Xfinity Center

Xfinity Center. The Xfinity Center is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. Primarily serving as the home venue for the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball and Maryland Terrapins women's basketball teams, the facility is a central hub for collegiate athletics and major entertainment events in the Washington metropolitan area. Since its opening, it has become renowned for its energetic atmosphere during games and its role in hosting concerts, commencements, and other large-scale gatherings.

History

The arena's development was driven by the need to replace the aging Cole Field House, which had served as the home of Maryland Terrapins basketball since 1955. Planning for the new facility began in the late 1990s under the leadership of then-university president C. D. Mote Jr. and athletic director Debbie Yow. Ground was broken in 1998, with the architectural firm HOK Sport designing the structure. The arena officially opened on October 5, 2002, with a dedication ceremony attended by notable figures including Comcast executive Brian L. Roberts and Governor of Maryland Parris Glendening. Its opening coincided with a period of great success for the men's basketball program under coach Gary Williams, who had led the team to the 2002 NCAA Championship.

Description and facilities

The Xfinity Center is a state-of-the-art facility with a seating capacity of 17,950 for basketball games, making it one of the largest on-campus arenas in the Big Ten Conference. The main concourse features extensive displays honoring the history of Maryland Terrapins athletics, including trophies from the 2002 national championship and the 2006 women's national championship. The court is named in honor of legendary coach Gary Williams. Premium seating options include suites and the Comcast-sponsored club level, while the Washington Post Pavilion is a popular gathering area for fans. The building also houses administrative offices for the University of Maryland Athletic Department.

Notable events

Beyond Terrapins basketball, the venue has hosted a wide array of significant events. It is the regular site for the University of Maryland commencement ceremonies, addressed by speakers such as Bill Clinton and Tim Cook. Major concert tours have featured performances by Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, and Elton John. The arena has also been a venue for NCAA Tournament games, professional wrestling events from WWE, and political rallies, including one for presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008. During the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, it hosted a memorable game between Maryland and top-ranked University of Kansas.

Naming history

The arena originally opened as the Comcast Center in 2002, following a significant naming rights agreement with the telecommunications conglomerate Comcast. This partnership was part of a broader relationship between the company and the University System of Maryland. In 2013, as part of a rebranding initiative by Comcast to promote its Xfinity consumer service brand, the facility was renamed the Xfinity Center. The financial terms of the naming rights deal, which supports athletic scholarships and facilities, have not been publicly disclosed but are considered a major component of the athletic department's revenue from corporate partnerships.

Transportation and access

The arena is situated on the northeast side of the University of Maryland, College Park campus, adjacent to the university golf course and near the city of College Park. It is accessible via Washington Metro's Green Line at the College Park–University of Maryland station, with shuttle bus service provided on event days. Primary road access is from U.S. Route 1 and the Baltimore–Washington Parkway. The facility includes multiple large parking lots managed by the University of Maryland Department of Transportation Services, and traffic flow is coordinated with the Maryland State Highway Administration for major events. Category:Basketball venues in Maryland Category:University of Maryland, College Park Category:Buildings and structures in Prince George's County, Maryland