When it comes to football, Terp Nation knows how to show up on game day. For students at the University of Maryland, Saturdays in the fall feel like a campus wide celebration.
While many Maryland students head straight to the SECU Stadium, there are plenty of other spots around College Park where fans gather to get into the game day spirit. Whether you’re looking to grab food before kickoff, watch the Terps during an away game or enjoy the energy of game day without heading into the stadium, there are several popular hangouts known for their lively atmosphere.
To help you plan your next game day, we’ve put together this list of ten great places to tailgate for Maryland football games.
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1. Xfinity Lot
Address: 8500 Paint Branch Drive
Distance from Rambler: 7-minute drive
Neighborhood: North Campus
One of the most popular tailgating areas on campus, the Xfinity Lot fills up quickly on Maryland football Saturdays. Students and alumni gather here early to set up tents, play music and enjoy food before kickoff. Its location near SECU Stadium makes it a convenient and energetic place to experience the full Terps game day atmosphere.
2. Soccer Lot
Address: 7898 Championship Lane
Distance from Rambler: 7-minute drive
Neighborhood: North Campus
The soccer lot is a classic destination for Maryland tailgaters who want a lively but slightly more relaxed setting. With plenty of open space for tents and tailgate games, it’s a favorite spot for groups looking to gather, grill and spend time together before heading into the stadium.
3. Cornerstone Grill & Loft
Address: 7325 Baltimore Avenue
Distance from Rambler: 7-minute drive
Neighborhood: Old Town
Cornerstone is a longtime student favorite and a well-known spot on Maryland game days. With multiple floors, plenty of TVs and a projector, it’s an easy place to meet up before heading to the stadium.
4. RJ Bentley’s
Address: 7325 Baltimore Avenue
Distance from Rambler: 7-minute drive
Neighborhood: Old Town
A true College Park classic, Bentley’s has been part of the Maryland game day scene for years. Whether you’re meeting friends before kickoff or staying to watch the full game, the lively atmosphere keeps students coming back every season.
5. IFC Fields
The IFC Fields are a well-known gathering space for student organizations and Greek life groups on game days. The large open area makes it easy to set up tents, speakers and tailgate games, creating an energetic environment that feels like a true college football tradition. For many students, this is one of the best places to experience Maryland’s game day culture.
6. Lot 1
Address: 4298 Campus Drive
Distance from Rambler: 4-minute drive
Neighborhood: South campus
Lot 1 is one of the largest and most recognizable tailgating areas at Maryland football games. This lot is known for hosting bigger tailgate setups, often with alumni groups and longtime Terps fans creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. If you’re looking to experience the full scale excitement of Maryland game day traditions, Lot 1 is a great place to walk through, meet other fans and soak in the pre-game energy.
7. Looney’s Pub
Address: 8150 Baltimore Avenue
Distance from Rambler: 3-minute walk
Neighborhood: Route 1
Looking for a high energy game day crowd? Looney’s Pub is a go to destination for Terps fans. With large TVs, classic game day food and plenty of seating, it’s a reliable place to meet friends before kickoff or stay and watch the game.
8. The Hall CP
Address: 4656 Hotel Drive
Distance from Rambler: 4-minute drive
Neighborhood: Central Campus
Located near campus, The Hall CP offers a more polished game day experience while keeping the energy fun and social. The modern space and large screens make it a solid choice for watching games with visiting family or friends.
9. SECU Stadium Grounds
Address: 90 Stadium Drive
Distance from Rambler: 7-minute drive
Neighborhood: North Campus
The grounds surrounding SECU Stadium are at the heart of Maryland football game day traditions. Students, families and alumni gather throughout the surrounding areas to tailgate, listen to music and prepare for kickoff. Even if you don’t have a reserved tailgate spot, walking around the stadium grounds is one of the best ways to feel the excitement and energy leading up to the game.
10. Ledo’s Pizza
Address: 4509 Knox Road
Distance from Rambler: 5-minute drive
Neighborhood: Old Town
A Maryland classic, Ledo’s Pizza is a dependable choice for game day meals and casual gatherings. Known for its signature square slices and relaxed setting, it’s a great place to grab food with friends before kickoff and watch the game while enjoying a local favorite. Its proximity to campus makes it an easy stop on busy football Saturdays.
We hope this list of some of our favorite places to tailgate gets you excited for Maryland football game days. Whether you’re heading into SECU Stadium or watching from a nearby spot, College Park offers plenty of ways to join the action.
If you have any questions about living near campus or want to learn more about student housing options, contact the Rambler team, who is always happy to help.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: July 6, 2026
Last Updated On: July 16, 2026
