STAY & PLAY IN DOWNTOWN NORFOLK

Hard Hat Happenings to be held each Wednesday at local venues

NORFOLK, Va. – What’s better than free food? How about free hors d’oeuvres from some of Downtown Norfolk’s best restaurants.
Hampton Roads Transit and the Downtown Norfolk Council invite the public to a new event called Stay & Play starting April 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.

These after work mixers are an opportunity for people to relax with friends, sample some first rate food, and learn a little about The Tide, Virginia’s first light rail project. They’re intended to support businesses affected by construction and are a great way for downtowners to have a few laughs and socialize.

“The construction of the project is exciting but HRT understands that it can pose challenges to businesses. That’s why we’re pleased we can sponsor this program to help restaurants during this period,” said Michael Townes, president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit.
The first Stay & Play will be held at Voila, located at the corner of York and Botetourt streets in the Freemason district. The location will change each week but the event will always be on Wednesday. The schedule is available at DowntownNorfolk.org. Stay & Play locations are selected based on proximity to construction projects.

They are part of Hard Hat Happenings, a broader series of events that will celebrate the success of construction as various projects are completed over the next 18 months

“We are working with our Downtown businesses to bring people together and enjoy our restaurants during this dynamic time,” says Cathy Coleman, president of the Downtown Norfolk Council.

Funding is made available by HRT through contributions from project contractors including Jacobs Engineering Group, Skanska Civil USA Southeast, Siemens Transportation Systems, GFI Genfare and HNTB. Each participating venue receives a stipend to cover the cost of providing free appetizers to attendees who are encouraged to patronize the restaurant.

A number of HRT Executives and Norfolk City Councilman Randy Wright, one of Light Rail’s biggest proponents, will attend the first Stay & Play and answer questions anyone might have.