Delaware Stadium - Delaware Blue Hens

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00

Delaware Stadium 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716

Delaware Blue Hens website

Delaware Stadium website

Year Opened: 1952

Capacity: 18,500

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Blue Hen Pride

When you travel down the busy I-95 corridor along the East Coast, you may have driven close by to one of the most successful college football programs in history and didn’t even know it. Stop by the University of Delaware, located in the small city of Newark, and experience some history in action.

The Delaware Blue Hens have won six national championships during their over 100-year history. These victories occurred in 1946, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1979, and 2003. The 2003 championship took place in Division I-AA, the precursor to the current Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The other championships happened in Division II and various versions of the former College Division.

The Blue Hens used to play at the FCS level, but as of 2025, they have moved to the Conference USA of the FBS level.

Delaware Stadium opened in 1952 and currently holds 18,500. That is in stark contrast to the 9,000 it had during its 1952 opening season, as well as a max of 22,000 between 1998 and 2018.

The stadium is part of the David M. Nelson Athletic Complex, which includes the Bob Carpenter Center, Bob Hannah Stadium, Fred P. Rullo Stadium, the Fred Rust Ice Arena, and the Delaware Field House. The stadium's field is known as Tubby Raymond Field. Recent renovations have added some needed improvements to the facility.

Food & Beverage 3

The stadium features traditional stadium fare alongside local favorites and campus-run specialty options. General concession items include the All Beef Hot Dog ($5), Cheeseburger ($8), Pizza slice ($5), and Nachos ($5). Chick-fil-A sandwiches are also available at certain stands. A few unique, pricier items are available, such as the Crab Pretzel ($14). Bottled water and soda are consistently priced at $4.

Beyond the basics, campus-run food trucks and specialty stands offer variety. Desserts By Dana provides premium options like Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake ($7) and various parfaits ($6). The UDairy Creamery truck (often decorated in cow print) offers gourmet, homemade ice cream made from the university’s own cows, including signature flavors like "Blue Hen Tracks." For savory fare, the Fry Box 2.0 trailer offers classic stadium fried foods like chicken fingers, boneless wings, and fries, and is particularly convenient for students as it accepts Meal Exchange (UD dining plans).

My favorite food stands here are the ones in the northeast corner. The staff there seems to be generally older than the college-aged employees of some of the other stands, and they are extremely friendly. Stop in here for most available items, but most especially for the $4 funnel cake (the price of which is consistent with the $4-$5 range for many extras).

Regarding alcohol service, Delaware follows specific State liquor laws. A key rule is that persons under 21 are not permitted to enter the designated line for alcohol service, even if only buying food or non-alcoholic items; they must use food-only lines. Crucial details to note are the location restrictions and limits: Alcohol is not permitted in student sections or for leaving the stadium. Sales are limited to two alcoholic beverages per person, per visit until the end of the 3rd quarter, and sales conclude entirely at the start of the 4th quarter.

Atmosphere 4

There are four sets of grandstands. The east and west stands are considered the main stands, with the west stand serving as the home stand. A small general admission section is near the north end zone, with a slightly larger section near the south end zone that houses the student section and band. The general admission seats in the north end zone will have a hard time seeing the video board, as it sits askew behind those seats. The video board is new for 2022.

Once inside, you will notice how close to the field you will feel. Game action is very close, as there is no track and the sidelines are very close to the stands. Sitting in the general admission seats even allows you to celebrate with players after scoring plays.

Pretty much all seats in the stadium are bleacher-style, except for part of the renovated west stands. Prepare to be uncomfortable, unless you rent a seat cushion from the school or bring your own.

Neighborhood 4

Newark (pronounced here as New-Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game.

Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots.

If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty low price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya.

Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the baseball stadium.

Around the corner from the arena, behind Rust Arena, is the campus-run UDairy Creamery. Stopping for a pre or post-game ice cream cone is a must.

Fans 4

The team is having a resurgence, and the fans have been packing Delaware Stadium, often to capacity. The fans at Delaware Stadium know their football and expect big things out of their program. The two main grandstands, as well as the small general admission stand, are generally filled to just under capacity for most games, especially Parents & Family Weekend, Band Day, and Homecoming.

The student section in the south end zone can be noisy due to the band sitting there. But unfortunately, the students do not always show up in large numbers. They get into the games for free, but still don't always attend. The stadium is far from most student housing, so attending a game must not be top of mind for most students.

The band keeps the crowd entertained throughout the game and even enters many seating sections for fan interactions. The crowd will also chant “BLUE!” “HENS!” at various parts of the game.

Access 5

Delaware Stadium is easy to reach and is only a couple of miles off Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Coming from points south on I-95, getting off at Maryland Route 279 will avoid the toll pretty easily, and it is a short drive to the stadium. Parking is $20, and there are plenty of options. The best choice may be the large lot right off of Chestnut Hill Road near the track and field throwing pits. Use 190 E Chestnut Hill Rd in your GPS for reference.

Tailgating is a big-time event at Delaware. Up to four hours before games, you can expect to see the grills and cooking options spread out in all parking lots. The number of tailgaters is more in line with much larger and recognized programs around the country. It is serious business here in Newark.

Return on Investment 4

Single-game tickets now have a lower starting price point in the FBS era. Tickets can be found starting as low as $8-$11 on the official site for some general admission seats, which is a significant change from the previous $25 starting price. Prices for better sideline seats will be higher. Advance single-game parking passes are typically available online starting at $20, with the price increasing for day-of-game purchases and premium lots. I am giving some credit because of the caliber of play you will see in the new Conference USA.

The north section's general admission seats are the best value. Because of the closeness of the field, you will almost feel like you are part of the action during end zone plays. Just watch out for errant throws coming your way. It can be an intense environment for fans.

Extras 4

Former University of Michigan halfback David M. Nelson came to Delaware in 1950 as head coach. Nelson brought along the winged helmet design made famous by the Wolverines to every place he coached. The unique design is still in place today and is quite a sight, although it can be easy to confuse it with Michigan. In 15 years at Delaware, Nelson had an 84-42-2 record, with one National Championship in 1963 and a bowl win over Kent State in the Refrigerator Bowl.

The northwest corner of the stadium has three busts depicting Nelson, William “Bill” Murray, and Harold “Tubby” Raymond, three of the most iconic and famous coaches the program has ever had.

The University of Delaware Marching Band is one of the most engaging college bands around. Do not be surprised to see the tuba section running through your section, or the cymbals crew dancing around various parts of the field and stadium area.

Delaware Band Half Time Show, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey

Men may also experience a truly unique and bizarre “attraction” in one of the bathrooms, in the southeast corner of the stadium. Instead of urinals, men do their business against a large marble slabbed wall. Well, it certainly is convenient. Or horrifying. I’m not sure which. This writer had heard this attraction was gone, but we did witness this live and in action…

Final Thoughts

Delaware Stadium is a simple facility, but it offers the fans a close-to-action spectacle with one of the most successful college football programs around.