The University of Delaware and Delaware State University, which will start the 2019 football season playing each other Aug. 29 under the lights in Newark, have signed a six-year deal for a football series beginning in 2024. Included in the deal will be the first trip to Dover for the Blue Hens, which will occur twice during the series.

Meanwhile, the UD Athletic Department released the starting times for 2019 home games.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring our two state institutions together,” said UD Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services Chrissi Rawak. “Both of these universities have outstanding people who make an impact across the state. This series will be an opportunity for many folks in this state to show off their pride for their respective schools.”

Delaware State Director of Athletics D. Scott Gines said, “This football series agreement provides another opportunity for Delaware’s major public universities to engage while also bringing together state and local officials, alumni and fans of each school, constituents and our communities. We are excited to be a part of this showcase for our great institutions and the First State.”

The Blue Hens and Hornets were already scheduled to play in 2019 and 2020, and those games are separate from the latest six-year contract. The series will begin with back-to-back games in Dover in 2024 and 2025, followed by dates at Delaware Stadium in 2026, 2027 and 2029. The host of the sixth game of the contract will be determined by the first five meetings.  

Between the two schools, nearly 50 student-athletes that are Delaware natives will be suited up for the 2019 contest. 

“We are looking forward to this series with Delaware State and to celebrate our state’s two major universities,” Delaware head coach Danny Rocco said. “This agreement will create a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for the fans of both universities.”

Delaware State head coach Rod Milstead said, “It’s exciting for each school and the state that our football series will continue into the next decade and beyond. I’m also pleased that at least two of the games are scheduled to be played in Dover, allowing fans in central and southern Delaware a better opportunity to attend.”  

UD and Delaware State have met eight previous times, the last time coming in 2017.

The dates and starting times for UD’s 2019 home football games are below:

Aug. 29 – Delaware State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 – North Dakota State, 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 – Penn, 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 – New Hampshire, 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 – Richmond, 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 – Albany, 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 – Stony Brook, 1 p.m.