Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Bob Reed Field
501 Clara St
Dover, DE 19904
Capacity: 400
In Baseball, it Ain't Dover 'Till it's Dover
Bob Reed Field is the former home of Wesley College's baseball team and is named after the Wolverines' longtime coach. In June of 2021, Delaware State University purchased Wesley and turned it into its DSU Downtown campus, thus ending the Wolverines' athletic programs. The deal was notable as the first instance of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) purchasing another school.
Delaware State did find a use for Bob Reed Field, as its baseball team moved there from its on-campus home. Bob Reed Field is located in the same complex as Drass Field, the former home to several of Wesley's teams and the current home to Delaware State's soccer and lacrosse programs.
Food & Beverage 3
There is one concession stand at Bob Reed Field, which it shares with Drass Field (although in our experience it is not always open for Drass Field events.) Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs are the only meal options, with popcorn, chips, candy, and other assorted snacks also available. Bottled water, soda, and Gatorade are available to drink. Coffee and hot chocolate are available on cold days, but this is weather-dependent and they were not available on the warm day in May when we visited.
Keep in mind that credit cards are not accepted, but if you do not have cash, they do take payments via CashApp. Prices are incredibly affordable - the most expensive option was $4 for special burgers that were available when we went but are not on the normal menu, and a standard cheeseburger is the most expensive normal option at just $3.50. There are picnic tables next to the concession stand where fans can eat if they want.
Atmosphere 2
There are several places to sit and watch a Delaware State baseball game at Bob Reed Field. In addition to the aforementioned picnic tables, there is a set of bleachers behind the home plate and another one right next to it between home plate and the first base dugout. There is a small set of chairbacks further up the right field line that is awkwardly placed there far from everything else. However, if you want a seatback, this is your only option.
The experience at a baseball game here is pretty basic. Music is played during breaks in the action, and every Delaware State batter seems to have its walk-up song. However, the unique feature here is a siren that sounds after Delaware State home runs.
Neighborhood 3
Although Bob Reed Field is supposedly located on the DSU Downtown campus, there is not anything near the stadium other than some houses, a church, a synagogue, and a school bus depot. Your best bet will be to head towards DuPont Highway (US Route 13) which is lined on both sides with restaurants and hotels. Most of the places are chains, but you will find a few independent eateries such as the Speedway Cafe and Wolfie's Grille. The Dover Motor Speedway is also located along DuPont Highway and you can sometimes hear the cars revving their engines as you stand outside.
Fans 3
Delaware State fans pack the bleachers at Bob Reed Field, although that is not saying much as the stadium only seats 400. Nonetheless, while the fans may not be large in number, they are big in passion. Many of them are friends and family who know every player on the team, not to mention each other, but they are certainly welcoming of those who aren't as familiar as well.
They come out decked in red, the team color, and can get incredibly loud at times. The fact that they are packed together in small bleachers certainly helps as well. When the Hornets have a big play such as a home run, the energy and noise here are much higher than you would expect given the size of the crowd. If the fans could turn out in greater numbers, this rating would be even higher, but the fans they do have are impressive given the number of them who show up.
Access 3
If coming from the north or south, US Route 13 (DuPont Highway) runs right through Dover, but if coming from the east or west, you will have to take a series of local roads to get into town. Once you get to the stadium, street parking is available on Clara Street, William Street, and the other nearby roads, or you can park in a grass lot across Clara Street from the stadium.
Restrooms are available to the left of the concession stand, between Bob Reed Field and Drass Field. It is located in the same physical structure as the concession stand, on the other side of the window. They are small but should suffice for the needs of the crowd.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to Delaware State baseball games is free, parking is free, and concessions are incredibly affordable. Four hot dogs and drinks will only cost about $15, and if you want to get burgers instead, it is still possible to feed a family of four at the ballpark for under $20. And other than the price of gas to get to Dover, the cost of food will be the only thing you will pay to see a game here. All of this combines to make a trip to a Delaware State baseball game here a great value.
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Extras 1
Check the Delaware State lacrosse schedule to see if they have a game on the same day as your visit to Bob Reed Field. If so, it is possible to see both teams on the same trip as the stadiums are right next to each other and share a concourse, concession stand, and restrooms. If there is no lacrosse game that day, many of the players will warm up on Drass Field before the game, giving fans a chance to watch them up close in a unique setting. Either way, it's an extra, just check the schedule to find out which one.
Final Thoughts
Although Wesley College baseball is no more, and indeed the college itself is no more, Delaware State University has taken over Bob Reed Field and made it its own. The Hornets play in an intimate setting with a small but passionate fan base. While it is certainly not well known, Bob Reed Field is a hidden gem for baseball fans in Delaware.