At Cole, a tradition revived

For years, Cole Field House has been quiet on nights of the quintessential Maryland vs. Duke basketball game. Tonight, however, Cole will buzz with students once again as the SGA holds a viewing party for the famously contentious matchup.

However, the Student Government Association will face its own competition from the Senior Council, which will hold a similar event at the Riggs Alumni Center to raise money for the senior gift.

The two groups didn't know of each other's events while planning the night, they said, but neither anticipates losing attendees to the other's event.

However, SGA Speaker of the Legislature and senior government and politics major Nick Chamberlain said he wishes communication between the two organizations were better.

"With so many groups on campus, it's inevitable that they overlap, especially with a big event like the Duke game," Chamberlain said. "Communication could have been better. I wish it would improve between all the student groups."

Keeping in line with the SGA, Chamberlain said he will spend the night at Cole.

"All Maryland students know Cole is a traditional place," Chamberlain added. "It's nice to go back to that environment."

However, while the SGA event is free and open to all, it will offer no refreshments. In contrast, the Senior Council event will be open to all members of the senior class at a price of $10, including food. Drink specials will also be available.

"As seniors, the rivalry between Maryland and Duke has been a big part of our time here," said Kim Metzinger, the promotions and marketing chair for the Senior Council. "This is our last chance to come together as undergraduates and watch the game together."

The rivalry between the two teams has even carried on to freshmen, some of whom said they will attend the SGA's event.

"This will be my first time to actually experience basketball at Cole and bring the tradition full circle," freshman Wade Friedel said. "Things like this make our big university really small by bringing fans together."

The SGA hopes to lure more students to its event with a 15-by-20-foot screen, what SGA President Andrew Friedson dubbed "the biggest screen around." The SGA event cost the organization more than $5,000.

"For big basketball fans, Cole Field House has a certain aura to it," Friedson said. "Cole has seen a lot of historic events. It's a good opportunity for students to come together with pride and spirit in a safe environment where they can be passionate."

Friedson and other SGA members they hope watching the event becomes a tradition that is carried on every year.

"We hope that students have a good time, and if it's successful we will look into having it again," SGA Chief of Staff Daozhong Jin said.

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