Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Alumni Stadium 1282 N Dupont Highway Dover, DE 19901
Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 7,193
Fear the Swarm!
Delaware State has been a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) since its founding in 1970. The MEAC is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located between Florida and Delaware.
Delaware State is the smallest of the MEAC schools with a little over 3,600 students and was ranked 9th among all HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report in 2014. It opened in 1891, eventually to be named Delaware State College, and later changed to a university in 1993. One of their most unique programs is the university-based flight school, and it also has a fine business school.
The Hornets football team plays at 7,193-seat Alumni Stadium, which is also their track and field venue. They are a four-time conference champion and made their first-ever FCS playoff appearance in 2007 losing to in-state rival Delaware.
The team has had its ups and downs over the years. In 2007 they were named Black College National Champions, a mythical championship shared with Tuskegee University. The lowest point in the program’s history came on November 9, 1980, when Delaware State lost to the Portland State Vikings by a score of 105-0 in the most lopsided loss in Division I-AA Football history.
Food & Beverage 3
There is not much at Alumni Stadium in terms of food, at least officially. If you enter the main entrance by the south stands you will see that the grandstand has two food stands that are empty and not always used.
But there are usually food trucks and local vendors located on the grassy areas surrounding the track and field. Grotto Pizza may be there and it is always worth trying the popular Delaware pizza option.
A more official-looking stand in the northwest corner may also be open that sells a fish dinner with 2 sides and Brown’s Famous Funnel Cake, Hot Dogs, and Italian Sausage.
Atmosphere 4
The stadium has a very unique atmosphere. At first glance, it looks like a pretty poor facility. There are high schools with better stadiums. And the track around the field makes views feel pretty far away.
The south stand is mainly bleacher seats with a few areas with seatbacks. The north stand is entirely bleacher seats with no seatbacks.
But the crowd is into their team. The band fires up the sound and gets everyone into the action. The stadium alone deserves a low rating, but the atmosphere makes up for the lack of facilities.
The stadium also has a new state-of-the-art Daktronics multi-media display system, featuring a high definition video screen and scoreboard that enhances the action.
Neighborhood 3
There is no real neighborhood per se around Alumni Stadium. The stadium sits off the very busy DuPont Highway. You can see the Dover Mall and Dover International Speedway from your seats. I even heard a stock car screaming around the speedway as I walked towards the game. A closed big box store is located right next to the north stand, with another still opened store nearby as well. So if you need pet supplies you will be good to go.
The area is good if you need food and sustenance before or after the game. Legendary local chain Grotto Pizza has a sports bar located across the street at 1159 N DuPont Highway. They have never been a favorite of mine but fans of them will flock there.
Other great choices include Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop on Gateway S Blvd, Restaurant 55 at 2461 S State St, La Tolteca Restaurant at 859 N Dupont Hwy, and 33 West Ale House & Grill at 33 W Loockerman Street. The Fire and Ice Bar at Dover Downs Casino is another choice for a drink after the game.
Fans 4
The fans are enthusiastic even when the team is not living up to expectations. The amazing band, cheerleaders, and dance team help the fans get energized.
Access 4
The university is right off of a major road in DuPont Highway. A toll road, Route 1, takes you most of the way north to Wilmington is also nearby.
Dover is about a one-and-a-half-hour trip from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and at least two hours from Washington DC. It seems close by on a map but is isolated at the center of the Delmarva Peninsula. If venturing to a shore destination such as Ocean City, Maryland, or Rehobeth, Delaware, then Dover may make a quick, enjoyable stop, but as a destination, it is not the easiest location to travel to. Watch out for NASCAR weekends when traveling in the area; those weekends are not recommended unless you have no other options, as traffic can pile up, so leave yourself additional time in those cases.
There may also be tolls unless you are already on the eastern shore or the Delmarva region. If traveling from the DC and Annapolis area you will have to pay tolls across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. If going around the top of the bay from Baltimore you will have to pay very hefty tolls on either Route 40 or I-95. And coming from Norfolk you will need to pay for the Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Parking is easy as you will be directed by university police to various lots around the campus. It is free except for the annual homecoming game where parking will be $20 or if you choose to park right by the stadium.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets run from $10 to $25. Homecoming gets a price bump from $30 to $40. Youth tickets are normally $5 ($10 for homecoming) with seniors 62 plus for $10. Parking is free except for the homecoming game. The price seems just about right for the experience you will have.
.
Extras 1
There is not much to this stadium. The lack of official food seems weird, but the local vendors offer some great food at a great value. This is the one true extra here at Delaware State University.
Final Thoughts
There are many high schools with far better facilities than Alumni Stadium. But the crowd and atmosphere, as well as the fine quality of play, visits Delaware State football a good time for any fan.
Comments