Pride of Delaware
Blue Hens' game uniforms to feature state map patch
8:42 a.m., July 30, 2013--State pride will be at the forefront of several new athletics branding initiatives announced this week by Eric Ziady, University of Delaware director of athletics and recreation services.
Among the initiatives set for this season are the display of a patch of the state of Delaware on the game uniforms of all 21 intercollegiate teams; the outline of the state on the turf at the 50-yard line at Delaware Stadium and a Blue Hen State of Mind theme for the upcoming season. Also, members of the Blue Hen football team will enter the field at home games displaying both the Delaware state flag and the United States flag.
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“The University of Delaware is proud to be the flagship university for our state and we are excited to announce these branding initiatives as they pertain to Blue Hens athletics,” said Ziady, who will begin his second year in the post this November. “Blue Hens athletics holds such a special place in the history of this state and the pride and loyalty that our fans show is second to none. Delaware athletics wants to take every opportunity to show how proud we are to be a part of the fabric of this great state.”
In addition to the Delaware state patch, the football team’s uniforms will now also include six small stars representing the six national championships won by the program.
“While the state patch represents all our teams’ commitment to represent the state of Delaware, the six stars on the football jerseys will be a direct representation of the rich history and tradition that our football program has built through the years, and will be a constant reminder to our football student-athletes as to the goal of our program going forward,” said Ziady.
Another theme throughout the coming season will be the Blue Hen State of Mind branding, which is intended to celebrate being Blue Hens in this very special state. A special logo has been developed and the mark will be used extensively in both print and online throughout the year and across all 21 Blue Hens intercollegiate athletics teams.
The Blue Hen State of Mind mentality will encompass what it means to be part of the Blue Hen athletics family while representing the state of Delaware. Whether in the community, in the classroom or on the playing field, the characteristic of teamwork, meeting challenges and aspiring to a tradition of excellence will be highlighted.
In addition, beginning this year, members of the Delaware football team will now be bused to the UD athletics complex and will take part in a pregame march down Stadium Drive prior to the game led by the UD marching band, cheerleaders and spirit groups. They will greet fans and tailgaters and build excitement for the game on their way to the locker room.
UD football will once again host its annual Delaware Day as part of the Blue Hens’ game versus in-state opponent Delaware State University at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Delaware Stadium.
The University will once again reach out to state employees, including educators, as well as first responders and others to invite them through various offers to be a part of a day celebrating all things Delaware.
Athletics will continue to visit all areas of the state and recently took a large contingent to the Delaware State Fair in Harrington for the second straight summer. Student-athletes and coaches took in the sights, visited the midway and interacted with fans and fair-goers.
In April, first-year Delaware football head coach Dave Brock and his team visited Milford High School and took part in a scrimmage, interacted with fans and participated in a youth skills clinic. Future trips to the southern part of the state are also planned.
Season tickets
With the start of the 2013 season just a month away, plenty of affordable season ticket packages for the 2013 Delaware football campaign are still on sale and single game tickets will be available beginning Aug. 5. Some season ticket packages are available for as little as $99. The season opener is set for Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m., against Jacksonville (Fla.) University.
There were no season ticket or parking price increases for 2013 and 11 of 17 sections of the stadium actually saw a decrease in rates, some by as much as 35 percent. In addition, reduced UD Athletic Fund contribution levels in five sideline reserved sections on the east side of Delaware Stadium were implemented. Approximately 37 percent of tickets available for sale to the general public require no UDAF contribution.
In addition to the prices listed above, the University continues to offer a $99 alumni section ($14.14 per game), a $235 family plan ($6.71 per person per game), and great faculty and staff discounts.
Season ticket holders continue to have priority in purchasing away game tickets, including the Sept. 14 game at Navy, and will receive benefit cards good for discounts in the community and access to other Blue Hen sporting events.