University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Michael Riccio
University of Delaware Announces Softball Stadium Renovation
6/28/2024 1:00:00 PM | Softball
NEWARK, Del. – In conjunction with the State of Delaware, the University and Department of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation (DACCR) will be undertaking a significant renovation to the Delaware Softball Diamond to provide a first-class experience for student-athletes throughout the state, it was announced Friday. Construction began after this year's DIAA Softball Championships on June 1 and is set to be completed in time for the 2025 season.
"The renovated stadium will be a true gem for our Blue Hen student-athletes and the entire state, providing players and fans with a top-notch facility and an outstanding competition experience," UD President Dennis Assanis said. "We sincerely appreciate the state partnering with us on this project through capital funding support, which will help the University to meet our Title IX commitments to provide gender equitable experiences across all sports programs on campus."
The project will significantly enhance the experience for student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans, and the community. Included in the project will be the installation of AstroTurf Diamond Series, that will allow for more durability and ability to play in poor weather conditions, larger, heated dugouts, expanded grandstands for increased fan capacity, an expanded press box with the installation of an HVAC system, a new video board, and a concession and restroom building to located between the softball field and Fred Rullo Stadium.
"As a lifelong athlete, I've seen firsthand the benefits of elevating and investing in women's sports teams and facilities, just as we've historically done for men's teams," Delaware State House Speaker Valerie Longhurst said. "The upcoming stadium renovations will significantly level the playing field and create new opportunities for the University of Delaware softball team, as well as student-athletes from across the state, to shine. This project is also a win for Delaware, spurring job creation, boosting tourism, and generating economic benefits that will ripple through our state."
"While there's no question that Coach Steele and the University of Delaware Softball program have earned these upgrades with their incredible performance on the field, our support for this renovation project is about more than simply building a showcase for one of the most exciting and successful sports teams we have here in the First State," Sen. Jack Walsh, co-chair of the Delaware General Assembly's Joint Capital Improvement Committee said. "The state's investment in this project also will help to support good-paying jobs through the acquisition of materials, construction of the new facilities, and the ongoing support positions that will be needed as more and more fans travel to Newark to enjoy night games, youth tournaments, and many more seasons of championship Blue Hen Softball."
Stadium renovations have already begun, seeing permanent light fixtures being added in February 2024 that allowed the team to host the Blue Hen Invitational in March against Fairfield, Maine, and Bucknell. It also gave Delaware the ability to play games at night during the 2024 season, as well as hosting the DIAA State Championship at night.
"The DIAA is excited for the renovations to the University of Delaware Softball Diamond," DIAA Executive Director David Baylor said. "The improvements will enhance the championship experience for the state girls high school softball tournaments. We are looking to partner with the University to host the state tournament semifinals as well as the state championship games. This will ensure equity in the girls state tournament, similar to the boys experience at Frawley stadium."
With the incoming renovations, Delaware was selected to host the 2026 Conference USA Championship in May of 2026, the University's first year in the new league.
"This is an incredible opportunity that we are extremely grateful for," Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. "Being able to bring people to the 302 and showcase the wonderful place that Delaware is will be a tremendous experience. The impact is already evident as we will host the Conference USA Tournament in May 2026, our first season in the league. It will also help enhance the experience for our state partners at DIAA, providing an elite experience for the high school state championships."
With the new renovations and addition of concessions and restrooms, the University will be able to support more external events, bringing an increased revenue and tourism impact to the state. Currently, DACCR drives a $33M economic impact in the state annually from athletics hosted events. That impact is expected to increase after the renovations with events and other youth tournaments taking place in Newark.
"The upcoming stadium renovations will significantly benefit our program," Steele said. "Our goal is to make the University of Delaware a top destination, and this facility, combined with our other outstanding resources, will help us achieve that. The talent in this region, particularly in Delaware, is exceptional and our coaching staff is dedicated to retaining our top talent. Softball is one of the most popular NCAA sports, and the dedication shown by the state and university to our program is remarkable.."
Delaware has won the CAA Regular Season Championship in two of the last three seasons and has made the CAA Tournament in four-consecutive seasons for the first time in program history. The Blue Hens are coming off a 39-14 season with a 21-6 in the CAA. They set program records for wins, conference wins, and tied their longest win streak ever. UD also picked up its first-ever Big XII win with a pair against Iowa State in February.
Since Steele took over as head coach, Delaware is 163-92 in six seasons, winning at least 25 games in four-straight seasons for the first time ever. The Hens are set to join Conference USA on July 1, 2025.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware softball, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
"The renovated stadium will be a true gem for our Blue Hen student-athletes and the entire state, providing players and fans with a top-notch facility and an outstanding competition experience," UD President Dennis Assanis said. "We sincerely appreciate the state partnering with us on this project through capital funding support, which will help the University to meet our Title IX commitments to provide gender equitable experiences across all sports programs on campus."
The project will significantly enhance the experience for student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans, and the community. Included in the project will be the installation of AstroTurf Diamond Series, that will allow for more durability and ability to play in poor weather conditions, larger, heated dugouts, expanded grandstands for increased fan capacity, an expanded press box with the installation of an HVAC system, a new video board, and a concession and restroom building to located between the softball field and Fred Rullo Stadium.
"As a lifelong athlete, I've seen firsthand the benefits of elevating and investing in women's sports teams and facilities, just as we've historically done for men's teams," Delaware State House Speaker Valerie Longhurst said. "The upcoming stadium renovations will significantly level the playing field and create new opportunities for the University of Delaware softball team, as well as student-athletes from across the state, to shine. This project is also a win for Delaware, spurring job creation, boosting tourism, and generating economic benefits that will ripple through our state."
"While there's no question that Coach Steele and the University of Delaware Softball program have earned these upgrades with their incredible performance on the field, our support for this renovation project is about more than simply building a showcase for one of the most exciting and successful sports teams we have here in the First State," Sen. Jack Walsh, co-chair of the Delaware General Assembly's Joint Capital Improvement Committee said. "The state's investment in this project also will help to support good-paying jobs through the acquisition of materials, construction of the new facilities, and the ongoing support positions that will be needed as more and more fans travel to Newark to enjoy night games, youth tournaments, and many more seasons of championship Blue Hen Softball."
Stadium renovations have already begun, seeing permanent light fixtures being added in February 2024 that allowed the team to host the Blue Hen Invitational in March against Fairfield, Maine, and Bucknell. It also gave Delaware the ability to play games at night during the 2024 season, as well as hosting the DIAA State Championship at night.
"The DIAA is excited for the renovations to the University of Delaware Softball Diamond," DIAA Executive Director David Baylor said. "The improvements will enhance the championship experience for the state girls high school softball tournaments. We are looking to partner with the University to host the state tournament semifinals as well as the state championship games. This will ensure equity in the girls state tournament, similar to the boys experience at Frawley stadium."
With the incoming renovations, Delaware was selected to host the 2026 Conference USA Championship in May of 2026, the University's first year in the new league.
"This is an incredible opportunity that we are extremely grateful for," Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. "Being able to bring people to the 302 and showcase the wonderful place that Delaware is will be a tremendous experience. The impact is already evident as we will host the Conference USA Tournament in May 2026, our first season in the league. It will also help enhance the experience for our state partners at DIAA, providing an elite experience for the high school state championships."
With the new renovations and addition of concessions and restrooms, the University will be able to support more external events, bringing an increased revenue and tourism impact to the state. Currently, DACCR drives a $33M economic impact in the state annually from athletics hosted events. That impact is expected to increase after the renovations with events and other youth tournaments taking place in Newark.
"The upcoming stadium renovations will significantly benefit our program," Steele said. "Our goal is to make the University of Delaware a top destination, and this facility, combined with our other outstanding resources, will help us achieve that. The talent in this region, particularly in Delaware, is exceptional and our coaching staff is dedicated to retaining our top talent. Softball is one of the most popular NCAA sports, and the dedication shown by the state and university to our program is remarkable.."
Delaware has won the CAA Regular Season Championship in two of the last three seasons and has made the CAA Tournament in four-consecutive seasons for the first time in program history. The Blue Hens are coming off a 39-14 season with a 21-6 in the CAA. They set program records for wins, conference wins, and tied their longest win streak ever. UD also picked up its first-ever Big XII win with a pair against Iowa State in February.
Since Steele took over as head coach, Delaware is 163-92 in six seasons, winning at least 25 games in four-straight seasons for the first time ever. The Hens are set to join Conference USA on July 1, 2025.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware softball, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Highlight: Softball 2024 Season Highlight
Monday, June 03
Highlight: Softball Senior Day - 5/5/24
Monday, May 06
Highlight: Softball vs. DSU - 4/10/24
Monday, April 15
Highlight: Softball vs. Drexel - 4/29/24
Saturday, March 30
