Blue Hens are encouraged to celebrate as the University of Delaware and the Collegiate Licensing Co. kick off the 2016 college football season with the 12th annual College Colors Day.

The nationwide event will be held Friday, Sept. 2, and students, faculty and staff, alumni and fans are encouraged to wear the Delaware Blue and Gold both that day and also on Thursday, Sept. 1, when the Fightin’ Blue Hens host in-state rival Delaware State University in the opening football game of the season.

On Sept. 2, the UD Barnes and Noble Bookstore on Main Street will be offering 20 percent off your entire purchase of UD gear. Wear UD colors to the cafe that day and get a Grande "Blue Hen" Frappucino for $3 and a free cookie, while they last.

Those with interest can enter for a chance to win tickets to the college football playoff national championship game at the College Colors Challenge website.

College Colors Day will kick off Blue Hen Fridays, when UD students, faculty and staff are invited to wear Delaware Blue and Gold on the Friday of each home football game in support of the Hens.

Following the opener against Delaware State, home games will be played Saturday, Oct. 8, against Maine, Saturday, Oct. 22, against Stony Brook, Saturday, Oct. 29, against Towson, and Saturday, Nov. 19, against Villanova in the annual Battle of the Blue.