Vol. 19, No. 37

Aug. 10, 2000

Night games a permanent fixture in Delaware Stadium

football lights Along with a new contingent of Fightin' Blue Hens, the 2000 edition of University of Delaware football will offer Delaware Stadium fans a new feature–football under the lights–with this summer's addition of eight towers holding 214 light fixtures.

Four 120-foot towers have been installed behind the east and west stands, and four 100-foot towers were installed in each corner of the end zones. The lights and poles, which meet television broadcast lighting standards, are away from the field and there will be no restricted view seating. They were installed by Musco Lighting, a nationally recognized outdoor lighting firm that that recently installed permanent lights in the mini-stadium where the soccer team plays.

The Fightin' Blue Hens kick off the 2000 home football season under the lights at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, in Delaware Stadium when they host The Citadel. There will be a post-game fireworks show.

UD returns home for another night at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, against the Golden Rams of West Chester University, which will include a spectacular half-time performance with area high school bands joining the UD Marching Band. This marks the light poles first time in school history that UD has offered two home games under the lights in single season.

The Hens, coming off their 12th consecutive winning season, will be sporting a dominating defense and a versatile offense as they tangle with rival Atlantic 10 teams like Villanova and long-time rivals like West Chester.

Returning defensive standouts include Atlantic 10 selections Brian McKenna at linebacker along with Mike Cecere at defensive end. All-conference cornerback Tyrone Bowden teams with returning safeties Travis Blomgren and Bashawn Dixon, while the sophomore class is represented by defensive end Femi Ayi, linebacker Dan Mulhern and cornerback Ricardo Walker.

Last season, the Hen defense came up with 25 quarterback sacks and 20 interceptions.

Offensively, record-setting quarterback Matt Nagy will be connecting with senior receivers Jamin Elliot and Brett Veach. All-Atlantic 10 halfback Butter Pressey will lead the UD running game.

Special programs at Delaware Stadium this fall include group discounts on reserve seats for home games, with the exception of the Homecoming and Parents Day contests.

Family Four-Packs for reserved seats in the grandstands (section G and H) or in the north end zone are available for $125. Children must be under the age of 18.

Another popular family venue is the Blue Hen Birthday Bash, where $10 per person will allow youngsters to share a birthday with YoUDee and the Fightin' Blue Hens. The package includes a hot dog, soda, popcorn and a dessert, along with a game ticket. Groups must have a minimum of 10 people to schedule a birthday party.

Youngsters also can visit the Hen House, an interactive area at Delaware Stadium, where kids are treated to face painting, balloons, games and other surprises.

Tailgaters might want to check out Blue Hen Tailgates, a package that includes a tent and a seat location next to Delaware Stadium. Parking is also available at an additional cost, with the exception of the Homecoming game.

Patrons may tailgate until kickoff time, and also one hour after the game ends. Patrons are not permitted to tailgate at halftime. Tailgaters who do not enter Delaware Stadium by game time will be required to leave UD property.

Season ticket holders can choose from parking options that include blue, gold, green lots at $70; brown lot, $85; preferred parking, $175; and VIP parking at $235.

The 2000 Delaware Football Schedule includes six home games and five away contests.

* noon, Saturday, Sept. 2, at Rhode Island;

* 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, The Citadel (Grotto Pizza Day/Freshman Parents Day) Fireworks!;

* 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16, at Hofstra;

* 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, West Chester (Band Day);

* 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, Northeastern (Youth Day);

* 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, at Richmond;

* 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14, at William and Mary;

* noon, Saturday, Oct. 28, James Madison (WFSF Day/ Homecoming);

* 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, New Hampshire (Parents Day);

* 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, at Massachusetts; and

* 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, Villanova (News Journal Fan Appreciation Day).

For additional information, call the season ticket office at 831-2557. Catch all the Blue Hen football action on WRDX, 94.7 FM, and check out the Blue Hen sports web site at [www.udel.edu /sportsinfo].

–Jerry Rhodes