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Bob Carpenter Center, Newark Travel Guide

4.5 (789)

Home of the Fightin' Blue Hens, this multi-purpose arena hosts diverse events from basketball games to concerts in the heart of the University of Delaware.

The Bob Carpenter Center, affectionately known as "The Bob" by students, is a 5,000-seat multi-purpose arena at the University of Delaware in Newark. Home to the Fightin' Blue Hens basketball teams, it also hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other major events.

A brief summary to Bob Carpenter Center

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bob Carpenter Center.

  • Check the University of Delaware events calendar for upcoming games, concerts, and other events at the Bob Carpenter Center.
  • Arrive early for events, especially commencement ceremonies, as traffic can be heavy and parking lots fill up quickly.
  • ADA parking is available for guests with ADA placards; parking attendants will direct you to the appropriate area.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From central campus locations like the Trabant University Center, the Bob Carpenter Center is approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Head south on South College Avenue. The arena will be on your left, just past the Delaware Field House.

  • Public Transport

    DART First State buses serve the Bob Carpenter Center. Routes 33, 46, and 10 have stops near the arena (S College Ave @ Bob Carpenter Ctr). A single ride fare is $2.00.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take Exit 1B for Route 896 North. Follow Route 896 north, and the Bob Carpenter Center will be on your right, located between the Delaware Stadium and the Delaware Field House. Parking is available in the lots surrounding the arena. Parking costs vary by event. During commencement, parking is free.

Discover more about Bob Carpenter Center

The Bob Carpenter Center (BCC), located on the University of Delaware campus, is a versatile arena named in honor of R.R.M. Carpenter Jr., a benefactor and trustee of the university. Opened in 1992 at a cost of $20.5 million, the arena has since become a central hub for both athletic and entertainment events.The BCC is primarily home to the University of Delaware's Fightin' Blue Hens men's and women's basketball teams. From 2013 to 2018, it also hosted the Delaware 87ers, an NBA G League team. The arena has also hosted a preseason game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. Beyond sports, the Bob Carpenter Center hosts a variety of events, including concerts, WWE wrestling matches, comedy shows, convocations, and banquets. In late 2010, the University constructed a 45,000-square-foot addition to the Bob Carpenter Center. This addition included two full-sized basketball courts, new offices and locker rooms, and a new entrance plaza. The arena section of the building is named in honor of Frank E. Acierno, who donated $1 million to the Bob Carpenter Center.Inside, the arena features chairback seating for most attendees, with student seating located behind the baskets. A large video board hangs over the court, and smaller scoreboards display player statistics. The lower lobby showcases murals honoring Delaware athletics, along with a trophy case and a statue of the school mascot, YouDee the Blue Hen.
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