Dec. 1, 1999

RITCHIE COLISEUM

About Ritchie Coliseum

Since the 1997-98 season, Ritchie Coliseum has brought Maryland wrestling enthusiasts and visiting fans excitement at its ultimate. It also has proven to be a friend of the Terrapins as Maryland has compiled a 7-4-1 record on its home mat during the building's first year of operation since its renovation. That great mark began on Dec. 12, 1997, when the Terrapins moved from Cole Field House and quickly defeated both Coppin State and Howard. Ritchie Coliseum has been gaining momentum ever since.

Maryland fans have been poured into Ritchie in increasing numbers throughout the season last year. Its official seating capacity is 1,850, with seating located around the mat and seat-back chairs for more comfortable viewing located in the upper bowl of the coliseum.

Ritchie Coliseum was designed for all University of Maryland students. It is equipped with a new volleyball and basketball floor, a state-of-the-art weightlifting/conditioning room and a martial arts room. Those not into weight training can enroll in various excellent classes offered by the Campus Recreation Department. Whatever your level, there is a class that fits your needs.

Originally built in 1931, Ritchie Coliseum joined campus landmarks such as Rossborough Inn and Turner Dairy on Route 1 in downtown College Park. The gymnasium joined the then-nine-year-old 5,000-seat Byrd stadium, as the prime athletic facilities more than 65 years ago. The wrestling team competed at Ritchie Coliseum during the 1950s, when the facility doubled as the squad's living quarters.

Directions to Ritchie Coliseum:

From Baltimore and North: Interstate 95 South to exit 25B, College Park/U.S. Route 1 South. Continue down Route 1, past the main gate of the University. Ritchie Coliseum will be on the left-hand side of Route 1 before Fraternity Row.

From Baltimore/Washington International Airport: Interstate 195 West to 95 South. Travel to exit 25B and follow the above directions to Ritchie Coliseum.

From Reagan National Airport: Interstate 395 South until it terminates at New York Avenue. Make a right onto New York Avenue and exit at Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore/Washington Parkway). Exit at Maryland Route 193 West (Greenbelt Road) and follow straight to Route 1 South. Continue down Route 1 and follow the above directions to Ritchie Coliseum.

From Washington/Richmond South: Interstate 95 North until exit 25B, College Park/U.S. Route 1 South. Follow the above directions to Ritchie Coliseum.

From Dulles International Airport and West: Dulles Toll Road to Interstate 495 East. Take 495 East (Washington Beltway), which will change into Interstate 95 South for approximately 25 minutes to exit 25B. Follow the above directions to Ritchie Coliseum.