COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland gymnastics and wrestling teams will host their third annual Beauty and the Beast event on Sunday, January 8 at 1 p.m. The teams will compete simultaneously on the XFINITY Center main floor with the gymnasts facing West Virginia and the wrestlers taking on local rival Navy.

"The Beauty and the Beast meet is one our favorite events of the year,” said head gymnastics coach Brett Nelligan. “With two Terp teams on the same floor at the same time, the excitement and intensity level goes way up. I think this year will be our biggest on yet."

Maryland hosted 2,192 fans at last year's Beauty and the Beast event, creating an incredible environment for the competing athletes.

“This event has been a big success for us over the past two seasons, and we're excited to be partnered with gymnastics once again,” said head wrestling coach Kerry McCoy. “It's a great opportunity to showcase our sport to a new audience. We're looking forward to it.”

Admission is free to Beauty and the Beast. Prior to the event, fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy in fan fest in Heritage Hall. Activities include face painting with the Maryland Cheerleaders, a photobooth, poster making station, games, and more.

The first 250 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Beauty and The Beast poster. After the event, fans can participate in an autograph session with the wrestlers and gymnasts.

Note: Wrestling's match vs. Illinois at 11:00 a.m. will still be ticketed. Free entry will begin at noon.  

-Terps-