Dover, Del. (Nov. 24, 2020) --- The Delaware State men's and women's basketball teams are scheduled to open their 2020-21 home schedules against the University of Delaware next month, while the schools' football teams have agreed to meet at DSU's Alumni Stadium for the first time in April. The contests between the state's two NCAA Division I institutions highlight the release of updated pandemic affected schedules for the Hornets' 2020-21 sports year.
According to DSU administration officials, out of an abundance of caution and compliance with national, state and university safety protocols, fans will not be permitted to attend Hornets' home indoor contests, although a decision on attendance at outdoor games is still under review.
After the suspension of fall 2020 sports due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference previously released revised 2020-21 competition schedules for Delaware State and other league schools consisting of regional/division play only, however, more changes are necessary following the  decision by some members to opt out of the winter and spring seasons.    
MEAC members Bethune-Cookman and Maryland-Eastern Shore have cancelled all of their 2020-21 sports seasons, while other schools have chosen to opt out of selected sports in the winter and spring.  
Delaware State has released its 2020-21 women's basketball non-conference schedule, beginning with the opening game on Dec. 2 at home against the University of Delaware. Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The Lady Hornets are also scheduled to host Rider (Dec. 5), Lincoln-Pa. (Dec. 16), and travel to George Mason (Dec. 21) before beginning MEAC competition in January.
The Hornet men's basketball team is scheduled to play its home opener versus Delaware on a December date to be determined. The DSU men are slated to visit Coastal Carolina (Dec. 17), Georgia Tech (Dec. 20) and UNC-Wilmington (Dec. 23) prior to the planned January start of MEAC play.
"I'm grateful for the adaptive planning of our MEAC leadership and fellow other conference members, as well as the leadership and patience of our head coaches, fans and supporters as we navigate through unique circumstances," said Dr. D. Scott Gines, DSU Director of Athletics. "We embrace our upcoming seasons with care and competitiveness, and we they will be much different than any other. We realize that our circumstances can change daily, and we're all committed to adapt and communicate as needed." .
While the MEAC works to revise the 2020 football schedule it moved to the spring of 2021, Delaware State and the University of Delaware have agreed to meet at DSU's Alumni Stadium for the first time in the history of the series. The scheduled Apr. 10, 2021 contest between the Hornets and Hens will mark the 10th meeting between the state's two NCAA Division I football programs. Delaware State and UD played their historic first contest in the 2007 NCAA Division I-AA playoffs at Delaware Stadium in Newark. The Hornets and Hens have met eight times since 2009, each UD Stadium.  The Hornets are seeking their first win in the series. Delaware State held a lead against the Hens for the first time, 6-3, in the second quarter of their last battle, although Delaware bounced back to win the 2019 contest 31-13.
"It's great for DSU and the Hornets to compete against the University of Delaware at our Alumni Stadium home for the first time in the history of the series," said Gines. "With the women's and men's basketball home games against the Blue Hens this December, our teams will be hosting their First State rivals in three consecutive showcase events in a four-month period."     
Delaware State is also looking ahead by releasing football schedules for the fall 2021 and 2022 seasons. The future schedules are highlighted by seven home games at Alumni Stadium for the Hornets in each of the upcoming 11-game seasons.
In addition to five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games (three at home), DSU's fall 2021 schedule includes visits to Alumni Stadium by  area HBCUs Bowie State University (Md.) and Virginia University – Lynchburg, along with contests against regional FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) foe Merrimack and first-time opponents Wagner, Georgetown and East Tennessee State, also FCS schools.
Delaware State and the University of Delaware will resume their series in 2022 at UD Stadium in Newark. DSU's '22 slate also includes visits to Alumni Stadium by Lincoln-Pa., Virginia-Lynchburg, East Tennessee State, Merrimack and first-time opponent Campbell University of the FCS Big South Conference. The Hornets are also scheduled to host MEAC games against North Carolina Central and Morgan State in 2022.
"We're excited to successfully move ahead with our football scheduling," Gines said. "The early schedule release is beneficial in terms of planning for the university, our alumni and fans, in addition to aiding the football program in recruiting. All said, our Hornet football program projects to host 11 home games in calendar year 2021 followed by a seven-game home slate in fall 2022.
Delaware State Fall 2021 Football Schedule
Sep. 4    BOWIE STATE                    HOME
Sep. 11  GEORGETOWN                  HOME
Sep. 18  E. Tenn. State                      Away
Sep. 25  MERRIMACK                      HOME
Oct. 2      Wagner                               Away
Oct. 9     VA UNIV-LYNCHBURG      HOME
Oct. 16   OPEN
Oct. 23   SC STATE*                          HOME
Oct. 30   HOWARD*                           HOME

Nov. 6    Morgan State*                      Away
Nov. 13  NORFOLK STATE*             HOME
Nov. 20  NC Central*                          Away
                               
Delaware State 2022 Football Schedule
Sep. 3    LINCOLN                             HOME
Sep. 10  Delaware                              Away
Sep. 17  VA UNIV.-LYNCHBURG      HOME
Sep. 24  E. TENN. STATE                  HOME

Oct. 1     MERRIMACK                       HOME
Oct. 8      OPEN
Oct. 15   Norfolk State*                       Away
Oct. 22   Howard*                               Away
Oct. 29   NC CENTRAL*                    HOME

Nov. 5    SC State*                              Away
Nov. 12  MORGAN STATE*               HOME
Nov. 19  CAMPBELL                         HOME

*MEAC game