Maryland Game

Don't get lost

There is more than enough parking. Go to Stubhub and get Terrapin Club parking in XX1. There will be a huge contingent of Michigan fans there. Yes, leaving the stadium on Route 1 has some bad spots. So does every other city, but you won't be hanging out there will you?

I'm coming up from Virginia and have attended 2 UM/Maryland games. (Lived in DC for 2 years as well, and have been to CP for more than just football games.) I have absolutely no idea what they are talking about parking-wise: copious cheap, on-campus parking in various lots and buildings. Got to game an hour early last time (2 years ago) and parked in a garage <200 yards from stadium.

College Park is not sketchy. Off campus is not super-attractive, I will admit, but the campus is a normal, picturesque college campus and you will not be mugged at 4pm leaving the game. 

I honestly could not disagree more with what you were told in my experience.

We've always parked at the Metro station and took the shuttle bus (it's free) to the stadium.

We must be feeling good around here... already like 5 responses and no one has bitched about the terrible title. 

Winning really does cure all

I was down there in late September.  I didn't find it sketchy at all.  Nice campus.  The immediate surrounding area is fairly built-up and there's a lot more concrete than green but it is safe.

I didn't pre-buy any parking - I think for most of the on-campus parking you need to pre-buy.  I instead parked in a lot on the SE corner of US-1 and Campus Drive.  $20 as I recall.  Good enough location and an easy 15-minute walk through the campus to the stadium.  Easy out after the game.

Unless you are really lost I am unaware of sketchy areas near the stadium.  Parking is a hassle unless you are willing to walk.  Honestly, I would park at the Greenbelt metro and take the green line to College Park.  From there it is either a two mile walk, a walk to the C8 bus, or an lyft.  I have not gone to a game there but I have been to campus several times.  It will be at least 60% Michigan fans.  The DC alumni chapter will not have a tailgate but will be in lot C1.  I will likely be perched at a bar in DC otherwise I would endeavor a meetup. Safe travels!

Like others have said, not sure I agree with any of what the PSU fans said. I will say if they went to the PSU-Maryland game this year it was on a Friday and it was a very weird setup all around. Campus/classes shut down at noon, student parking lots were turned into athletic parking lots, and traffic was a mess. That may contribute to some of the negative experiences PSY fans had this year.

Parking (still some left):

https://transportation.umd.edu/parking/athletics-parking/football

I've had no issues with the area being sketchy.  At least not on campus near the stadium.  The stadium itself is small, but it's OK as a venue overall.

The best option would be to get a pass on campus directly from the university, but those are probably already sold out.  Just a thought, it might be a solid plan to park at a MARC station further out (perhaps Laurel) and take the MARC train to college park, it'll drop you off right next to campus.  I believe most if not all MARC parking garages have free parking on weekends.  Not sure of the cost of a MARC ticket, but it can't be much.

There are neighborhoods near campus that would probably be ok to park in but I haven't been around here long enough to know how easy it is to find a spot during game days. I've also seen neighborhoods near campus that are completely fine.

Park at the Greenbelt or College Park Metro stations. From the College Park Metro station they have shuttles running to the campus regularly.

Leaving Toledo at midnight going into to Friday. Going site seeing Friday and capitals game Friday night.  Game Saturday, got a parking pass in lot 1.

FYI this is Maryland’s homecoming 

Was there for last Michigan game and there's plenty of parking.  As for the stadium experience it's great if you're a Michigan fan.  There were more Michigan fans than Maryland fans.  I almost felt bad for Maryland fans as the entire student section left at halftime.

There is a main road right outside of campus where you can park and then walk in. That's what I did. Its interesting in that you have to walk through the campus. I didnt notice any bad areas and the stadium was fine. A lot of Michigan fans and ticket prices are low.

As far as area we ended staying by the mall casino looking for stuff do in the area. It was fine. Would have preferred to stay at the MGM.

Think The Wire, only grittier!

Sketchy around College Park near the stadium? That’s a big no. Best parking available is at the metro station ramp and you will find plenty if you arrive early. Free buses go on a short drive to the stadium from there.

just park there and you will be fine.

I went in 2015, this is a massive overreaction. We had no issues with feeling unsafe. We also stayed in DC and took the subway up to College Park which was very convenient. 

My cousin has been banned from Maryland's stadium. Twice. In the same game (he snuck back in the first time). They don't mess around if you're drunk and belligerent. That's all I know about the place.

There will be a lot of Michigan fans there (myself included), trust me it'll be an enjoyable experience. 

Sketchy is in the eye of the beholder, but as a Michigan grad/native who has lived in DC area for 20 years, what qualifies as "sketchy" is just some lower-middle, working class neighborhoods on the edges of the main roads into the stadium. Again, if you're from BFE and never seen much of the world, that might alter your perception but it's a fairly average townie feel, average campus and the stadium is cozy if not particularly awesome. Food is atrocious, but you CAN buy beer. So, kudos, Terps. 

There are plenty of parking passes (try for C1) and close by buses and metro access from all points outside of campus, but it is a bitch getting an Uber or other transit accommodations (taxis, campus buses) due to the way the stadium is tucked into a cul-de-sacesque set up. It would be easy in and out if it wasn't so poorly managed or designed, but it's not. We usually park on the golf course and tailgate, but we're going to a local bar called Looney's  and then walking into the game (about 20 mins) if the weather forecast holds. Go Blue!

There is a ton of parking around the stadium, you can almost certainly find paid parking directly through the university if you want to be close. The stadium does kind of suck but its not any worse than sitting in the away section at a PSU and you don't have to deal with PSU fans so its a better experience. Get the crab pretzel and have a good day, itll be a fun trip.

Went two years ago and had fun with my son.  Not sure name of parking structure I parked at but it was close by.  My only gripe was that it took me an hour to get out of the parking structure after the game because I think there was only one exit out onto a narrow alley/street.  

Piggy backing on this, I have a question about timing after the game.  I'm looking at buying a flight back home after the game, but the latest I can find out of DCA is 5:45.  If the game finishes around 3/330, will I have enough time to drive with traffic to get to the airport?  Thinking I need to get there by 5 at the latest.  I don't know the area very well and looking for some insight what to expect for traffic around that time following a game.  Thanks! 

I am going and I’m positive that you should try and pay for parking prior to arrival if possible.  Because they have very minimal accommodations surrounding their campus.  This is my second trip and I’m positive that you’ll have lots of fun!!!  GO BLUE 

I had a good time a few years ago and parking wasn’t too bad for my friends and I.

I'm thinking about going down from NYC.

Anybody have experience doing this on Amtrak?

State College. Out in the middle of nowhere, yet those Penn St Paterno apologists think it is someplace special. Ha.