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Back to College Park: Plan Your Homecoming Weekend Visit

Back to College Park: Plan Your Homecoming Weekend Visit

Terps posing for a photo at the UMD Alumni Association Homecoming Tailgate

College Park might look a little different than when you first stepped foot onto campus. With the revitalization of Baltimore Avenue and the upcoming Purple Line, Terps heading to campus for Homecoming weekend will experience plenty of new things to make their visit memorable, while also reminiscing about the past. Get the most out of your stay with this itinerary, sure to deliver some Terp Tingles:

Friday, Oct. 18

UMD Bucket List Poster
  • Explore campus and complete items on the UMD Bucket List
    From 1916 to 2001, first-year students turned to the M Book to figure out how to register for classes, learn the code of conduct and generally get a handle on the university. It fizzled out after all of this information moved online, but now, the M Book is back—with fewer rules and a modern focus- as the definitive guide to the Maryland experience. Inside the M Book is the UMD Bucket List, featuring 20 "must do" action items every Terp should check off before graduating. Take this opportunity to walk around campus and see how many you can complete during your visit.
Maryland apparel on store shelves in University Book Center
  • Stop by the Adele H. Stamp Student Union (STAMP)
    Remember getting a sweet treat at The Dairy Salesroom? The Maryland Dairy may have moved from Turner Hall to STAMP, but it continues to offer traditional flavors as well as university-themed ones. Stop by for a scoop of your favorite, or try this year's limited edition Homecoming 2024 flavor. Next, head to the University Book Center, your one-stop shop for Maryland gear. Pick up some new apparel (including this year's UMD Homecoming shirt) and accessories so you can display your Maryland pride back at home and in the office, and buy gifts for your family and friends. Plus, Alumni Association members get 10% off their purchases when they show their membership card!


McKeldin Mall and ODK Fountain with tent and people attending the homecoming carnival
  • Kickoff Homecoming festivities at the Terp Carnival
    Stop by McKeldin Mall from 4-8 p.m. and enjoy live music, a beer garden, tailgating games, prizes and a fireworks finale. This is a free, family-friendly event and you are welcome to bring your own picnic food or grab some from the concession tents. Plus, make sure to try out UNION Craft Brewing’s new Testudo Premium Lager located in the beer garden. The official craft beer of the Maryland Terrapins.
  • Grab some late-night snacks at Ledo Pizza
    Ledo Pizza is known as the original Maryland-style pizza, and has been a favorite spot for local residents and the University of Maryland community. People often ask why Ledo Pizza is rectangular, and the answer is baked in its history. In the fifties when Ledo first opened, round pizza pans were very new but rectangular baking pans were readily available - hence their geometrically unique pizza.

Saturday, Oct. 19

Photo of the Maryland state and M logo flags being run across the football field at a game.
  • Alumni Homecoming Tailgate and Beer Garden
    Homecoming wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center before the game. Enjoy food, drinks, games and more with hundreds of Terp fans before heading into SECU Stadium. Alumni Association members receive a lineup of benefits including a free drink and food voucher, and access to a members-only lounge with its own private bar and Maryland Dairy ice cream. Tailgate registration is free, and food and drink tickets can be purchased in advance or on site.
  • The Big Game
    Cheer on the Terps at SECU Stadium as they take on one of their new Big Ten opponents: the USC Trojans. While game time is yet to be announced, you still can purchase game tickets and parking passes now. 

Sunday, Oct. 20

  • Explore Greater College Park
    Before you head home, drive down Baltimore Avenue and see all of the exciting changes that have been taking place in Greater College Park. Stop by the Discovery District, which is currently home to more than 60 organizations in various industries, including The Hall CP, a new favorite eatery where you can sit down for a delicious brunch before heading out.

Thanks to Ledo Pizza and The Hall CP for being an official partner with the University of Maryland Alumni Association and two of this year’s homecoming sponsors. For more places to visit, check out local neighbors offering discounts to get Terps in the Homecoming spirit.