The University of Delaware has announced the second annual 302 Tour from June 6-8. During the tour, UD student-athletes, coaches and other leaders will embark on a three-day, state-wide trip across Delaware where they will have the opportunity to engage with local community members, businesses and government leaders throughout Kent, New Castle and Sussex counties. The tour will be spending a day in each county.

“The University shares a deep connection to the state's past, present and future, and the 302 Tour will help us celebrate and strengthen that bond," University President Dennis Assanis said. "During these three days in June, our student-athletes and coaches will enhance their Delaware experience and appreciation for our great state. We look forward to this engagement opportunity to amplify the value of UD’s commitment to academic excellence through a dynamic exchange with community members and businesses.”

While final stops and itineraries are still being finalized, the tour will focus on three pillars: student-athlete education, community engagement and business engagement. The tour will feature service projects, visits to landmarks and historic sites, and hosting community events.

“I am excited to host our second annual 302 Tour,” Director of Athletics, Community and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. “Last year was a terrific experience for our student-athletes, staff and coaches to engage in the community and experience all the wonderful things that the 302 has to offer! This year will be another great opportunity, and I am incredibly thankful for our partners who are making this experience possible for our student-athletes and our community.”

Providing the opportunity for Delaware student-athletes to learn about the great state they proudly represent through educational and engaging tour stops is an important part of their experience of being a University of Delaware student-athlete. 

As part of the institution’s statewide strategy, UD has been focused on engaging with local businesses. The tour provides the chance to learn more about and build mutually beneficial partnership opportunities with businesses across the state. Blue Hens will be able to interact with community members, engage in service projects, and embrace the uniqueness of the State of Delaware. 

While in New Castle County, the group will visit the Community Education Building in Wilmington in partnership with Saul Ewing. Student-athletes and coaches will also participate in a service project at Humane Animal Partners with WSFS Bank and its “We Stand for Service Day.” The group will visit Winterthur Museum to tour and learn about University of Delaware’s work with the museum.

On the evening of June 6, the Blue Hens will host a community event inviting fans to join student-athletes for a pool party at the UD Outdoor Pool, open skate at the Fred Rust Ice Arena, and field day activities on the UD practice fields. Registration for this event will open soon.

In Dover, the group will visit the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base to explore exhibits and learn about the history of the base in Delaware. The group will then head to Fifer’s Orchard for an afternoon of fruit picking and agriculture education in partnership with Visit Delaware.

When the Hens are in Sussex County, they will host the 3rd Annual Chicken Chase 5k and 1 Mile Walk, presented by The Starboard, in Dewey Beach on June 8. Those interested in running or walking in the event, which includes a post-race party at The Starboard, can register here.

Later in the day, the University will host a Beach Bash with games and giveaways, which will be open to the public, and then the 302 Tour Reception at the Big Chill Beach Club, in partnership with La Vida Hospitality, where attendees will have the opportunity to interact with student-athletes and coaches directly over food and drinks. Registration for that event will open soon.

The tour is made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, The Starboard, Visit Delaware, Bank of America, WSFS Bank and Saul Ewing.

If you are interested in being involved in the tour as a sponsor or potential tour stop, please contact Kia Anderson at knanders@udel.edu. Follow BlueHens.com/302Tour to keep track as stops and details are announced and register to join the Blue Hens at events along the way!  

Visit the 2023 302 Tour Blog to relive last year’s event.