Hornets on the rise? Delaware State receives $20 million for new field house

There’s a new feeling of optimism around Delaware State University Alumni Stadium, where the school’s red-and-blue hornet logo highlights a field where fall football practice will soon begin.

The Hornets began the first steps of what they’ve deemed their “Athletics Transformation Project” in 2024 to expand and enhance their athletic facilities.

Delaware’s bond bill approved on July 1 included $20 million for DSU to construct a new field house to continue this “transformation.”

“It’s going to inject a lot of energy and goodwill into our campus,” said Athletic Director Tony Tucker. “We can’t wait to get started.”

Capitalizing on celebrity

Delaware State’s new project, years in the making, drew in-state interest. But another move by the HBCU has drawn nationwide attention.

DSU hired former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver/returnman DeSean Jackson as its new head football coach in December.

“He’s still a very relevant name and figure,” said Tucker. “He’s brought a lot of energy to the football program, as well as the university as a whole.”

Tucker was elevated to the AD position last December just before Jackson’s hiring, which Tucker termed a “perfect storm” coinciding with the school’s “transformation.”

“This is the perfect time for Delaware State athletics, not just to revitalize itself, but to reach heights never seen before by the university,” said Tucker.

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What will the new Delaware State University field house include?

The new field house would be a 70,000-square-foot building near Alumni Stadium.

The main draw would be a 50-yard turf field, creating indoor practice space for the school’s sports teams. There would also be meeting sites, lounge spaces and new locker rooms.

Jackson said the building will help the program attract talent, an area where the Hornets have struggled in the past.

“Coming from a big school like Cal and seeing them transform over the years [through upgrades], I think it’s really gonna help with recruiting,” he said.

“Not having people overlook us, and go to rival schools like Norfolk and Howard who have eye-popping facilities, will be huge.”

While the facilities would mostly be used by the football program, they would be available to all students.

“Other sports that do indoor training will have access, and even non-student athletes on campus will have access to the various spaces,” Tucker said. “We’re very excited for the energy and goodwill it’s going to inject into our athletic programs and our community.”

What steps lie ahead?

While the approval for the field house was huge for Delaware State, it was far from its only win on July 1.

The Joint Finance Committee included in the bill a section highlighting its desire to “work towards exploring options for funding” a new convocation center for the school.

The center would be a new home for indoor sports such as basketball, wrestling and volleyball, while also giving the university additional ability to host events. Currently, the teams play at the campus’ Memorial Hall, an 1,800-seat arena.

The space is projected to cost $90 million. But Tucker emphasized that the center, as well as upgrades to Alumni Stadium, could have potential benefits to the entire community.

“Delaware is a small state, which we happen to be in the direct center of,” said Tucker. “Our location at the center of the state could be a shiny new place for a lot of Delaware high school competitions.”

Currently, the University of Delaware hosts many of these events. Recent controversy surfaced over the school’s rental fees, the DIAA turned away from UD as football championship host. The Class 3A and Unified football state championships were both at Alumni Stadium in 2024.

Tucker emphasized the goal would be not to step on UD’s toes, but to benefit the greater Delaware athletic community.

“It’s just about providing a situation where our high school athletes and parents are the winners,” he said. “Not having to travel all the way to Northern Delaware would be very beneficial for some of the Southern Delaware community.”

Jackson added, however, that the improvements could lessen the gap between Delaware and Delaware State, especially in football.

“Delaware has been getting a lot of talent over us over the past year or so,” said the coach. “If we can say ‘We can play on the same playing field,’ we’re probably going to be able to get some guys we couldn’t have before.”

When will the DSU field house be built?

No timeline is set yet for the construction of the field house. However, Tucker said they have a goal of 18 to 24 months.

The other changes will likely take more time and more funding. But Jackson feels confident they’ll come, as the team grows in success.

“The sky’s the limit,” the coach said. “I think the success we’re going to have this year will open up a lot of eyes, and make us hard to look over.”

Adam Denn is a general assignments reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him for story ideas at ADenn@gannett.com