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Alumni Stadium - home of Delaware State Hornets in Dover, Delaware
NCAA FCS

Alumni StadiumDover, Delaware

Delaware State Hornets

👥
Capacity
7,000
🏆
Conference
MEAC
📅
Opened
1980
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Alumni Stadium

Alumni Stadium is a 7,193-seat multi-purpose facility in Dover, Delaware, serving as home to Delaware State University's football and track and field teams. Opened in 1957, the stadium represents the pride of Delaware's only HBCU and has witnessed the Hornets' most memorable moments, including their historic 2007 MEAC championship season.

🏛️History

Origins

The stadium was built in 1957 to provide Delaware State University (then State College for Colored Students) with a proper home venue for its growing football program, which began in 1924. The facility replaced earlier makeshift playing fields and established DSU as a permanent fixture in collegiate athletics.

Major Renovations

1980Major renovation increased capacity and modernized facilities
2007Field improvements completed during championship season
2024Multi-million dollar athletic facilities transformation began, including new grandstand plans

Notable Moments

1934Delaware State won Middle Atlantic Athletic Association title
1956Hornets claimed CIAA title during conference membership
2007Record 10-win season, first MEAC championship since 1991, and first-ever NCAA playoff appearance

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The main grandstand on the west side offers the best views and shade during afternoon games. Family seating sections provide a comfortable atmosphere, while student sections near the end zones deliver the most energetic gameday experience.

Parking Tips

Campus parking lots adjacent to the stadium fill up 2 hours before kickoff on gameday. Free parking is available in designated lots off Route 13. The stadium's location in Dover makes parking relatively stress-free compared to larger venues.

Game Day

Arrive early to enjoy tailgating in the campus lots and soak in the HBCU gameday atmosphere. The Hornet Nation student section brings energy throughout the game. After wins, stay for the singing of the school fight song with the team.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

McGlynn's Pub & Restaurant

$$

Sports bar with 30+ screens offering high-energy atmosphere during games, featuring jumbo lump crab bombs, burgers, and wraps.

📍 2 milesDover location

💡 Excellent pre-game spot with local sports crowd and Delaware seafood favorites.

Grey Fox Grille & Public House

$$

Upscale dining in a restored 1881 Victorian home with full-service bar perfect for pre-game drinks.

📍 3 milesDowntown Dover

💡 Great for a more relaxed pre-game experience away from the crowds.

The Golden Fleece Tavern

$

Historic tavern dating to 1730 with indoor/outdoor space, drink specials, and themed nights.

📍 3 milesDowntown Dover

💡 Dover institution with authentic colonial-era charm and regular events.

🍽️Restaurants

Rail Haus

$$

Popular Dover restaurant offering American fare with a modern twist.

📍 1.5 milesNear DSU campus

💡 Local favorite with good variety for gameday dining.

Grotto Pizza

$

Delaware pizza chain with Dover location featuring 31 screens, loaded nachos, soft pretzels, and Buffalo chicken dip.

📍 2 milesDover

💡 Perfect gameday spot with family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of TVs.

Vincenzo's Pizzeria

$

Local Italian restaurant near Delaware State University campus.

📍 1 mileNear DSU

💡 Quick, casual dining option walking distance from the stadium.

🏨Hotels

Bally's Dover Casino Resort

$$$

Business-friendly hotel with free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants on-site.

📍 4 milesDover

💡 Full resort experience with casino, dining, and entertainment options.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dover

$

Budget-friendly option with free breakfast, WiFi, and parking.

📍 3 milesDover

💡 Great value for gameday weekends, book early for football season.

🎭Attractions

Air Mobility Command Museum

Free

World's only museum devoted to military airlift and air refueling, featuring 30+ aircraft including the C-5A Galaxy and VC-9C presidential transport.

📍 5 milesDover Air Force Base

💡 Free flight simulators, jet cockpit access, and control tower viewing. Perfect for Saturday morning before afternoon kickoffs.

Delaware State Capitol (Legislative Hall)

Free

Delaware's 1933 capitol building offering guided tours of House and Senate chambers.

📍 3 milesDowntown Dover

💡 Tours available on weekdays and first Saturday of each month.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Alumni Stadium Campus Lots

Free
Lot📍 Adjacent

💡 Arrive 2 hours early for best spots. Tailgating permitted.

🅿️

Route 13 Overflow Parking

Free
Lot📍 0.25 miles

💡 Additional parking available on busy gamedays with short walk to stadium.

Suggest a Tip

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Stadiums Near Alumni Stadium

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.