9:26 a.m., June 3, 2008--University of Delaware football season ticket holders and UD students will have first priority to purchase tickets to the 2008 season opener Saturday, Aug. 30, when the Fightin' Blue Hens travel to face Atlantic Coast Conference foe the University of Maryland at Byrd Stadium in College Park.

Kickoff for the game will be at 3:45 p.m.

The 2007 Blue Hens posted an 11-4 record and advanced to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision title game, where they fell to Appalachian State.

Maryland went 6-7 and fell to Oregon State 21-14 in the Emerald Bowl. The Terrapins have advanced to a bowl game five times in the last seven years.

The teams will meet for the first time since the 1948 season, when the Terrapins posted a 21-0 win at Wilmington Ball Park.

Tickets are available for purchase by season tickets holders and UD students now until July 31. There are a limited number of tickets that will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Season ticket holders can purchase up to four tickets per account and students can buy up to two tickets per person. Any tickets remaining on Aug. 1 will be available for sale to the general public.

UD season ticket holders can purchase tickets with the application that was sent by the Athletics Season Tickets and Group Sales Office in April. They can also call (302) 831-2257 or visit the office, located in the Delaware Field House, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

UD students can purchase tickets by visiting the Season Ticket and Group Sales Office and showing proper University identification.

Delaware will open pre-season camp Monday, Aug. 4 with annual Media Day festivities scheduled for Aug. 10. The Blue Hens will host West Chester in the home opener Sept. 13 at Delaware Stadium at 6 p.m.

For more information on UD athletics, see [www.udel.edu/sportsinfo].