Delaware State Hornets at South Florida Bulls Football

South Florida Bulls Football Opens Home Stand Against Delaware State

Raymond James Stadium hosts the South Florida Bulls against the Delaware State Hornets on Saturday, September 19th at 7:00 PM, marking an early-season matchup that gives USF fans their first chance to see how the Bulls stack up this fall. The 7:00 PM kickoff catches prime Saturday night football weather, with the stadium lights creating that electric atmosphere that makes college football special. Delaware State football brings their MEAC program to Tampa, setting up a game where the Bulls should control the tempo while the Hornets look to prove they can compete beyond their conference.

What to Expect:

Raymond James Stadium transforms into Bulls territory for home games, with the student section bringing energy that spreads throughout the crowd. The matchup against Delaware State typically draws a solid turnout of season ticket holders and families looking for an accessible introduction to college football. South Florida bulls tickets for non-conference games like this often provide the best value of the season, making it an ideal game for casual fans or those bringing kids to their first college football experience.

Insider Tips:

- Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff, giving enough time to explore the concourse and grab food before the pre-game festivities
- The west side of the stadium offers better shade during early evening, though by 7:00 PM the sun shouldn't be a major factor
- Concession stands near sections 120-130 tend to move faster than those behind the main seating bowl
- Download the stadium app beforehand for mobile ticketing and to check real-time concession wait times
- The south florida football schedule usually features promotions for early-season games, so check the athletics website for any giveaways or theme nights
- Parking lots open three hours before kickoff, but arriving 90 minutes early typically secures convenient spots without the earliest rush

Getting There:

Raymond James Stadium sits prominently along Dale Mabry Highway, making it hard to miss for anyone familiar with Tampa's main corridors. Lot 15 and Lot 14 along Steinbrenner Drive offer closest access to the main gates, while Lot 10 and Lot 11 on North Hale Avenue provide solid alternatives when the closer lots fill. Public transit connects through several bus stops, with the Himes Avenue stops at Ohio Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue putting riders within a 5-7 minute walk of the stadium entrances. The Tampa Bay Boulevard and Dale Mabry Highway intersection serves as a key landmark, with bus platforms on both sides providing easy access. Dale Mabry Highway runs north-south as the primary artery, while Tampa Bay Boulevard cuts east-west, creating clear navigation points for first-time visitors.

Local Scene:

The area surrounding Raymond James Stadium offers practical options for building out the game day experience. Hawks Cay Cafe sits just 382 meters from the stadium, perfect for a quick pre-game meal without cutting timing too close. Stadium Cafe brings Cuban flavors within 649 meters, fitting Tampa's food identity while staying walkable from the stadium. Panera Bread provides a reliable family-friendly option 692 meters away for those wanting something familiar and fast. Post-game, Landers Steakhouse sits about a kilometer north on Dale Mabry for those ready to celebrate or dissect the game over a proper meal. Caribbean Twist offers vegetarian and vegan options about 1.4 kilometers away, catering to diverse dietary preferences. The concentration of options along Dale Mabry and Columbus Drive means most spots require a short drive rather than a walk, but the proximity keeps the evening contained to one manageable area.