Women's Basketball, College Park
See the Red-Hot Terps, a Steal of a Deal
Maryland players, from left, Laura Harper, Marissa Coleman and Crystal Langhorne celebrate a 85-70 win over Duke on Monday at the Comcast Center. The game drew 15,531 people, the fifth-largest crowd for a women's game in ACC history.
(By Rob Carr -- Associated Press)
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There are many, many local college basketball teams, but none comes close to the University of Maryland women's team for a fun, inexpensive weekend afternoon of good hoops.
Although some might scoff at women's basketball, those who appreciate quality will enjoy one of these games. They won't be alone, either. The team regularly draws crowds of more than 6,000 and set the Atlantic Coast Conference attendance record twice last year by selling out the Comcast Center.
The reason people flock to these games in College Park: The women are good. They are ranked in the Associated Press's top five and were the 2006 national champions. Recently they beat ACC foe Clemson, 110-46, the worst loss in Clemson's history.
When you go, be sure to check out what's near the Gate B entrance: the old half court from legendary Cole Field House. Nooks of Comcast are filled with relics like this, the center being just as much a shrine to Maryland athletics as it is a home for them.
Plenty of other parts of the campus and College Park are also worth visiting. A sculpture of Testudo, the school's terrapin mascot, greets people entering the basketball arena, the main library, the alumni center and the football field. The legend is that rubbing the figure's nose brings good luck.
Not far from the arena (south along Route 1) is the Dairy. The homemade ice cream in this shop in Turner Hall is worth eating even in the middle of winter. Don't look for it in stores, however; it's available only on campus.
College Perk Coffeehouse (9078 Baltimore Ave.) can satisfy your other pre- or postgame hungers. Identifiable by its purple zebra stripes, this house-turned-coffee-haven offers cheap eats, a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
At the game, you can feel good about shelling out $3.75 for a lemonade. The concession stands are often run by student organizations, so your money is going to a worthy cause. Besides, at no more than $10 a ticket and zero for parking, a U-Md. women's basketball game is one of the best entertainment deals in town.
-- Amy Orndorff
WHERE IS IT? From the Capital Beltway, exit Route 1 south. Travel a mile, then exit on Route 193 west (University Boulevard; the Perk will be on your right). At the first light, turn left onto Paint Branch Drive. The Comcast Center will be on your right, with plenty of parking. Park only where signs allow. A free shuttle bus runs from the College Park Metro station (Green Line) to campus.
WHAT'S IT COST?$6-$10 depending on age and game. Students attend free.
IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN THREE HOURS visit the College Park Aviation Museum or the Herbert Wells Ice Rink (up to four children skate free Sunday afternoons with a paying adult). Both are across from the Metro station.
NEXT GAMES Sunday at 2 vs. Georgia Tech; Jan. 31 at 7 vs. Miami. For more games and ticket information, go to http:/
