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NCAA FBS

SECU StadiumCollege Park, Maryland

Maryland

👥
Capacity
46,185
🏆
Conference
Big Ten
📅
Opened
1950
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

📖About SECU Stadium

SECU Stadium holds 51,802 and is home to the Maryland Terrapins. Originally Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium, it was renamed in 2023 after SECU (State Employees Credit Union of Maryland) acquired naming rights. The stadium features one of college football's most unique entrances, with the team emerging from a giant turtle shell.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened September 6, 1950 with a 35-21 win over Navy. Built for $1 million, the stadium was called Byrd Stadium until 2015 when it was renamed after the university removed Curley Byrd's name due to his segregationist history.

Major Renovations

1995Permanent lights installed for night games
2007$50.8M renovation: Tyser Tower with press box, club seating, luxury suites
2017Cole Field House renovations began nearby
2023SECU acquired naming rights

Notable Moments

Sep 5, 2015New video board debut; Maryland beat Richmond 50-21
Nov 4, 2023Maryland upset #10 Penn State 31-30—first win vs PSU since 2014
Oct 12, 2024Maryland defeated Northwestern 37-10 in Big Ten action

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Tyser Tower (west side) has premium club seating and suites. Sections 23-27 offer midfield views. East side lower bowl is closest to the action. Student section is in sections 7-12.

Parking Tips

Lots open 4 hours before kickoff. Lot 4b is closest; Lots 1, 4, 11b are also near stadium. Free parking at Cole Field House with shuttle. Use Campus Drive entrance for quickest access. Route 1 traffic is heavy—arrive 3+ hours early.

Game Day

Testudo Walk brings the team through fans 2 hours before kickoff. Watch the team emerge from the giant turtle shell at the north end zone. Cheer "Fear the Turtle!" with the student section. Post-game, hit College Park bars on Route 1. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Looney's Pub

$$

Large Irish-themed sports bar with a massive patio and tons of TVs.

📍 1 mile8150 Baltimore Ave

💡 The go-to spot for Maryland alumni on game days.

Bentleys

$

Classic College Park bar popular with students and recent grads.

📍 0.8 miles7323 Baltimore Ave

💡 Known for its high energy and gameday music.

Cornerstone Loft & Grill

$$

Historic bar with iconic Terrace views of the College Park scene.

📍 0.8 miles7325 Baltimore Ave

💡 Great place to grab a drink and see the gameday bustle.

🍽️Restaurants

Marathon Deli

$

Voted best gyros in College Park. A Maryland tradition.

📍 0.9 miles4429 Lehigh Rd

💡 The gyros are huge—perfect for a quick, filling pre-game meal.

Bagel Place

$

High-quality, freshly made bagels. Essential for gameday morning.

📍 0.7 miles7423 Baltimore Ave

💡 The line can be long, but it moves fast.

Vigilante Coffee

$$

Acclaimed local coffee roaster with a great cafe vibe.

📍 1.2 miles8200 Baltimore Ave

💡 Best place in College Park to fuel up for a noon kickoff.

🏨Hotels

The Hotel at the University of Maryland

$$$$

Luxury hotel located directly across from the university entrance.

📍 0.7 miles7777 Baltimore Ave

💡 The most upscale stay in College Park, with great onsite dining.

Cambria Hotel College Park

$$$

Modern, suite-style hotel located just north of campus.

📍 1.2 miles8321 Baltimore Ave

💡 Offers a bit more space and modern amenities.

🎭Attractions

Testudo Statue

$

The bronze Diamondback Terrapin mascot. Students rub his nose for good luck.

📍 0.5 milesMcKeldin Library Plaza

💡 Rub the nose before you head to the stadium—it’s mandatory for fans.

National Archives at College Park

$

One of the primary research facilities for the US National Archives.

📍 1.5 miles8601 Adelphi Rd

💡 Fascinating stop for history buffs, though check hours as they vary.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Mowatt Lane Garage

$20-30
Garage📍 0.4 miles

💡 A reliable public option centrally located on campus.

🏢

Union Lane Garage

$25
Garage📍 0.3 miles

💡 Very close to the stadium; arrive at least 3 hours early.

🅿️

Lot 1 (Shuttle)

$15
Lot📍 1.2 miles

💡 Good value with a shuttle that runs continuously on game days.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near SECU Stadium? Share it with us.

🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near SECU Stadium

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.