The Blue Coats Fan Fest brought basketball, music and community pride to Wilmington’s reimagined Eastlake Park. Delaware Blue Coats ambassador of basketball Coach Joe Richmond stopped by Good Morning Delaware to talk about the big day and share what fans need to know for opening weekend.
Blue Coats Fan Fest Comes to Eastlake Park
Every NBA G League team hosts a fan fest, and Coach Joe says the Blue Coats have always kept theirs in Wilmington. This year’s Blue Coats Fan Fest landed at Eastlake Park, known to many neighbors as 30th Street Park, as the city reopened the space on Oct. 28.
The park had been closed since July 2025, CBS Philadelphia reports. Mayor John Carney and city leaders joined the celebration, Blue Coats coaches led a clinic for dozens of kids, and the team’s mascot came out to play.
“We pulled all the bells and whistles,” Coach Joe said. He added that seeing kids who grew up there experience the new park was hard to put into words.
5 Amazing Eastlake Park Upgrades
The Sixers Youth Foundation put $150,000 toward the court, its first neighborhood court renovation in Delaware. Here’s what visitors will find:
- Basketball court: A 76ers-themed court with a fresh surface, new hoops and upgraded lighting.
- Pickleball court: A new court sits right next to the basketball court.
- Wall ball: A new wall ball system adds another way to play.
- Playground and splash pad: Younger kids get a brand-new play space and a place to cool off.
- Pavilion and picnic areas: A pavilion, benches and grills give families room to gather.
The park is open from dawn to dusk, and the Sixers Youth Foundation logo at center court is easy to spot. Bring the kids, a ball and a picnic, then stay for a game.
Why Eastlake Park Matters to Wilmington
The reopening followed six years of advocacy from Councilmember Shané Darby, neighbors and the 30th Street Community Civic Association. Coach Joe sees it as part of a bigger wave of revitalization across the city.
In his words, the groups behind the project “put their money and their energy where their mouth was.” He also believes the community will take pride in the park and protect it for the next generation.
Delaware Blue Coats Opening Weekend Schedule
The Blue Coats open the 2026-27 season with back-to-back home games against the Capital City Go-Go. Coach Joe shared these tipoff times:
| Date | Time | Opponent | Arena |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Nov. 6 | 7 p.m. | Capital City Go-Go | Chase Fieldhouse |
| Saturday, Nov. 7 | 6 p.m. | Capital City Go-Go | Chase Fieldhouse |
Find tickets and the full schedule on the Blue Coats website.
Free Open Gym and Media Day
The weekend wraps up Sunday with a free open gym, courtesy of AmeriHealth Caritas. The partnership gives local kids a fun, safe place to play and grow. Coach Joe says to arrive at 8 a.m. to register. Spots are nearly full, but the team saves room for walk-ups.
Media day comes first, on Wednesday at Chase Fieldhouse, and DETV will be in the building to meet the players and coaching staff.
Blue Coats Fan Fest FAQ
Where was the Blue Coats Fan Fest?
The Blue Coats Fan Fest took place at Eastlake Park in Wilmington, also known as 30th Street Park.
When do the Delaware Blue Coats open the season?
The season opens Friday, Nov. 6, against the Capital City Go-Go at Chase Fieldhouse.
Who is Coach Joe Richmond?
Coach Joe is the Blue Coats’ ambassador of basketball and a regular on Good Morning Delaware. Catch his last Blue Coats Moment and more local hoops coverage on DETV Sports.
