise. Easley was long retired, but Smith was still an active player at the time the Nighthawks were active. The pair had a dispute over management of the team during the Nighthawks final season of 2003, which ultimately contributed to the dissolution of the team in December 2003.
According to the encyclopedic ArenaFan.com website, the Nighthawks averaged 4,676 fans per game at the Norfolk Scope during their four seasons of play.
The club was a winner in its debut season, going 11-7 and advancing to the semi-final round of the AF2 playoffs. The next three seasons the Nighthawks finished 8-8 and missed the postseason.
Downloads
5-20-2000 Nighthawks vs. Roanoke Steam Game Notes
5-20-2000 Norfolk Nighthawks vs Roanoke Steam Game Notes
Links
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One Response
First year season ticket holders. Had a ball at the games. Love watching the Hawks kick ass .
Too bad the owners were bigger assholes.
Sadness.