University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware Athletics Announces State Branding Initiatives for Upcoming Season
9/1/2013 7:53:00 PM | Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, Del. -- State pride will be at the forefront of several new athletics branding initiatives announced by University of Delaware Director of Athletics and Recreation Services Eric Ziady this week.
Among the initiatives set for this season include displaying a patch of the State of Delaware on the game uniforms of all 21 intercollegiate teams; painting the outline of the state on the turf at the 50-yard line at Delaware Stadium; a Blue Hen State of Mind theme for the upcoming season; and having members of the Blue Hen football team enter the field at home games displaying both the Delaware State flag and the United States flag.
“The University of Delaware is proud to be the flagship University for our state and we are excited to announce these branding initiatives as they pertain to Blue Hens Athletics,” said Ziady, who will begins his second year in the post this November. “Blue Hens athletics holds such a special place in the history of this state and the pride and loyalty that our fans show is second to none. Delaware Athletics wants to take every opportunity to show how proud we are to be a part of the fabric of this great state.”
In addition to the Delaware State patch, the football program's uniforms will now also include six small stars representing the six national championships won by the program.
“While the state patch represents all our teams' commitment to represent the state of Delaware, the six stars on the football jerseys will be a direct representation of the rich history and tradition that our football program has built through the years, and will be a constant reminder to our football student athletes as to the goal of our program going forward,” said Ziady.
Another theme throughout the coming season will be the Blue Hen State of Mind branding which is intended to celebrate being Blue Hens in this very special state. A special logo has been developed and the mark will be used extensively in both print and online throughout the year and across all 21 Blue Hens intercollegiate athletics teams. The "Blue Hen State of Mind" mentality will encompass what it means to be part of the Blue Hen athletics family while representing the state of Delaware. Whether in the community, in the classroom, or on the playing field, the characteristic of teamwork, meeting challenges, and aspiring to a tradition of excellence will be highlighted.
In addition, beginning this year, members of the Delaware football team will now be bussed to the UD athletics complex and will take part in a pregame march down Stadium Drive prior to the game led by the Delaware Band, Cheerleaders, and Spirit Groups, greeting fans and tailgaters and building excitement for the game on their way to the lockerroom.
Delaware football will once again host its annual Delaware Day as part of the Blue Hens' game vs. in-state opponent Delaware State on Sept. 7 at Delaware Stadium at 3:30 p.m UD will once again reach out to state employees, including educators, as well as first responders and others to invite them through various offers to be a part of a day celebrating all things Delaware.
Blue Hen Athletics will continue to visit all areas of the state and recently took a large contingent to the Delaware State Fair in Harrington for the second straight summer. Student-athletes and coaches took in the sights, visited the midway, and interacted with fans and fair-goers. Back in April, first-year Delaware football head coach Dave Brock and his team visited Milford High School and took part in a scrimmage, interacted with fans, and took part in a youth skills clinic. Future trips to the southern part of the state are also planned.
With the start of the 2013 season just a month away, plenty of affordable season ticket packages for the 2013 Delaware football campaign are still on sale and single game tickets will be available beginning Aug. 5th. Some season ticket packages are available for as little as $99. The season opener is set for Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. vs. Jacksonville (Fla.).
There were no season ticket or parking price increases for 2013 and 11 of 17 sections of the stadium actually saw a decrease in rates, some by as much as 35 percent. In addition, reduced UD Athletic Fund contribution levels in five sideline reserved sections on the East side of Delaware Stadium were implemented. Approximately 37 percent of tickets available for sale to the general public require no UDAF contribution.
In addition to the prices listed above, the University continues to offer a $99 alumni section ($14.14 per game), a $235 family plan ($6.71 per person per game), and great faculty and staff discounts.
Season ticket holders continue to have priority in purchasing away game tickets, including the Sept. 14 game at Navy, and will receive benefit cards good for discounts in the community and access to other Blue Hen sporting events.
