Abessinio Stadium

A stadium for the community

Discover the state-of-the-art facility serving residents of Wilmington and beyond. Abessinio Stadium provides a convenient space for thrilling high school competitions, life-skill-building youth leagues, and welcoming gatherings for the entire community.

As a school that has always prioritized serving our city, Salesianum’s unique public/private stadium partnership with the City of Wilmington allows us to continue supporting the community for many generations to come.

About Rocco Abessinio '59

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  • Thanks to the Incredible Generosity of the Abessinio Family

    The Abessinio Stadium was built thanks to the incredible generosity of Rocco and Mary Frances Abessinio, who announced a historic $16 million gift for the new stadium and its endowment in 2018.
    Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 16 frequently asked questions.

  • When did the stadium open?

    Abessinio Stadium opened on November 13, 2020.
  • What amenities does Abessinio Stadium complex offer? 

    The facility includes two grandstands, office space for the Delaware State Parks officials, a modern press box, a suite that overlooks the field, and two terraces. A building at the south end of the property houses a concession stand and team store, a physical therapy business, and visiting team locker rooms. 

    The stadium is also equipped with an artificial turf field, a state-of-the-art eight-lane track, team locker rooms, VIP suite, video scoreboard, concessions, and other resources to meet athletic and special event needs. With a seated capacity of 4,000, and space to host over 5,000 with standing room, Abessinio Stadium is an excellent venue for a variety of important events.
  • What kind of track does the stadium have?

    Abessinio Stadium's 400-meter track is constructed with Beynon Sports’ IAAF Certified BSS 300 track surfacing. Known across the track industry for its resilience and speed, the BSS 300 is the same surface installed at high-profile track and field venues such as Texas A&M University and over 200 other esteemed NCAA and high school facilities around the world. 

    The track also includes an advanced FinishLynx track timing system, providing the capability to host and officiate championship-caliber meets. In 2021, it was awarded the ASBA Outstanding Track & Field Facility of the Year.
  • What kind of field does the stadium have?

    Located within the track, the stadium’s synthetic turf field is permanently lined for football, soccer, and boys' lacrosse. It can also be be seasonally lined for field hockey and girls’ lacrosse. 

    Abessinio Stadium’s field was designed and constructed to promote world-class athletic performance and protect players. The field system includes an advanced resilient underlayment engineered to significantly reduce the risk of head impact injuries.
  • What kind of suite does the stadium have?

    The Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Suite sits atop the stadium overlooking the track and field on one side, and Brandywine Park, the City of Wilmington, and I-95 on the other.  It is perfect for special guests at major athletic events or as a unique meeting location.
  • What areas of the facility are open for public use?

    On most days, the track is open to the public for personal use. All other areas of the stadium must be reserved. To reserve the facility, submit your request by scheduling it here.
  • How many spectators can the grandstands accommodate? 

    The stadium has a seated capacity of 4,000 people, and can host over 5,000 guests in standing room. 
  • What handicap accessible accommodations does the stadium offer?

    The stadium offers reserved accessible seating for events and multiple accessible parking spaces. All levels are accessible via an elevator and wheelchair ramp.
  • Who can schedule an event, and what are the fees? 

    To reserve the facility, submit your request by scheduling it here.
  • What parking accommodations does the stadium offer? 

    The stadium features a large free parking lot.
  • Are tobacco and vaping products permitted? 

    The use of tobacco-based and vaping products is not permitted anywhere on site.
  • Are animals and pets permitted within the complex? 

    Animals on leashes are permitted outside of the stadium. Only service animals are permitted within the stadium.
  • Are there concessions stands? 

    Concessions are open during most large events.
  • Are outside food and beverages permitted? 

    Outside food and beverages are only allowed for certain events. Alcohol is not permitted. For the comfort and safety of our guests, coolers and large bags are not permitted inside the stadium.
  • Are umbrellas permitted during inclement weather? 

    Yes, but please be considerate of others.
  • Who does the statue at the entrance of the stadium honor?

    The statue shows former football coach Dominic "Dim" Montero '38. Salesianum’s coach from 1956 to 1965, he held a record of 70-10-3 and won many accolades, including National Catholic Coach of the Year in 1964. 

    Rocco Abessinio, who provided a majority of funding for the statue, was one of Montero’s players during his first season.

Contact Our Stadium Operations Director

List of 1 members.

  • Kevin Weeks 

    Director of Abessinio Stadium Operations
Salesianum School educates and develops the whole person based on the teaching of Saint Francis de Sales, whose spirituality can be summarized in “Live Jesus.” As an independent Catholic secondary school founded by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1903, Salesianum challenges young men through dynamic college preparatory and extracurricular programs to live as Salesian Gentlemen devoted to faith, community, and service.