University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Athletics Announces Updates to Football In-Venue Fan Experience
8/27/2026 2:00:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – Ahead of their second season in Conference USA, the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens return to Delaware Stadium on September 3, 2026 at 7 p.m. vs. Merrimack, aiming to build on a historic-inaugural FBS campaign and an electric home-gameday atmosphere in Newark. There are several changes and exciting updates coming to Delaware Stadium this fall. Visit bluehens.com/gameday to stay up-to-date with all gameday questions and needs throughout the season.
The Flight Path
Back for the second season, The Flight Path team arrival returns to Delaware football gamedays. Fans can join the Delaware marching band and spirit squads in front of the Bob Carpenter Center to welcome the Fightin' Blue Hens football team as it arrives at Delaware Stadium three hours prior to kickoff. Immediately following The Flight Path the marching band and spirit squad will head to the plaza outside the Spartin Gate to host the flock party, performing gameday favorites.
West Stands March
The return of a beloved Delaware football gameday tradition, the University of Delaware marching band is bringing back the pregame march under the west stands. Following the sidewalk show, the Delaware marching band will make its way to the pregame show by marching in the Spartin Family Gate and through the west concourse. UDMB will stop briefly to perform the fight song on the concourse and continue to the northwest corner of the stadium where the band will enter the field for its pregame performance.
Fireworks
New for the 2026 season, Delaware football games will now feature in-game fireworks. Fireworks will be fired off the top of the Bob Carpenter Center during the national anthem, when the team enters the field pregame, following a set number of Fightin' Blue Hens' touchdowns per game, and one final celebration following a Fightin' Blue Hens' win.
All Fan Giveaways
During the 2026 season, two Delaware football games will feature an all-fan giveaway. Blue rally towels will be given out on Friday, October 2 vs Liberty as part of the "Blue Out" game for Parents & Family Weekend. LED sound-activated wristbands will be distributed to all fans on Tuesday, October 20 when Missouri State comes to Newark. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for both games to claim the giveaways.
Concession Updates and Offerings
This year's concessions lineup features local favorites, expanded meal options, and a variety of beverages across multiple locations. Fans can grab local treats like Helen's Sausage House at booth two, sweet treats from Desserts By Dana and UDairy at booths one and six, respectively, new specialty items like Walking Tacos at Booth five, and the Henwich Sandwich at Booth one. Meal exchanges for all UD students are available at booths three, five, and the Frybox 2.0, while alcohol and draft beer will continue to be served at booths two, three, the kiosk, East Main, and Minite Plaza.
Flyovers
Delaware football has two pregame flyovers scheduled for the 2026 season. In celebration of First Responders' Night, Delaware State Police Aviation will provide a pregame flyover for the September 3 game vs. Merrimack. As part of Military Appreciation Day on November 14, Delaware Army National Guard will provide a pregame flyover.
Gate Times
All entrance gates to Delaware Stadium will now open 90 minutes prior to kickoff, allowing fans to take advantage of all of the pregame offerings like the i.g. Burton Fan Zone – a free, family-friendly entertainment space next to the Hen House powered by Schell Brothers. Fans can stop by the Hen House and fan zone before heading into the stadium to take advantage of free giveaways, game-themed activations, purchase food from the Rolling Rooster Food Truck, DJ entertainment, and more.
Clear Bag Policy
Delaware Stadium will now carry a clear bag policy. Only clutch purses and/or fanny packs (no larger than 5" x 7"), clear bags (no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"), medical bags, and diaper bags will be allowed into Delaware Stadium. All non-clear bags (hard-sided coolers, bags with metal frames, backpacks, draw-string bags, camera cases, tinted plastic bags, oversized tote bags, mesh bags, purses, and plastic bags) are strictly prohibited in Delaware Stadium. All clear bags are subject to inspection by gate security once entering through the Evolv Weapons Detection units. Clear bags are available for purchase in the Delaware Bookstore, at the merchandise store inside the stadium, and online at shopbluehens.com.
Tickets
A limited number of season tickets remain available for the 2026 season, giving fans the opportunity to secure their seats for every home game at Delaware Stadium. Fans looking for more flexibility can also take advantage of three-game mini plans, group ticket options for 15 or more, and single-game tickets for select home matchups. To explore available ticket options and secure your seats, visit BlueHens.com/FBTickets.
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