Maryland football is rolling out a bold new experiment for the upcoming season: a dedicated fan zone called the Terp Tank positioned in Section 16 of SECU Stadium.
A Immersive Fan Experience
The Terp Tank comes equipped with a 16‑ounce drink jug that offers free soft‑drink refills and water at every game, alongside starter gear that includes a T‑shirt, towel, koozie and pom‑pom. Season tickets for the zone are priced at $193 and come with a complimentary matchup against Hampton, giving early adopters a tangible perk for their loyalty.
Beyond the merchandise and drink perks, the section is engineered to generate a rowdy, coordinated atmosphere. A wall of Maryland colors and flags will ripple with fan movement, while recurring appearances by alumni, former players and other fan‑facing personalities will punctuate each home game. In‑game activations — such as a trigger tied to a Terrapin scoring play — will keep the energy high throughout all four quarters, and a dunk tank will sit atop the Terp Tank for added spectacle.
The concept draws directly from the passionate supporter cultures of European and South American soccer, where coordinated chants, movement and noise are a staple. Maryland hopes to translate that fervor into a uniquely American college‑football setting, aiming to reverse a trend of declining ticket revenue that saw the program finish last in the Big Ten for ticket sales last season.
Athletic director Jim Smith, who spearheaded the initiative, says the Terp Tank is about more than just boosting numbers; it’s about deepening community ties, improving logistics and giving fans a reason to stay engaged from kickoff to the final whistle.