Oct. 21 Volleyball Match Relocated
10/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland volleyball match against Rutgers slated for Oct. 21 has been relocated from Ritchie Coliseum to the XFINITY Center Pavilion. The match, which is set to begin at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, is being relocated to accommodate more fans.
“It is wonderful that the University and community are getting behind our sport,” said head coach Steve Aird. “We are building a program, and we're excited about the direction that we're headed in. It's a really special time at Maryland.”
The Terps opened their home season against Indiana on Oct. 3 in front of 1,238 fans, the sixth-largest volleyball attendance in Maryland history. With the heightened level of support for the program, a decision to move the match back to the XFINITY Center Pavilion, the home of Maryland volleyball, was made.
“After seeing the large number of fans that showed up for our opening weekend in the Big Ten, it became apparent that the new volleyball fan base is larger than what Ritchie Coliseum can accommodate,” said Brady Gowin, director of facilities, operations and events. “We look forward to having a packed house in XFINITY on Oct. 21.”
Maryland and Rutgers play each other for the first time as conference rivals as both universities joined the Big Ten in the summer. The match is the program's first Big Ten Network-televised contest at home.
More than 50 fraternity and sorority groups are scheduled to attend the match as part of Phi Kappa Tau's ΦKToberfest Greek Volleyball Tournament philanthropy. Due to the location change, the athletic department will provide shuttle busses for students to and from the match. Pickup will begin at 6:45 p.m. with locations at 5, 7 and 11 Fraternity Row and the Knox Road/Yale Avenue intersection.
“With all of Coach Aird's help and generous contributions as our main co-sponsor of Phi Kappa Tau's ΦKToberfest Greek Volleyball Tournament, our fraternity is motivated and committed to crushing all previous attendance records for Maryland volleyball,” said Daniel Hefter, president of Phi Kappa Tau. “Phi Tau is really excited to be running point on the largest philanthropy event between Greek Life and Maryland Athletics ever.”
The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Maryland volleyball scarf. All students in attendance will have a chance at winning a GoPro camera, autographed memorabilia, football suite tickets and more.
Tickets are still available as the Terps take on the Scarlet Knights. General admission is $6 for adults and $4 for youth (3-17) and seniors (62+). Tickets can be purchased in advance at umterps.com. Admission for students is free with a valid student ID.
