Fred P. Rullo Stadium - Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens
Updated: Oct 10
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Fred P. Rullo Stadium 631 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716
Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000
Fred's Turf in Newark
When you travel down the busy I-95 corridor along the East Coast, you may have driven close to one of the most successful college sports programs in history without even knowing it. Stop by the University of Delaware, located in the small city of Newark, and experience some history in action.
The Blue Hens used to be a member of the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA), but as of 2025, they have moved to Conference USA for most sports.
The stadium is part of the David M. Nelson Athletic Complex, which includes the Bob Carpenter Center, Delaware Stadium, Bob Hannah Stadium, Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium, the Fred Rust Ice Arena, and the Delaware Field House.
Food & Beverage 3
At Fred P. Rullo Stadium, the concession stand is located outside the venue, situated directly between the stadium and the adjacent softball field. The menu provides traditional stadium snacks and beverages. For food, patrons purchase a beef hot dog for $5, nachos for $5, or popcorn for $5. Smaller snack options include candy for $4, a soft pretzel for $3, and an extra cheese cup for $1. The beverage selection features bottled soda for $5 and standard bottled water for $4, alongside a one-liter bottle of water for $6. There are no permanent food or beverage concessions available inside the venue.
Atmosphere 3
Fred P. Rullo Stadium provides a simple physical environment for watching college field hockey. The architecture consists of one main side of bleachers that accommodates roughly 1,500 spectators.
Because the seating is concentrated entirely on one side, the crowd noise is directed squarely at the pitch. The sightlines from the bleachers are completely unobstructed, ensuring fans observe the action from all vantage points.
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 4
The fans are very knowledgeable and can be quite loud.
Student attendance at games will always be an issue as the stadium is located far from the student housing options on campus.
Access 5
Rullo Stadium 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 Delaware Stadium and the Bob Carpenter Center. Walk around the Bob Carpenter Center and the stadium to find the field. There is also parking in the lot behind the Bob Carpenter Center.
Return on Investment 4
It used to be free to attend matches here, but they now have a $10 charge for adults, with some other prices for children. UD Students are free.
Extras 3
A few specific elements define the experience at Fred P. Rullo Stadium. The first is the prominent banner displayed at the venue celebrating the team as the 2016 NCAA National Champions. Alongside this national title banner, fans observe banners honoring the team's various conference championships, including the ten Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) titles secured between 2013 and 2024.
A second notable extra is the close proximity to the UDairy Creamery, a campus-operated ice cream shop located just around the corner behind the Fred Rust Ice Arena. Eating a cone of locally made ice cream before or after the game is an established campus tradition.
Finally, the physical integration of the stadium within the larger athletic complex allows fans to easily walk between the field hockey pitch, the softball field, the Bob Carpenter Center, and Delaware Stadium.
Final Thoughts
Fred P. Rullo Stadium provides a highly functional, no-nonsense venue for field hockey. With its established history of athletic success and a good location, it presents a solid and direct environment for fans of the sport.
