University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware vs. Merrimack
Thursday, September 3rd | 7:00 P.M.
Delaware Stadium, Newark, DE
302 Night | First Responder Day | Government Employee Appreciation
Thursday, September 3rd | 7:00 P.M.
Delaware Stadium, Newark, DE
302 Night | First Responder Day | Government Employee Appreciation
Delaware Stadium Ticket Office (Bob Carpenter Center Box Office) Open: 3:00 p.m.
Parking Lots Open: 3:00 p.m. Click here to purchase parking in advance.
Stadium Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Purchase Here
Watch: ESPN+
Live Gameday Update: @UDBlueHens & @DelawareFB on Twitter
Radio: 94.7FM WDSD / 91.3 WVUD
The Blue Hens kick off the 2026 season on Thursday, September 3rd as the Blue Hens host the Merrimack Warriors in Delaware Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m and gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Be sure to arrive early and visit the i.g. Burton fan zone to check out the S.W.A.T Humvee and police motorcycles visiting as part of our First Responders Appreciation.
Digital Ticketing: Delaware Athletics has moved to a digital ticketing system. Please click here for more information. We highly suggest adding your tickets to your mobile wallet before attending the game to avoid entry delays and spotty cellular service in the stadium on game days.
Traffic & Parking: Season and single game parking lots open four hours before kickoff for you to enjoy tailgating with your fellow Blue Hens. Parking on game days is $25 per car in all single game lots, excluding the ice arena which is $60 day of game.As a reminder, cash is no longer be accepted for day of game parking. All parking must be paid with a credit or debit card. Advanced single game parking is available to purchase online for $20; you must print your pass and have it in hand upon entry. Please review the entrances and traffic flow patterns prior to arrival to avoid delays by clicking here. Please note, the Flight Path will be taking place approximately 3 hours prior to kickoff. During this time, parking entrance A will be closed until the conclusion of the Flight Path (approx. 15 minutes).
i.g. Burton Fan Zone
The i.g. Burton Fan Zone will open at 5:00 p.m.
Club Seat Pregame Sweep: To ensure only club seat holders are seated in the club seat sections of Delaware Stadium, stadium security will perform a pre-game sweep to check tickets of those seated in club seat and loge box locations. Please be sure to sit in your ticketed section throughout the game.
Bags/Backpacks Policy: New for the 2026 season, Delaware Athletics will be implementing a “clear bag” policy. Only clutch purses and/or fanny packs (no larger than 5” x 7”), clear bags (no longer 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.
Concessions and Beer Service: Concessions are available throughout Delaware Stadium, with new offerings this season. Click here for a map of locations. Beer service is available to all adults over the age of 21 with a valid driver’s license. Please note, Delaware Stadium is cashless. Reverse ATMs are available on the concourse for fans needing to exchange cash for a debit card.
Guest Services: There are three Guest Services kiosks located inside Delaware Stadium, (1) on the east concourse, (1) in the southwest corner, and (1) in the northwest corners of stadium. All three kiosks will be open 1.5 hours prior to kickoff and remain open until the conclusion of the game. Guests are invited to stop by for general information, solutions, lost and found, and helpful service.
Stadium Policies: In order to ensure the safety of our guests, all bags will be checked as patrons enter the facility. Please plan accordingly as long lines may exist. Delaware Stadium has a no re-entry policy. Patrons experiencing an emergency or who must exit for medical reasons may go to the main Guest Services kiosk inside the stadium in the east concourse assistance. For a full list of stadium policies, click here. For the comfort and safety of all, the following items are not permitted in Delaware Stadium:
- Noise Makers • Bottles/Cans • Outside Alcoholic Beverages
- Backpacks • Footballs • Coolers/Ice Chests/Thermos
- Large bags • Umbrellas • Open Containers
- Strollers • Video Cameras • Outside food or drink
- Animals • Banners/Signs • Weapons/Firearms
- Sporting Equipment
Tailgating: Patrons may tailgate beginning four (4) hours prior to kickoff and may resume postgame for up to two (2) hours after the conclusion of the game. Tailgates must be limited to the immediate space behind the patron's vehicle and driveways must be kept clear at all times. For information on hospitality and tailgating packages in Blue Hens Hospitality Village, contact GroupTickets@udel.edu or 302-831-7386.
Tobacco Free Policy: The University of Delaware is a Tobacco-Free Campus applicable to all members of the University community and on all UD property. The use of all tobacco products (smoking, snuff, & e-cigarettes) on University property is prohibited to ensure a “Tobacco-Free UD.” For details, click here.
UD Football Guests / HS Coaches Recruits: Both parties should proceed to the Whitney Athletic Center Plaza to meet Delaware Football Operations staff next to the Go Hens sign.
Visiting Team Guests: Guests whose names have been left on a pass list from the visiting school and/or who need to pick up tickets purchased directly through the visiting school should proceed to the visiting team tent on the plaza of the Bob Carpenter Center
HS Coaches/Non-Football Recruits: High school coaches and non-football recruits should proceed to the designated tent on the Bob Carpenter Center plaza to the left of the ticket windows.
Guest Code of Conduct
As part of the Guest Code of Conduct, the following will not be permitted:
- Foul or abusive language or gestures
- Intoxication or other signs of impairment related to alcohol consumption
- Fighting, taunting, or threatening remarks or gestures
- Sitting in a location other than the guest’s ticketed seat
- Displays of affection not appropriate in a public setting
- Obscene or indecent clothing
- Any disruption to the progress of the event by guests’ actions
