Every home game this season, each Maryland men’s soccer starter has walked out to the middle of the field for lineups while holding a white ball. After the announcements, the players run over to the stands of their choice and toss their ball into the crowd.
Those white balls are a souvenir the athletic department incorporated to create more excitement before the game. The Terps have the highest attendance in college soccer, so the team gives back through the gift.
When Maryland (13-0-2) plays its final home regular-season game against Delaware (10-5-1) on Tuesday night at Ludwig Field, it’ll continue to give out these balls to energize the crowd.
“They’re souvenirs for the fans to show our appreciation for them,” defender Alex Crognale said. “It’s fun to run over to the stands and see everyone hop up and asking for the balls.”
The balls are small enough to grasp with one hand and include a red “M” symbol for Maryland. They’re plushy, so players can throw them into the stands without hurting anyone.
The athletic department has used other promotions to persuade fans to attend games. It gives out t-shirts at some home games for The Crew members. The Terps’ most notable memento is The Crew scarf, which is designed differently every season for a select game distribution.
Coach Sasho Cirovski, the Maryland players and opposing teams have said Ludwig Field is one of the most electric atmospheres in college soccer. On Sept. 28, the Terps had an average attendance of 5,061 people, which was 1,094 more than second-place Connecticut.
The Crew packs the stands behind both goals each game and partakes in chants. They mock the opposing team’s players, especially the goalkeeper, by heckling him, counting his steps and even calling out his phone number during the game.
The players have said they’re more energized to play at Ludwig Field behind the crowd’s enthusiasm. By adding these souvenirs, midfielder Amar Sejdic said, the players honor the fans for their support.
“We have a lot of kids who come to the games,” Sejdic said. “I always look for kids to throw the ball to. It puts a smile on their faces. They come out and support us at every game.”
As the top-ranked team in the country, Maryland has a chance to play multiple NCAA tournament games at Ludwig Field, so these white balls could get the crowd on its feet before some of the Terps’ most consequential games of the year.
But Cirovski knows he can rely on Maryland’s fans with or without the souvenirs.
“We’re pretty connected with the fans,” Cirovski said. “We don’t need to throw out little balls to feel more connected. We have a great relationship with our fans.”
