Sound the Trumpets! UD Alters Noisemaker Rules

Just today, Kevin Tresolini of the Wilmington News Journal posted an article titled “Sound the Trumpets! UD Alters Noisemaker Rules”  highlighting a recent issue at the University of Delaware. Last Saturday, 31 year old Matt Delaney was asked by CSC security personnel to leave the UD v. William and Mary game for blowing his trumpet–something he has done for 15 years now. Delaney was forced to turn over his trumpet, handcuffed and taken to UD Police headquarters. Fortunately, he was released without being charged. An estimated 200 fans left the stadium due to his ejection.

It is stated in the Delaware Stadium Fan Guide that “noisemakers, musical instruments, or any type of noise-making device are prohibited inside Delaware stadium, even if purchased on site at the university.” Although this is true, this rule is rarely taken seriously. In fact, the assistant athletic director for media relations admitted that “noisemakers are allowed to be brought in and played as long as they do not disrupt the flow of the game or cause any type of safety hazard.”

Students responded to Matt Delaney being removed from the game with furious backlash. In an attempt to accommodate students, many have suggested the incident simply resulted from one overzealous security guard. Noise makers will be allowed at this Saturday’s game considering the university was already dealing with falling attendance and fans angry over season-ticket surcharges so they obviously don’t want to anger them anymore. I am impressed with the fact that one man being forced to leave the stadium caused 200 angry fans to leave. It definitely shows the unity of students at the University of Delaware. I wonder if the same would have happened here at UGA.