COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland Athletics recognizes the need to constantly improve the overall gameday experience for everyone in attendance. We believe comprehensive customer research allows us to strategically invest in areas that will impact all guests in the most effective way possible. To open lines of communication between game attendees and the administration, Maryland Athletics executed eight football-specific surveys over the past 18 months. Additionally, the department distributed a comprehensive gameday experience survey at the end of the 2018Â football season to everyone who attended at least one home game.
The feedback that was provided led to 25 improvements that have been implemented for the 2019 home football season. The most notable feedback you provided us, as well as what we did to improve in those areas, is included below.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The first section of the survey was intended to gather fan feedback surrounding the game day experience and overall appearance of the stadium.
"Need to clearly mark row numbers" - Thomas S.
- We conducted a full evaluation and replacement of bleacher seat and row identification markers to help fans find their seat location with ease.
"Need to have more group cheers to rally the team, something more complex than "Let's Go Terps." - Matt S.
"We need a cheer that involves the entire stadium, i.e. "Red! - White! - Black! - Gold!" - John R.
- Plans for this upcoming season include the continuation for year two of the Homecoming Tifo tradition, the emphasis of a "First Down" cheer in conjunction with PA Announcer after Maryland first downs, the addition of a "Red, White, Black, Gold" chant and the introduction of a "Student Rollercoaster" tradition after touchdowns.
"Paint the stadium railings." - Gary J.
"Seal the cement with a colored sealant instead of raw, dirty stained concrete." -Brian T.
- We increased stadium maintenance efforts and branding aesthetics for better fan experience. Improvements include concrete repairs, painting, installation of branded light pole banners surrounding Maryland Stadium, and the introduction of giant interactive T-E-R-P-S letters and a "Go Terps" mural on the south concourse for photos. #GoTerps
CONCESSIONS
As venues continue to compete with the comfort and convenience of a fan's living room, concessions provide a powerful opportunity to make the in-stadium experience unique. As such, we asked fans 11 questions regarding the concessions at our football games.
"Signage about the one beer per person policy would be helpful as it usually holds up the line when someone doesn't know that and the vendor has to explain." - Joanna M.*
- Concessions signage that better communicates the "one beer per person" policy, as required by the Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners, has been installed.
"Please add healthy food options..." - Pary H.
- The Maryland Fresh concessions stand, which offers healthy gameday food options for fans, has been relocated to Section 14 for improved visibility.
"Concessions pricing is extravagant and continues to escalate." - Monique C.
- The Terrapin Club is pleased to offer its members 10% off concessions at football games (excludes Alcohol/Beer, Chick-Fil-A, and Dippin' Dots) in 2019. The discount will be loaded onto each game ticket and can be scanned at the concession stands. Starting at the Penn State game, members will be able to present their official Terrapin Club Membership Card to access the discount.
- Introduction of a "Featured Concessions Item of the Game", which will be offered at a discount for fans that enter the stadium early (ending 30 minutes prior to kickoff).
"Very upset with popcorn going from all you can eat to one refill." - Laurie T.
- A 135 oz. souvenir plastic popcorn bucket with unlimited same-gameday refills will be offered for $10.
RESTROOMS
Maryland Athletics began restroom renovations for the upcoming season.
- The improvement of two high-traffic restrooms (also supported by survey results) located behind Section 28 were conducted to set the framework for future phases and work required.
- Flooring, baby changing stations, and mirrors are also in the process of being updated and replaced.
"Also, mirrors in the women's bathroom would be nice." - Karen K.
- A full-length mirror has been installed in each restroom.
"The bathroom needs to be in working order, clean, and serviceable." - Richard S.
- New signage will be installed in each restroom, alerting guests of convenient ways to provide immediate feedback.
- Increased focus on general preventative maintenance efforts during the off-season to improve aesthetics and overall stadium condition.
VIDEO BOARD, RIBBON BOARDS & SOUND
Video boards and sound systems are the most important messaging tools in sports venues worldwide. They provide valuable stats and replays from the game and feature a variety of entertainment that enhances fan experience. Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium features two video boards, located on the concourse in the West end zone and above Gossett Team House behind the East end zone.Â
Maryland Athletics understands the need to upgrade this aspect of our game day and we are currently working on developing a financial strategy and timeline for replacement.
