'Students pack the stadiums' with Terrapin pride

In this year's Princeton Review, this university was ranked No. 5 in the nation for "Students Pack the Stadiums," a reputation many Terrapin sports fanatics would love to uphold. Here are some sports spectating tips for those who bleed not only red, but gold and black as well:

"Do her" 

Come on, College Park, get your minds out of the gutter. According to the Terrapin women's soccer fan base, this is not a sexual reference but a skilled move that enables progress down the field. Making T-shirts and large posters with this motto could be pretty distracting to the opposing team. In general, you can't go wrong with a sign.

Win $100 

We're college students, meaning we generally need a little extra cash for food, shelter and the bars. In what has become a basketball and footbal game tradition, Chevy Chase Bank awards $100 to the craziest dancing Terp fan in the stands with a Chevy Chase check card. Dressing up in your wildest gear or raiding your roommate's closet for outlandish outfits may help score some nice pocket change.

Tailgate

The classic American pregame pastime. Start by getting a group together, consuming food and drinks of your choice while blaring old-school pump-up songs, such as "Eye of the Tiger," or "We Will Rock You," out of a portable iPod speaker and conclude with a good, old-fashioned game of touch football.  

The intimidation factor

From reading aloud opponents' Facebook wall posts to following the opposing goalie's every move ("right, left, right, left," etc.) to digging up dirt on the other team, The Crew, a group of avid men's soccer supporters, knows exactly how to press the other team's buttons. Join the mockery by looking into it yourself. 

Paint it up

Acceptable for all sports, this classic tradition could make Mommy and Daddy proud as they spot their child on ESPN — shirt off and covered in paint in 20-degree weather. Achieve this by getting to the game early, scoring front-row seats and looking ridiculous enough to attract the cameraman's eye.   

 To look at the game schedule, request and claim tickets and rack up those coveted loyalty points, visit www.tickets.umd.edu.

ga@umdbk.com