--- title: "Spirit & Traditions" date: 2025-09-10T15:20:00-04:00 author: Aedan canonical_url: "https://homecoming.umd.edu/spirit-traditions" section: Pages --- # Spirit & Traditions **Spirit & Traditions** ### Spirit Week Celebrate Homecoming and show your Maryland pride by wearing the color of the day: Wednesday, Oct. 14: BLACK Thursday, Oct. 15: GOLD Friday, Oct. 16: WHITE Saturday, Oct. 17: RED Spirit Ambassadors will be popping up around campus and handing out Homecoming swag all week long. Make sure you're wearing the color of the day, and you might score some freebies! ### Terpsville Fan Fest **Date:** October 17, 2026**Location:** Jones-Hill House Terpsville Fan Fest, presented by Sardi's, is an all-ages pregame destination located on the Jones-Hill House indoor football practice field three hours before kickoff and closing 30 minutes before. Fans can enjoy inflatables, face painting, yard games, and more! - [Learn More](https://umterps.com/sports/2025/8/20/terpsville-fan-fest.aspx) ### Terp Walk **Date:** October 17, 2026**Location:** Jones-Hill House Stop by two hours before kickoff to experience a new twist on a beloved tradition, greeting the Maryland Football team as they arrive on campus for Terp Walk! - [Learn More](https://umterps.com/sports/2025/8/20/terpsville-fan-fest.aspx) ### Traditions Each year, Terps return to campus each fall to enjoy football, friends and other fun. Check out these time-honored traditions that make Maryland feel like home. - **Rub Testudo's Nose** — It’s the quintessential Maryland tradition. Visit one of seven bronze Testudo statues to rub his nose for good luck before the big game. - **Spirit of Maryland Award** — The Spirit of Maryland Award is presented annually during halftime of the Homecoming football game to two members of the senior class who, through their achievements, exemplify the spirit of the University of Maryland. - **Flag Unfurling** — During the football game, two giant pieces of the Maryland state flag are unfurled from the top of the student section while a historical video set to the “2001: A Space Odyssey” theme song plays. - **Victory Song and Alma Mater** — Following every home game, the football team makes its way over to the student section with the marching band, the Mighty Sound of Maryland, to sing the victory song and alma mater.