Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium - Delaware Blue Hens
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716
Year Opened: 1992
Capacity: 1,400
Blue Hen Pride
When you travel down the busy I-95 corridor along the East Coast, you may have driven close by to one of the most successful college football programs in history and didn’t even know 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 the Conference USA for most sports. In soccer they are an associate member of the The Summit conference.
The stadium is part of the David M. Nelson Athletic Complex, which includes the Bob Carpenter Center, Delaware Stadium, Bob Hannah Stadium, Fred P. Rullo Stadium, the Fred Rust Ice Arena, and the Delaware Field House.
Food & Beverage 1
The stadium itself actually has no concession stand. But there may be a stand open which is just across from the grandstand in a building that has service windows also facing into Delaware Stadium, the university's football stadium. This unique arrangement makes quite a bit of sense as sharing of facilities is a cost saving strategy.
If opened , the menu is pretty simple, but offers good quality. Burgers, hot dog, pizza are your likely choices.
You are free to bring outside food into the stadium, so that gives fans an additional option. Consider bringing your own drink to save some money and sit back and watch Blue Hens soccer.
Atmosphere 3
The Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is a pretty basic setup with a simple grandstand running down one side of the field. There is no seating elsewhere, although there are some spots for standing and watching the action.
The grandstand has simple press box at the top part of the seating. The press box does impede view of the scoreboard if sitting on the south part of the seating area. There really should be an additional scoreboard at the south end of the field.
The stadium is also used as a track and field stadium so the seating area is not as close to the pitch as you may see at other soccer fields. The running lanes are blue to match the team.
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
As with most college soccer stadiums in this part of the country, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well.
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
Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is easy to reach, and is only a couple 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 between the fieldhouse and the stadium to find the baseball field. There is also parking in the lot behind the Bob Carpenter Center.
Return on Investment 4
It used to be free toa attend matches here but they now have a $10 charge for adults, with some other prices for children. UD Students are free.
Extras 2
The university provides roster and game notes before all games. It is filled with stats and coverage of all the action.
The UDairy Creamery, located within walking distance of the athletic facilities, always deserves an extra mention. This student-focused operation is part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and offers great, fresh ice cream options.
Final Thoughts
Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is a simple soccer stadium that offers a good level of soccer games at a fairly low cost. If you enjoy soccer, attending a match here is a no-brainer.
