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Football Announces Several Gameday Enhancements for Fans

COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Maryland Football is thrilled to announce several enhancements to gameday both inside and outside of SECU Stadium. Check out some of the new and exciting things fans will see on gamedays in Terpsville!
Maryland Football's tradition of themed gamedays continues in 2025, offering fans unique ways to celebrate each matchup.

The season kicks off with Prince George's County Homecoming Day on Aug. 30 vs. Florida Atlantic, followed by Young Terps Day (Sept. 13 vs. Towson). Fans can also look forward to Family Weekend / Mental Health Awareness on Oct. 4 vs. Washington, Homecoming on Nov. 1 vs. Indiana, and Military Appreciation Day on Nov. 22 vs. Michigan. Each gameday will feature special giveaways, performances, and fan experiences.

This year will also debut two new themes:
Sundown Showdown
Sept. 5 vs. Northern Illinois
A country-themed Friday night under the lights, complete with free glow sticks for fans.
Oktoberfest
Oct. 11 vs. Nebraska
Festive in-stadium experiences and seasonal celebrations.
Terpsville Fan Fest Header
More to Explore Before Kickoff
This fall marks the launch of Terpsville Fan Fest, presented by Sardi's – an all-ages pregame destination inside Jones-Hill House. Opening 3 hours before kickoff, the free event features inflatables, face painting, yard games, and more — all on the indoor fields that the Terps practice on. Fans can even toss a football around on the turf, keep up with other games from around the country on large video screens, and snap the perfect picture in a setting that puts you right in the heart of Maryland Football. Food and beverage items will also be available for purchase.

This opportunity will also provide fans an even closer connection to the team before they take the field. If you arrive at least two hours before kickoff, fans will be able to greet the Maryland Football team as they arrive on campus for Terp Walk and enter the facility through Terpsville Fan Fest! 

To access Terpsville Fan Fest, head to the indoor practice facility entrance of Jones-Hill House, located on Fieldhouse Dr., closest to Union Lane Garage. The clear bag policy will be in effect and outside food and beverages will not be allowed inside. Fans will be subject to security screening; click here for a list of prohibited items.
Making Gameday More Family-Friendly
Maryland is making it easier than ever for families to enjoy football together with a brand-new Family Section (Section 212) and the Little Terps, Big Cheers ticket offer: purchase one adult ticket in Section 212 and receive up to two complimentary tickets for kids 13 and under. Nearby, fans will find a new family-friendly concession stand with kid-approved favorites at discounted prices, plus interactive activities like iSpy games, custom gameday buttons, and "My First Terps Game" certificates.

As part of this pilot program, a complimentary stroller check will be available on the 200-level concourse (stroller entry via Gate B) exclusively for fans who purchase through the Little Terps, Big Cheers offer. For all other fans, stroller check remains available at the Riggs Alumni Center.

Families will also benefit from new priority entry lanes designed to provide extra support for those who may need additional time entering. And making its debut this season, Turtle Time with Testudo will give kids and families the chance to meet and take photos with Maryland's beloved mascot at halftime outside Section 212.

Testudo
Upgrades Inside SECU Stadium
Fans will notice several comfort and accessibility improvements throughout SECU Stadium in 2025. Lower-level seating has been widened by 20 percent, giving ticket holders more space, while new handrails have been installed across the lower bowl to make moving through the aisles safer and easier. 

SECU Stadium Handrails

This season also brings added convenience with the introduction of two new self-service grab-and-go concessions locations behind Sections 3 and 21. These stands are designed to reduce wait times and let fans get back to the action faster, offering Testudo Premium Lager, a variety of domestic and premium beers, canned cocktails, wine, Pepsi products (including Pepsi Zero and Starry), Gatorade, Aquafina bottled water, and pre-packaged snacks like chips and candy.
 
Easier Access on Gameday
Patrons parking in reserved lots (SDG, Z, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1F, 3, and JJ2) will now receive a designated hangtag upon entry, helping ensure smoother traffic flow and accurate use of spaces. Additionally, parking staff will remain stationed at all reserved lot entrances for 30 minutes after kickoff to make sure all permit holders are able to access their spaces.

In addition, select entry points will now feature priority lanes for ADA and Family access, helping those who may need additional assistance and time entering. These lanes will be available at Gates B, E (Student Entry), F, and I, located on the North, West, and South sides of the stadium.
 
Randy White and Jerry Claiborne
Honoring Maryland Football History
The South Gate at SECU Stadium has been renamed the Coach Jerry Claiborne Gate in honor of College Football Hall of Famer Jerry Claiborne, who led the Terps from 1972 to 1981. Gate signage will be updated before the Big Ten opener vs. Washington on Oct. 4 and the official recognition will take place vs. Indiana on Nov. 1. Nearly 70 former Maryland Football letterwinners who played under Claiborne contributed to the renaming effort and the creation of the Coach Jerry Claiborne Endowed Scholarship for Football, ensuring his legacy lives on while enriching the gameday experience with a new landmark that celebrates the program's proud history.
B1G Tailgate Comes to College Park
Maryland Football will also host B1G Tailgate for its season opener on August 30 prior to the FAU game. Back for its ninth season with new on-site host Camryn Irwin alongside Tyvis Powell, the show will travel to a different Big Ten campus each week for interviews with a rotation of guests and on-site analysis. 

The show in College Park will take place between the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and Lot 1, and fans on campus for the game are encouraged to stop by and watch the live broadcast. B1G Tailgate will be live on the Big Ten Network from 10 a.m., until kickoff at Noon.
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