A renewed enthusiasm surrounds the University of Delaware football program in 2017 as new head coach Danny Rocco begins the quest to bring Blue Hen football back to national prominence.

The 2017 schedule, an 11-game slate that features outstanding opponents and longstanding rivalries, was announced this week. The eight-game Colonial Athletic Association ledger is highlighted by a matchup against defending NCAA national champion James Madison, which visits Delaware Stadium for the Hens' CAA opener on Sept. 30.

Fans who do not want to miss a minute of the high-powered action this fall can guarantee a special spot in Delaware Stadium by purchasing season tickets for an exciting six-game slate that includes several of UD's biggest rivals.

UD will once again open the season against downstate foe Delaware State on Thursday, Aug. 31, at Delaware Stadium, followed by a trip to Blacksburg, Virginia, on Sept. 9 to take on a Virginia Tech team that finished the 2016 season with a 10-4 record and No. 16 NCAA FBS national ranking.

The Hens will then return home to close out the non-conference schedule with a first-ever meeting with Ivy League foe Cornell on Sept. 16.

After a bye week on Sept. 23, UD will host James Madison on Sept. 30, travel to Stony Brook for the first time ever on Oct. 7, then return to Delaware Stadium for a two-game home stand against William and Mary on Oct. 14 and 2016 NCAA tournament qualifier Richmond on Oct. 21. The Richmond game is an intriguing one as Rocco will meet up with the team he coached for the last five years and led to three NCAA playoff appearances.

UD will then close out the season Oct. 28 at Towson, Nov. 4 at Maine, Nov. 11 at home against Albany, and Nov. 18 at longtime foe and 2016 NCAA playoff qualifier Villanova.

Game times and special events such as Homecoming and Parents and Family Weekend will be announced at a later date.

Season tickets

Affordable season ticket packages start at the low cost of $79 and new pricing in the 50-yard line sections of Delaware Stadium will feature a 29 percent savings over single game prices. In all other remaining sections, the per game price for season tickets will be at least 13 percent lower than they were during the 2016 season.

Season ticket holders also enjoy additional benefits such as priority access to away game and post season tickets, access to exclusive season ticket member parking lots, discounts on single game parking lots, invitations to season ticket member exclusive events throughout the year, and a season ticket member benefit card with discounts to UD Athletics’ partners in the area.

Discounts for University of Delaware faculty and staff members have also been expanded for this season and those UD fans will have the opportunity to take advantage of a 20 percent discount on season tickets in Sections A through N as well as for the Family Five-Pack in the north end zone.

Fans are also reminded that required seat donations that were previously in effect have been removed this fall for all seats in Sections A through N. 

Deposits for new 2017 football season tickets are available now online or by calling 302-831-4493. Renewals for the 2017 season will be available in early February.