Bob Carpenter Center - Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (Volleyball)
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Bob Carpenter Center 631 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716
Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 5,000
Volleyball At the Bob
The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest in Delaware. It has 18,500 undergraduate students and has public funding, although it is not wholly a state-run institution. It was created as a Presbyterian free school back in 1743. U.S. News & World Report ranked UD's undergraduate program highly among "national universities" as well as among public universities in its yearly rankings.
The university’s College of Engineering is highly ranked nationally, as is the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.
The Bob Carpenter Center opened in 1992 to house the University of Delaware basketball teams. In 2010, a new entrance and other renovations spruced some of the place up a bit. The “Bob,” as it is commonly known, is also a frequent venue for concerts and other events.
Food & Beverage 3
There is one concession stand open for volleyball games. Candy, popcorn, and hot dogs are about all you will get for food, while there is a decent selection of alcohol choices, although way overpriced, unlike the better-priced food offerings.
Atmosphere 3
The concourse is at the top of the arena, looking down towards the playing surface. There are four seating sections around the court, although only one is used for volleyball, two if you count the barely used student stand.
There are cheerleaders and the mascot, YouDee, who may be around creating fun.
Neighborhood 4
Newark (pronounced here as New-Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game.
Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots.
If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty low price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya.
Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the baseball stadium.
Around the corner from the arena, behind Rust Arena, is the campus-run UDairy Creamery. Stopping for a pre or post-game ice cream cone is a must.
Fans 3
The fan attendance can be pretty lacking. Generally, games are filled to less than an eighth of the arena's capacity.
We also noted the lack of students. The arena is far from the various student housing complexes around campus, so it may be expected.
Access 4
The University of Delaware is easy to reach and is only a couple of miles off of Interstate 95.
You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible.
Parking is free and plentiful in front of the Bob Carpenter Center.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets are $12 and seem like a fair price for such a venue and level of sport.
.
Extras 3
The lower lobby is worthy of a couple of extra stars in its own right, as it is practically a miniature museum dedicated to the Blue Hens.
The nearby UDairy Creamery is always an extra when stopping by this section of the UD campus.
Final Thoughts
The Bob Carpenter Center is a nice facility, and although it is now 30 years old, the University of Delaware has continued to do ongoing renovations to ensure it stays up-to-date.
