The dome consists of 18 giant concrete ribs that meet at the top, allowing for a column-free interior.
The structure was designed by Pier Luigi Nervi, who also contributed to the design of the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
When it opened, the Scope was the largest concrete thin-shell dome in the United States.
The name 'Scope' is an acronym for 'Sports, Conventions, Operas, Pageants, and Entertainment'.
The arena's foundation includes a complex system to manage the high water table characteristic of its waterfront proximity.
The building is officially designated as a local historic landmark in Norfolk.
The arena was the original home of the ABA's Virginia Squires, a professional basketball team that included Julius Erving.
The venue features an underground parking garage connecting directly to the main lobby level.
The Norfolk Scope Arena is a multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment venue featuring a distinctive circular design topped by one of the world's largest reinforced concrete thin-shell domes. Completed in 1971, the arena was designed by Italian architect Pier Luigi Nervi as the centerpiece of a civic center complex. The domed structure spans 336 feet in diameter without any interior columns to obstruct sightlines. It serves as the primary home for the Norfolk Admirals ECHL professional ice hockey team. Beyond sports, the venue hosts concerts, circuses, conventions, and family entertainment shows. The facility is managed by Seven Venues, which oversees several other cultural sites in Norfolk. The arena floor can be converted between ice, hardwood, and concert stage configurations. It is centrally located in downtown Norfolk, adjacent to the Chrysler Hall performing arts theater.
The exterior plaza facing Brambleton Avenue, which captures the symmetry of the concrete dome arches.
Check the clear bag policy on the Seven Venues website before arrival, as it is strictly enforced.
Use the underground parking garage to avoid street parking, as it provides covered access directly to the arena.
Dress in layers, as the arena temperature can fluctuate significantly between ice hockey events and summer concerts.
Do not attempt to park on the street during major sold-out events, as parking enforcement is active and street spaces are limited.
Operating hours vary strictly based on the event calendar; the venue is closed to the public on non-event days.
No re-entry allowed once you exit the ticketed area during an event.
