Delaware Stadium: A Legacy of Blue Hens Football
Delaware Stadium, officially known as Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium, stands as a testament to the rich athletic history of the University of Delaware. Built in 1952, it has been the home of the Fightin' Blue Hens football team for over seven decades, witnessing countless games, expansions, and renovations. More than just a sports venue, Delaware Stadium embodies the spirit and tradition of the university, bringing together students, alumni, and fans from across the region.
Construction and Early History
The construction of a stadium on the University of Delaware campus was advocated by David M. Nelson. Delaware Stadium opened its gates on November 15, 1952, with an initial seating capacity of 9,000. The inaugural game saw the Blue Hens triumph over Lafayette with a score of 13-12. This marked the beginning of a new era for UD athletics, providing a dedicated space for the growing fan base to support their team.
An article in The Sunday Star of Wilmington from July 6, 1952, noted that a steel slowdown hampered work on the new stadium at Delaware.
Expansions and Renovations
As the university and its football program grew in popularity, Delaware Stadium underwent several expansions to accommodate the increasing number of fans. Seating expansions occurred in 1964, 1970, 1972, and 1975, gradually increasing the stadium's capacity.
In 1992-93, the stadium received upgrades to its seating and facilities. These improvements included resurfacing the field and reconstructing the drainage and irrigation systems, ensuring a better playing surface for the team.
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Prior to the 2000 season, the university invested in permanent lighting for the stadium. Eight stanchions were installed, providing broadcast-quality light for evening games and events.
In mid-2008, another renovation took place, highlighted by the addition of a 42-foot-wide HD video board and a high-fidelity, 20-kilowatt audio system. These upgrades enhanced the fan experience, providing improved visuals and sound during games. Further improvements to the stands were carried out in the summer of 2011.
A Name to Remember: Tubby Raymond Field
In recognition of his legendary coaching career, the UD Board of Trustees voted to name the Delaware Stadium field as Tubby Raymond Field in the spring. Ceremonies were held during the season-opening game against Georgia Southern on August 29. David M. Nelson was succeeded as football head coach by Harold R. Tubby Raymond retired in February 2002 and was replaced by K.C. Keeler, one of his former players and part of the third national championship team.
Gameday Experience
Delaware Stadium has long been the place that Blue Hens from far and wide have flocked to every fall for the past 70 years. The atmosphere at Delaware Stadium is electric, especially during key matchups and rivalry games. The stadium's design ensures good sightlines from most seats, allowing fans to feel close to the action. Hedges separate the sideline and the beginning of the seating bowl. The open corners and short end zone stands allow for a view beyond the field, which features other athletic facilities and practice fields.
Seating and Amenities
The current stadium configuration features concrete grandstands on the east and west sides, with the press box located atop the west grandstand. Permanent metal bleachers occupy the north and south end zones. The student section, known as the Cockpit, is located behind the south end zone and is known for its enthusiastic and spirited support of the team.
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Concessions and Fan Zone
Inside the concourse on each sideline, fans can find a variety of concessions offering classic stadium fare. Along with the hot dogs, there was barbeque beef and pork, with the aforementioned fan zone adding a slew of sides to the meals. Other available items included pizza, chicken fingers, Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, and Philly cheesesteaks. Before entering, a hopping fan zone is set up just before the main gates. With a stage for a band, along with various games and entertainment, it’s a nice little section that included a pre-game menu featuring barbequed items along with traditional sides.
The Blue Hen Tradition
Delaware's athletic teams are known as the Blue Hens, which is the state bird. There are also many references to the football team being called the “Fightin’ Blue Hens.” Delaware is one of the few teams to sport the Michigan-style winged helmets. This was started in the 60s, when the Blue Hens made the Wing-T offense a trademark.
Memorable Moments
Delaware Stadium has been the site of numerous memorable moments in Blue Hens football history. There was the huge 1977 upset of Colgate, which at the time was undefeated and ranked in the top 20 of NCAA Division I teams. The largest crowd to watch a game at Delaware Stadium was 23,619, as fans jammed the seats.
Recent Developments
In November 2018, the university announced a $60 million campaign that would include renovations to Delaware Stadium and the construction of a new athletic training center. These improvements included upgrading the west (home) stands with more chair-back seating, a new press box, and enhanced restrooms and concessions. Construction on this project began soon after the announcement. With the renovations, the new capacity beginning in 2020 will be 18,309. The Stadium renovations and Whitney Athletic center have been completed.
The athletic center will be named after 1980 UD graduate Ken Whitney and his wife Elizabeth, who donated $10 million to help fund the construction. UD athletic director Chrissy Rawak says the center will help draw student-athletes to Delaware.
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Attendance and Fan Support
The fan support for Delaware Blue Hens football is undeniable. From 1999-2010, Delaware averaged 20,000 or more, a feat that stands alone in FCS. The Blue Hens once were among the attendance leaders in I-AA/FCS for over 30 years, with a fan base as loyal as those of major FBS teams. For a typical Blue Hen home game, Delaware Stadium becomes the fourth-largest city in the state. Since Delaware Stadium opened, UD has drawn 22,000 or more fans 32 times.
More Than Just Football
Delaware Stadium also serves as the venue for the annual commencement ceremonies for graduating seniors and graduate students in May. This underscores the stadium's importance to the university community as a whole, hosting events that celebrate academic achievement alongside athletic prowess.
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