Postcards From Denver: Day 1
3/17/2004 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 17, 2004
Did You Know?
Maryland's first round opponent, UTEP, defeated Kentucky at Cole Field House to capture the national championship in 1966. In attendance to witness the Miners championship was none other than Maryland head coach Gary Williams.
When the Terrapins woke up in Denver this morning, they did so to bright, blue, sunny skies, warm spring weather, and a fantastic view of the Rocky Mountains off in the distance. It didn't take long for the ACC Champions to get to work on continuing their streak of three straight years in which they have reached the NCAA Sweet 16 or better. The focus shown at the Terrapins practice was an early indication that the team has quickly transitioned from the ACC Tournament this past weekend to a first round match up with UTEP on Thursday morning.
Denver's Pepsi Center, site of the Terrapins first round game and home to both the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets, is an impressive building. With a capacity of 19,555, there is plenty of room for the many Maryland fans who have arrived in Denver to support the Terrapins. Maryland players and coaches greeted many fans at the Pepsi Center today with autographs and a quick practice.
Following practice, many of the players took time to enjoy the beautiful Denver weather and explore the downtown surroundings. The area, with a multitude of restaurants and shops, offered the Terrapins a chance to relax and meet some of their fans. The long day ended with final preparations for what hopes to be a successful first step towards another NCAA run.
