[Adapted from communications to our staff from Hare travel reporter and freelance security professional Cowboy Jeddy. After providing the information given in this article, Jeddy is believed to have fallen asleep in his car, which has since been impounded for parking in Stadium Drive Garage without the correct permit. Hare transportation correspondent Arby Trairie (InfoSci ‘26) has been sent to retrieve both him and his vehicle.]

“Howdy” from the lovely west side of our College Park campus! I’m brought here at the behest of who I understand to be the prior writer of this series, who is still recovering from a bout of dichloropropane poisoning. His writings described the next subject of his consideration, which I’m on a quest to realize on his behalf. With the college football season well underway, it’s more than fitting that the next point of interest in this review series is the Stadium Drive Garage.

Location and Accessibility: 8/10

Parking was available within the structure itself. Additional parking options are within walking distance, such as the large outdoor lot just to the south, plus multiple bus lines provide routine service. When making plans, note that the west entrance to the University of Maryland is directly adjacent and the roads can get quite busy during peak times of the day. Most of the surrounding zoning is quaint residential space which felt safe when I was there.

Comfort and Viewing Experience: 5/10

I could not for the life of me find where the game was being played. Hopefully, I simply misread the date when I bought my ticket. I toured the entire interior and learned that a non-standard seating plan was implemented: flat concrete benches were provided directly next to the parking spaces and followed an open seating plan similar to that of some low-cost domestic airlines. Every seating section except for the top floor had an extended concrete ceiling that obscured sunlight. The convenient and flexible approach to seating was truly innovative, but the actual seating quality and architectural atmosphere fell below that of other college arenas besides Beaver Stadium.

Concessions: 3/10

Curiously, there were no concessions offered. Maryland Terrapin fans will have to rely on nearby vendors if they want food or drinks. The cafe inside the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center across the street offers decent snacks and coffee. I also noticed while sitting on my concrete bench that numerous concession stands were operating around the large building next door. I’m not sure what the building is for other than that it’s sponsored by some sort of credit union, but supposedly the aforementioned stands sell some traditional sports cuisine and alcoholic beverages. You won’t go hungry if so, but I still don’t understand why there weren’t any offerings on-site.

Fans: 6/10

Attendance counts were more modest than I expected. This is a good thing if you dislike crowded games or rowdy fans but less than stellar if you sought a classic football experience. I mostly saw fans walking to and from their cars. None of them fit the Terrapin stereotype of being drunk and disruptive, which I was pleasantly surprised by.

Overall composite score: 5.5/10

I think this is a lower score than the prior reviewer gave to the nearby Mowatt Stadium. This place truly stands apart from any other football facility I’ve ever been to, but it lacks many of the basic needs that the discerning attendee expects. It’s a start, but I think the University has many improvements to make before it can be renowned in the world of college sports. Gosh, I’m tired from walking up and down those huge ramps.

[Next up for our series of reviews: Union Lane Garage, after we wait six more months to increase hype.]

Image Credits: Joseph Kleinman