Terrapin Pride: University of Maryland Set to Host First-Ever Green Game
Honoring Green Sports Day, Maryland Athletics and the Office of Sustainability partner to drive zero-waste awareness during Homecoming weekend.
On October 17th, history will be made at College Park. Maryland Athletics, in close partnership with the University of Maryland’s Office of Sustainability, is hosting the university’s first-ever Green Game!
Designed to blend tradition with environmental stewardship, this landmark event gives fans, students, and alumni a hands-on opportunity to participate in campus sustainability while cheering on the Terps.
Harnessing the Energy of Homecoming
Choosing Homecoming weekend for the inaugurating Green Game was an intentional move. With thousands of alumni, students, and community members returning to campus, the high attendance provides an unprecedented platform to inspire and educate a wide audience on sustainable waste management practices.
The game also serves as a central highlight of UMD’s celebration of Green Sports Day (internationally recognized on October 6th). By hosting the Green Game on the closest home date, Maryland aligns its campus community with broader global efforts to advance environmental action through sports.
What Fans Can Expect
Sustainability activations will be front and center both before and during the game:
Pre-Game Action at Terpsville Fan Fest
Before heading into the stadium, fans visiting Terpsville Fan Fest can explore an interactive sustainability hub. Key campus units will be tabling to share insights, resources, and practical tips on waste reduction:
- Office of Sustainability
- Department of Transportation
- Terp to Terp Campus Reuse Store
- Facilities Management's Recycling & Waste Unit
In-Game Activations & Giveaways
The sustainability focus continues throughout the main event with stadium-wide engagement:
- In-Game Education: Keep an eye on the video board and listen for public address announcements offering quick waste-sorting tips.
- Waste Sorting Challenge: Fans can participate in a live waste-sorting challenge at a designated pop-up location during the game.
- Score Exclusive Swag: The first 150 fans in the waste-sorting challenge will have the chance to walk away with a free custom Under Armour t-shirt!
How It Came Together
The initiative was spearheaded by Solana Page, Outreach & Communications Associate for the UMD Office of Sustainability. Recognizing the growing momentum of Green Athletics across collegiate sports nationwide, Page connected with the Facilities, Operations, and Events team in Maryland Athletics to pitch the idea.
"I set this up by contacting the Facilities, Operations, and Events department in Athletics and expressed the rate at which these games are being replicated by other collegiate schools and how impactful it would be for Maryland to hop on board," shares Page.
Thanks to this cross-departmental collaboration, Maryland Athletics is stepping onto the field as a key player in collegiate sports sustainability.
Be a Part of History
Whether you are a lifelong Terps fan or a current student, this year's Homecoming offers a unique chance to celebrate school spirit while taking action for the environment.
Grab your tickets, stop by the Fan Fest tabling area, test your waste sorting skills during the game, and help Maryland establish a lasting legacy of sustainability!