State championship high school football games will not be played at Delaware Stadium this year.
The high cost of renting the University of Delaware facility, which was $71,819 last year for the Class 1A, 2A, 3A and Unified games, led to the decision, Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association executive director David Baylor said during the DIAA board of directors meeting Thursday.
Baylor also mentioned a “lack of atmosphere” due to crowds that don’t come close to Delaware Stadium’s 18,500-seat capacity, which may also undermine revenue.
“It’s disappointing because we love hosting DIAA championships here,” UD athletic director Chrissi Rawak said.
While Delaware State University’s Alumni Stadium in Dover will be considered, high school stadiums around the state will likely be utilized as state championship football sites.
“We will be moving it around the state going forward,” Baylor said.
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Dover High hosted the 2020 title games due to COVID-19-related protocols.
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Other DIAA championships will remain at Delaware, including wrestling perhaps being moved there.
Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.