By Cristian Perez
The University of Maryland has offered frequent giveaways throughout Maryland football’s regular season, from themed hats and rally towels to Superman capes and posters. Many were limited freebies for fans who arrive at SECU Stadium early.
The prizes were upgraded throughout regular-season football games, as handouts turned into free giveaways. As the season progressed, a QR code on the video board highlighted a large list of expensive items such as AirPods, headphones, a speaker, a TV and video game consoles.
On Oct. 26, Maryland Athletics announced its most shocking raffle this semester: free in-state tuition coverage for the spring 2027 semester.
This came with a stipulation that students had to stay until the fourth quarter of Maryland’s game against Illinois on Oct. 31.
During the third quarter, the video board announced the names of five finalists for the tuition giveaway. A large wave of students exited the already-sparse student section, dissatisfied with the results.
The growing value of giveaways focused on increasing prolonged attendance at football games. SECU Stadium’s student section, known as “The Shell,” has consistently struggled with low attendance due to the games’ often disappointing outcomes.
Maryland football is 2-6 and winless against Big Ten opponents. The team has averaged a 21-point deficit across its losses this season.
Students have raised concerns about the raffle initiative, questioning whether offering prizes is effective at improving student attendance.
“It’s kind of insensitive with the amount that people are playing … that they just give away free tuition just for staying at a football game,” said freshman architecture major Mercedes Lorenzi.
On the other hand, many of the giveaways have caught students’ eyes — and pushed some to arrive earlier, but they have still noticed the intention behind them.
“I like the free shirts that they give,” said freshman civil engineering major Nathan Ramirez. “But, in hopes of bringing more students, it kind of shows that they try to bribe the students to come to the football games just for that, not for the actual team.”
The multiple giveaways Maryland has offered seem not to motivate students to attend football games. While the prizes have been valuable, they seem to be lackluster in persuading students to fill the student section.
Featured Image: “Home of the Terps” sign by SECU stadium. 02 November 2026. Photo by Megan Tervo.