The NorVa is a performing theatre located in Norfolk, Virginia. The NorVa's name consists of an abbreviation relating to its location. The NorVa was the brainchild of local music venue entrepreneurs Bill Reid and Rick Mersel, who have also developed the NTelos Wireless Pavilion and have ties to the development of Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach. In 2014, the NorVa was acquired by AEG Presents. The original NorVa Theatre opened in 1917 as a 2000-seat Vaudeville theater then thrived as a premier movie theatre into the 1970s. The building served as home to the Downtown Athletic Club from 1980 until 1998 when it was renovated for its current use. The building is often noted by its patrons to be charming and aesthetically pleasing due to its rustic and old-style appearance.