The winner of the annual Delaware-Villanova rivalry game takes home the Battle of the Blue Trophy. The two teams first met on the football field in 1895. However, the rivalry didn’t become a regular fixture until the 1960s. The Wildcats hold a 28-21-1 record in the all-time series, but you won’t want to miss it as the Blue Hens try to close the gap.

Route 1 Rivalry

Rival Team: Delaware State Hornets

You won’t want to miss it when Delaware and James Madison square off. These two Colonial Athletic Association rivals first met in 1983, but the rivalry didn’t take off until the two schools became conference rivals in 1993. The Blue Hens hold a 14-10 lead in the all-time series and will look to extend their lead when the two teams meet this season.

Delaware vs. William & Mary

Rival Team: William & Mary Tribe

Delaware and William & Mary first met on the gridiron in 1915, but the rivalry didn’t become a regular thing until the late 1970s. The Blue Hens and Tribe have met 41 times with Delaware holding a 23-18 lead in the all-time series. Every matchup between these two CAA rivals is a must-see, so make sure to be in attendance when the Blue Hens and Tribe square off.

Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a big part of attending a Delaware football game, and while the university added some restrictions in the early 2000s, you’ll still have a lot of fun tailgating before a Fightin’ Blue Hens game. Fans from all over Delaware come out to support the Blue Hens on game days and all throughout the parking lots around the stadium you’ll see fans clad in royal blue and gold. Break out the cooler, grill, tent, table, and chairs, and you’ll be in for a fun day of tailgating when attending a Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens game.

The tailgating isn’t the only thing that creates a festive atmosphere outside Delaware Stadium before the game. The Pregame Team Walk is a big part of the festivities. Take the opportunity to give the Blue Hens some last minute motivation as they enter the stadium.

Additionally, those of you taking the whole family to the game won’t want to miss the Fan Zone. The Fan Zone opens two hours before kickoff and is home to all kinds of activities including inflatables, giveaways, and concessions, so make sure to check it out before the game.

Football fans and tailgate lovers will have an excellent time tailgating before a Blue Hens game, so arrive early and make the most out of your trip to Newark, Delaware.

Traditions

Pregame Team Walk

Greet the Blue Hens as they make their way to the stadium. The team, UD Marching Band, and Spirit Teams march down Stadium Drive two and a half hours before the game, so make sure to take in the Pregame Team Walk when attending a Blue Hens game.

Fan Zone

The Fan Zone is fun for the whole family as it offers a wide selection of activities including face painting, inflatables, giveaways, concessions, and much more. The party starts two hours before kickoff giving you plenty of time to enjoy the Fan Zone before the game.

Where to tailgate

Reserved and Single Game Day Parking

Whether you’re a season ticket holder or just coming to one game, you’ll have no trouble finding a space to set up your tailgate. Single game tailgating spots in the general parking lots can be purchased for $15 upon arrival, so just show up with your tent, grill, and cooler for a fun day of tailgating.

Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens Stadium Guide

In Game

The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens are one of the most successful teams in the FCS having won six national championships and 16 conference championships. The team’s success over the years has helped build an impressive fan base, which is apparent on game days as you’ll encounter a high turnout. Expectations may be high among the Blue Hens faithful, but that doesn’t mean you won’t hear plenty of cheering throughout the game even when things aren’t going Delaware’s way.

In addition to some fantastic fan support, Delaware also boasts one of the best bands in the Colonial Athletic Association. The band’s pregame and halftime shows are both must-sees, and if you’re a big college football fan or marching band fan, you’ll leave the game happy.

Throughout the stadium, you’ll find several tributes to past Fightin’ Blue Hens greats. In the southwest corner, there are busts of three of the most influential men in program history. The stadium also features posters of past players as well, which you’ll want to check out to remember all of your favorite former Blue Hens including NFL MVP Rich Gannon and Super Bowl winner Joe Flacco.

A Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens game is an excellent time for any college football fan, so start planning your trip to Newark, Delaware today.

Things to check out

Legends Busts

No trip to Delaware Stadium is complete without checking out the busts of Fightin’ Blue Hens greats David M. Nelson, William Murray, and Harold “Tubby” Raymond. The busts are located in the southwest corner of the stadium, so stop by and see them before the game.

Wall of Champions

Check out the Wall of Champions banner, which celebrates the all the Fightin’ Blue Hens biggest accomplishments from over the years. Whether you’re a new or longtime fan, you won’t want to miss reliving these incredible moments.

Former Player Posters

Before the game, take some time to see all the former player posters around the stadium. The posters honor some of the best Fightin’ Blue Hens in program history as well as the NFL, so don’t miss them during your trip to Delaware Stadium.

Delaware Beer Gardens

Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy some Delaware-brewed beers when taking in a Fightin’ Blue Hens game. The Delaware Beer Gardens are open to fans 21 and over who are Blue Club members, Delaware Diamond Society Members, or Premium Box Box Seat Ticket Holders.

University of Delaware Marching Band

The University of Delaware Marching Band puts on quite the performance at games and is a must-see. The band’s routines are among the best around so enjoy the pregame and halftime shows.

YoUDee

YoUDee is the official mascot of the University of Delaware and is loved by fans young and old. No matter what your age you’ll enjoy watching YoUDee’s antics throughout the game.

Cockpit

The Cockpit is the name of the Delaware student section and is where you can find the loudest and craziest fans on game days. The students create a great deal of the atmosphere at Blue Hens games making them a can’t miss part of any game.

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