By Jake Kauderer and Harrison Rich
Turnout at SECU Stadium has been a persistent issue for Maryland football.
The Terps rank second-to-last in average announced attendance among Big Ten schools over the past five seasons. The only team bringing in fewer fans is Northwestern, which is playing in a temporary stadium while a new facility is being constructed.
Improving attendance has been a top priority for Jim Smith since he began as athletic director in July.
“The student turnout was amazing, right? I mean, it really was fantastic,” Smith told The Diamondback on Sept. 3, referencing the week one game against Florida Atlantic University. “I hope that is what we see every week out of our students on campus, because I think it just changes the environment at a football stadium when the students are there.”
Smith made it free for students to enter SECU Stadium for the season-opener even if they didn’t claim a ticket in advance. It was a change originally implemented amid a power outage, but Smith said the athletic department will continue the offer.
The athletic director will analyze feedback from students on social media on why they leave early. He said online surveys and focus groups may help gauge the issue on a smaller scale.
“We’d like [students] to stay past halftime, but we’ll get to that part,” Smith said. “We’re not the only university trying to figure this situation out.”
SECU Stadium’s lower-level seating was widened by 20 percent before the season and handrails were added to support safety. Smith called it “the absolute right move” even though it decreased the stadium’s maximum capacity by about 5,000 people — the lowest since before the upper deck was added in 1995. The modification has also caused some supporters’ seats to be moved.
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The biggest unifier for Maryland fans would likely be team improvement. Quarterback Malik Washington — who Smith called a “wonderful young man” — already earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his three-touchdown debut.
“He is mature beyond his years,” Smith said.
Smith said he speaks with coach Michael Locksley every day, and that he’s looking to see continuous progress from the team this season. After a down 4-8 campaign in 2024, that feels like the minimum to reinvigorate fans’ belief in the program.
He added that he wants to encourage fans to attend all sporting events. Investing in the lesser-watched programs “is a part of the job,” Smith said, and he’s looking to create revenue-generating opportunities for sports like wrestling, volleyball and gymnastics.
“All the student athletes feed off when the students are there cheering them on,” Smith said. “Definitely want them there for football, but want them there for all our sports.”
Smith on Buzz Williams, new-look men’s basketball program
Maryland men’s basketball’s season is still more than a month away, but Smith has already observed new coach Buzz Williams and the brand new roster through the summer and into the fall.
Smith didn’t hire Williams, who was brought in by deputy athletic director Colleen Sorem after Kevin Willard left Maryland for Villanova. But he loves Williams’ “hands-on” coaching style, and said he’s always teaching.
“Buzz has been great, been great to work with, he’s got incredibly high energy. He is always working,” Smith said. “Very excited to see how the program is.”
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Although he’s confident that Williams’ roster — made up of 10 transfers and five freshmen — will be competitive, Smith cautioned it could take some time for the group to gel.
“I think the roster is capable of anything,” Smith said. “I’m very confident that they’ll have a good year. Whether it’s as good as last year or not? Who knows. No one knows that right now.”
The Terps’ roster doesn’t feature anyone from the state of Maryland this season, a surprising move for a first-year coach looking to ingrain himself into the school’s culture. Willard’s rosters were rooted in local talent, such as recent standouts Derik Queen, Julian Reese and Jahmir Young.
Smith doesn’t believe that will be the case for long.
“That will change going forward,” Smith said. “Obviously, Maryland’s got great basketball history. I’m sure we’ll do a good job recruiting the area.”
The program has already offered some of the area’s top high school players, including top-10 ranked senior Baba Oladotun, Archbishop Carroll point guard Anthony Brown and Bishop McNamara’s Qayden Samuels.
And last week, the Terps unveiled their new basketball performance center for the men’s and women’s teams. The $52 million facility features upgraded locker rooms, designated practice courts, a weight room and a player lounge.
“It’s incredible,” Smith said. “If it’s not the best in the country, I want to see the best.”
From the new training facility to a brand new roster, Williams is truly starting his tenure with a clean slate. It’ll be up to him and Smith to continue the progress last year’s roster created before it was upended.
