University of Delaware Athletics
UnvaulteD: Delaware Athletics Announces Vintage Inspired Merchandise Campaign
9/1/2026 9:00:00 AM | Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, Men's Basketball, Men's Golf, Men's Lacrosse, Men's Soccer, Men's Swimming & Diving, Men's Tennis, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Golf, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Women's Tennis, Volleyball, Women's Lacrosse, Rowing, Delaware Athletics, Track & Field, Cheer, Dance, Ice Hockey
NEWARK, Del. – Delaware Athletics is bringing a distinctive piece of its athletic history back to life with a refreshed version of the fan-favorite Fightin' Blue Hen D mark for the 2026-27 athletics year, the department announced Tuesday. The UnvaulteD design will serve as a limited-edition mark used throughout the 2026-27 season, aimed to story tell around the incredible history and tradition of success at UD and engage the fanbase with exclusive merchandise offerings.
The refreshed mark will be featured during designated throwback games across multiple varsity programs throughout the 2026-27 athletics year, with participating teams incorporating the design into exclusive coaches' sideline apparel. Delaware Football will spotlight the mark during its homecoming matchup against FIU on November 14.
The initial merchandise lineup, featuring official Adidas polos and quarter-zips along with Champion fleece hoodies and t-shirts will be available first at the merchandise booths inside Delaware Stadium this Thursday, September 3 when football kicks off the 2026 season. Following the game, fans can visit shopbluehens.com to explore the collection and own a piece of UD history. Items will remain available online, in-venue during home football and basketball games, and at the UD Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore located on 83 E. Main Street throughout the 2026-27 athletics year, with additional releases planned.
Several details pay tribute to the history and traditions of Delaware Athletics. The winged stripes on the hen's head are a nod to Delaware's iconic gold winged helmets, while the bandages across its nose represent the fight behind the Fightin' Blue Hens name, derived from the original 1987 logo. The accompanying "Fightin' Blue Hens" typeface draws inspiration from lettering featured on uniforms during that era.
Inspired by the Fightin' Blue Hen D mark, often referred to as Dick the Chicken, that served as Delaware Athletics' primary logo from 1987 through 1999, the refreshed design preserves the character of the original artwork while introducing an updated look for today's generation of Fightin' Blue Hens fans. The design features bolder outlines and strokes, along with Delaware's current blue and gold colors.
The Fightin' Blue Hen D has deep roots with Delaware Athletics. Earlier versions of the logo appeared on the football scoreboard during the 1960s and at center court for Delaware basketball during the 1970s. Its run as the department's primary logo from 1987 to 1999 coincided with a significant period of success across several Fightin' Blue Hen programs, most notably during the tenure of legendary head football coach Tubby Raymond.
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