Game Day in College Park

By Mary E. Lopez

Maryland football games are all-day affairs that swaddle the senses. The cacophony is overwhelming, and yet the slow build up to kickoff keeps you just relaxed enough to enjoy the immersion of sights, sounds and smells.

Tailgating is the perfect time to meet new people, especially ones who are likely to share at least one of your interests. If you’re a Terp fan, look for people wearing red. After getting the lay of the land, it’s time for dinner and a show, and Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium is your theater. After the rousing musical production number, it’s time for the main act. The announcer is your tour guide for this trip, and he keeps you informed about all the key plays.

Halftime is here and intermission is a great time to get some exercise and pick up souvenirs. Want to send a postcard to your friends back home? Stop at one of the many social media selfie stations and snap a photo on your phone. And while you’re at it, take some vacation photos, too.
The Maryland Terrapins hosted the Indiana Hoosiers at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. The Terps lost, 34-28, before a crowd of 32,606. (Mary Lopez/Jour604)
All eyes are on the football as a Terps player puts the ball into the endzone to score a touchdown. (Mary Lopez/Jour604)
Referees confer about a flag on the field, as both teams wait to resume play. (Mary Lopez/Jour604)
Terp fans celebrate a successful call on the field at the Indiana-Maryland game in College Park Friday, Oct. 19, 2019. (Mary Lopez/Jour604)
The Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band entertains the crowd at halftime during the Indiana-Maryland game. (Mary Lopez/Jour604)
Maryland’s mascot, Testudo, expresses disbelief at a referee call on the field. (Mary Lopez/Jour604)
The game is over and most of the fans are gone, but the Mighty Sound of Maryland continues to play as they march off into the night. (Mary Lopez/Jour604)