SECU Stadium
CFB

SECU Stadium

Maryland Terrapins

90 Stadium Dr College Park, MD 20742

A Guide to SECU Stadium

SECU Stadium gives Maryland football a distinctly Mid-Atlantic Big Ten atmosphere in College Park. The 46,185-seat asymmetrical bowl rises on the north side of campus, surrounding fans with Maryland flag imagery, Testudo the terrapin, the marching band and local crab dishes. Metro access links the game to Washington, while a close student section and steep campus setting keep the experience energetic and unmistakably Terrapin.

Getting to SECU Stadium

The official address is 90 Stadium Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742. US 1/Baltimore Avenue borders campus on the east, University Boulevard runs north and the Capital Beltway sits a few miles away.

Driving & Parking

  • Driving
    Route to the entrance assigned to the parking lot. Stadium Drive and Fieldhouse Drive close near the venue from four hours before kickoff until two hours after the game, eliminating the usual east-west campus shortcut.
  • Parking
    Single-game permits cost roughly $30–$50 in advance depending on game tier. If space remains, on-site parking is $35–$55. Buy ahead because almost every campus lot is repurposed for football.
  • Parking
    Stadium Drive and Regents Drive garages, Lot 1, Terrapin Trail Garage and the color-coded surface zones are common visitor inventories. The permit and current football map identify the correct entrance from University Boulevard, Paint Branch Drive, Adelphi Road or Baltimore Avenue.
  • Parking
    Accessible parking is at the north entrance of Stadium Drive Garage. Any valid football permit can be paired with a state-issued disability plate or placard; same-day spaces are first-come and may cost more.
  • Parking
    Gameday paratransit operates from Hagerstown Hall, College Park Metro and the Quickbus hub. Vans accommodate one wheelchair user and two companions and cannot be reserved, though questions should be sent to transportation services at least 72 hours ahead.
  • Parking
    Campus no longer accommodates football buses or RVs. Maryland points oversized vehicles toward private off-campus options such as Cherry Hill Park; reservations and separate transportation are required.

Public Transit

  • Take Metrorail's Green Line to College Park–University of Maryland. Maryland's free Quickbus runs from the station to the Cumberland Hall circle beginning three hours before kickoff and until one hour after the final whistle.
  • Quickbus North serves Regents Drive Garage and Blue Zone lots. Quickbus South serves Green and Yellow zones plus downtown College Park. All loops use Cumberland Hall, about a seven-minute, 0.3-mile walk from SECU Stadium.
  • A mixture of accessible and non-accessible buses operates, with separate on-demand paratransit available. Ask staff at the Metro or hub rather than boarding a vehicle that cannot meet the group's needs.
  • MARC's Camden Line also stops at College Park, but its limited weekend schedule rarely functions as the primary football service. Verify the actual game-date timetable before relying on it.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

  • Maryland does not provide a stadium-gate rideshare lane through the closed core. Use an accessible campus edge such as Baltimore Avenue, downtown College Park or the Metro station, then walk or take Quickbus.
  • Before kickoff, avoid selecting Stadium Drive once closures begin. A pickup on the wrong side of campus can require a long reroute around University Boulevard or Adelphi Road.
  • After the game, Quickbus to Metro or downtown is usually more dependable than waiting amid pedestrian traffic. Request the ride only after reaching a public street and confirm the driver's direction of travel.

Pregame Festivities

Maryland lots open and tailgating begins six hours before kickoff. Visitors without a private setup now have two strong public anchors: Terpsville Fan Fest and Terp Walk around Jones-Hill House.

Tailgating

  • Tailgating is limited to the number of paid parking spaces on the permit. A normal tent may be no larger than 10 by 10 feet, may not be staked and cannot block another stall, sidewalk, drive lane or roadway.
  • Open flames are prohibited in parking garages. Use surface lots for approved grilling and keep equipment within the parking footprint.
  • Maryland distinguishes a tailgate from a party. Food and nonalcoholic drinks must be available; kegs, beer tubs, common mixed-drink containers, drinking games, funnels and underage consumption are prohibited.
  • Terpsville Fan Fest
    opens three hours before kickoff inside the Jones-Hill House indoor practice facility on Fieldhouse Drive. The free event offers inflatables, face painting, yard games, large screens and football activities, with food and drinks for purchase.
  • Terpsville uses stadium-style screening: the clear-bag policy applies, and outside food and drinks cannot enter. Arrive before Terp Walk to see the team pass through the facility.
  • Full-service reserved tailgates operate at Ludwig Field/Kehoe Track through Maryland's official provider. Packages supply tents, chairs and coolers near the stadium but require advance purchase.
  • Lot 1 is the broadest traditional tailgate landscape. It can feel far from the gates, so allow 20–30 minutes to climb toward the stadium and pass security.

Pregame Bars & Restaurants

  • A longstanding Maryland student and alumni bar on Baltimore Avenue with pub food, televisions and a lively red-and-black crowd. It is best for an early stop or postgame wait.
  • Another close-to-campus sports bar, serving burgers, wings and drinks across multiple levels. Expect a student-heavy atmosphere and lines on major weekends.
  • A calmer café and restaurant north of campus with coffee, a scratch-made menu and a huge board-game library. It suits families or groups spending a full weekend.
  • A College Park favorite for gyros, fries and quick counter service near downtown. It is practical before boarding Quickbus or walking into campus.
  • A local Mexican choice on Route 1 known for tacos and bold salsas. Its fast-casual format is useful when bar lines become too long.
  • North of central College Park, this Jamaican restaurant serves jerk chicken, curry and other substantial plates. Visit Friday or drive before parking restrictions begin.

Gameday Traditions

  • Terp Walk
    Roughly two hours before kickoff, fans, Testudo, cheerleaders, dancers and the Mighty Sound of Maryland greet the team along Fieldhouse Drive as it enters Jones-Hill House. The route now passes directly through Terpsville.
  • Mighty Sound of Maryland
    The marching band leads Terp Walk and the stadium pregame show, performs the Victory Song and drives the M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D spelling cheer.
  • Testudo
    Maryland's diamondback terrapin mascot dates to 1933. The costumed Testudo circulates at tailgates and in the bowl, while bronze versions around campus invite a good-luck nose rub.
  • Maryland flag drop
    A giant state-flag design rolls down the student section during the team entrance or major pregame moments. The bold red, white, black and gold Calvert-Crossland pattern is the venue's visual signature.
  • “Red, White, Black, Gold”
    The stadium calls the four state colors in sequence, while “Let's Go Maryland” and the first-down response supply simpler in-game participation.
  • Student Rollercoaster
    After Maryland touchdowns, students lean and move together in a coordinated rollercoaster motion. It is best viewed from the opposite sideline or upper deck.
  • Turtle Time
    Families in and around Section 212 can meet Testudo at halftime. This newer feature complements the family section, children's concessions and first-game certificates.

Monuments & Features

  • Testudo statues
    A bronze Testudo stands near the football complex, while the original campus statue overlooks McKeldin Mall. Rub the shiny nose for luck, but allow significant walking time between the stadium and mall.
  • Jones-Hill House
    The football performance center encloses the east end and contains indoor practice fields, training and team spaces. Terpsville gives ordinary fans unusual pregame access to its turf.
  • Tyser Tower
    The south-side structure contains suites, press areas and the main premium spaces. Its height creates the stadium's asymmetrical silhouette.
  • Maryland flag identity
    End zones, uniforms, rally towels and fan clothing use one of American sports' most recognizable state patterns. A “Maryland Pride” game often intensifies the theme.
  • Legacy Plaza
    The west-side approach around the stadium circle serves as a gathering and children's-activity area near Terp Walk and historical displays.
  • Campus hilltop setting
    Upper decks look over College Park and toward the Washington region. The climb also makes comfortable shoes important, especially from Lot 1 or Metro shuttles.

History & Notable Moments

  • The stadium opened on September 30, 1950, when Maryland defeated Navy 35-21 before a crowd far beyond the original permanent capacity.
  • Maryland won the 1953 national championship while using the stadium as its home, establishing the venue in the program's most celebrated early era.
  • Temporary and permanent additions steadily expanded the original horseshoe; Tyser Tower and upper-deck work transformed the south side during the 1990s.
  • Maryland's 2001 team went unbeaten at home on its way to the ACC championship and Orange Bowl in Ralph Friedgen's first season.
  • A 2008 expansion closed the east end with more seating and the football team house, pushing listed capacity above 50,000 before later seating changes.
  • The university removed Harry Clifton “Curley” Byrd's name after a campus review, adopting Maryland Stadium in 2016.
  • SECU Stadium debuted under its current name on October 1, 2022, as Maryland defeated Michigan State 27-13.
  • A 2025 seating project widened lower-level benches by 20 percent and added handrails, improving comfort while establishing the current 46,185-seat configuration.

Seating & Sections

SECU Stadium's lower horseshoe is straightforward, but the south-side Tyser Tower and upper levels produce different experiences. The north side generally faces the tower; the east end meets Jones-Hill House; and the open western approach frames the videoboard and entrance. Afternoon sun and humid early-season weather can be demanding, while November winds reach the highest rows.

  • Lower bowl
    Widened benches and new handrails make the 100-level more comfortable than older reviews suggest. Midfield rows balance proximity and sightline without the long climb to upper decks.
  • North side
    Sections near the visiting allotment provide views toward Tyser Tower and Maryland's sideline areas. Check the opponent allocation before buying if home-crowd immersion matters.
  • East end
    Seats near Jones-Hill House are close to team operations and the band/student energy but use an end-zone perspective.
  • Tyser Tower and Club Level
    Suites, Mezzanine seating and club inventory offer chairbacks, indoor hospitality and elevated sideline views. Exact food and lounge access varies by ticket.
  • View Level
    The highest south-side seats offer the best tactical overview and distant Washington-area vistas, with the greatest exposure to stairs and weather.
  • Family Section 212
    The Little Terps program adds discounted child tickets, nearby value concessions, activity sheets and halftime Testudo access. Purchase through the designated offer to receive all benefits.
  • Accessibility
    Wheelchair seating is available near sections 2, 9 and 28, throughout the Club Level aisle and on the View Level. Every gate except Gate A is accessible; contact the ticket office for exchanges.

Concessions

SECU Stadium is cashless and leans heavily into Maryland food. New grab-and-go stores behind Sections 3 and 21 reduce lines for drinks and packaged items. Alcohol sales stop at the end of the third quarter.

  • Chessie Crab Pretzel
    The signature crab-topped pretzel is at Section 20; smaller Little Chessies are at Sections 16 and 205. It is the most venue-specific order and can sell quickly.
  • Crab dishes
    Section 16 serves a crab-cake sandwich, while Section 205 offers crab nachos. These are better expressions of Maryland than the standard burger stands.
  • Ledo Pizza
    The local rectangular pizza appears near Sections 10, 20, 205 and 305, providing a reliable regional option across several levels.
  • Maryland Dairy ice cream
    Campus-made ice cream is sold near Sections 18 and 209 and is especially welcome during warm September games.
  • Chicken and maple waffle fries
    Section 16 combines chicken, powdered-sugar waffle fries and maple syrup or hot honey. Section 17 carries Chick-fil-A.
  • Testudo Premium Lager
    Union Craft's official Terps beer is widely available, joined by other Maryland craft selections, wine and canned cocktails. Guests who appear under 40 must show identification.
  • Dietary choices
    Grab-and-go markets carry salads and a gluten-free turkey-and-cheddar wrap; Section 12 offers a garden burger and gluten-free buns. Ask about cross-contact for medical allergies.

Bag Policy

  • One clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches or one clear one-gallon freezer bag is permitted. A small clutch up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches may also enter.
  • Purses, backpacks, opaque drawstring bags, briefcases, coolers, fanny packs, luggage, computer bags, camera cases, binocular cases and ordinary diaper bags are prohibited.
  • Medical and special-needs exceptions are inspected at the gate. Maryland cannot store rejected bags, so clarify an accommodation with Guest Services before traveling.
  • Empty plastic or metal water bottles may enter, but full bottles, cans and glass are prohibited. Portable seats must be no wider than 18 inches and cannot have armrests.
  • Every bag remains subject to search inside the stadium. Check the current Maryland football gameday page because stroller screening, family priority lanes and permitted-item details can change.

Upcoming Games

3
ILL @ MARY
Sat, Oct 31
Week 9
WISC @ MARY
Sat, Nov 14
Week 11
PENNST @ MARY
Sat, Nov 28
Week 13

Stadium Information

Capacity
46,185
Opened
1950
Last Renovated
2009
Architect
James R. Edmunds Jr.; HOK; Heery International
Construction Cost
$1,000,000

Notable Events

First and dedication game: Maryland defeated Navy 35-21 before 43,386 (September 30, 1950)
Maryland defeated No. 1 UCLA 7-0 in the Best of the East versus Best of the West game (September 24, 1955)
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended Maryland's upset of North Carolina (October 19, 1957)
A stadium-record 58,973 watched No. 14 Maryland host No. 9 Penn State (November 1, 1975)
Maryland completed a 7-0 home season on the way to the ACC championship (2001)
The venue has repeatedly hosted the NCAA men's lacrosse championship weekend and record lacrosse crowds
The SECU Stadium name debuted as Maryland defeated Michigan State 27-13 (October 1, 2022)

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