Maryland vs UCLA 2026: Family Weekend Game & Transportation Guide

Maryland hosts UCLA on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at SECU Stadium in College Park, MD, with kickoff at 1:30 PM ET on Big Ten Network. This is the Terrapins' Big Ten conference opener and Maryland's official Family Weekend game — the annual event that brings thousands of parents and families to campus. UCLA has not played in College Park since 1955, when the Terps upset the then-No. 1 Bruins 7-0. Here is everything families and fans need to know — parking, transportation, tailgating, and how to navigate campus when it is at peak capacity.

Game Details

Maryland enters at 2-1 after beating Hampton 62-0 and UConn 38-14, then falling to Virginia Tech 26-35. Quarterback Malik Washington leads the Big Ten with 892 passing yards through three games. UCLA arrives at 3-0, including a 28-10 win over San Diego State, in their second Big Ten season under head coach Bob Chesney. Last year's meeting at the Rose Bowl was a thriller UCLA won 20-17 after scoring 13 points in the final five minutes. The full 2026 Maryland schedule is on the official athletics site.

Family Weekend: What to Know

Family Weekend runs September 25 through 27, with the football game as Saturday's centerpiece. The Terp Family Festival & Tailgate runs from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM on McKeldin Mall — a central gathering point for parents who are not setting up their own tailgate. Discounted tickets are available through the Family Weekend registration portal: $120 per person for premium seating, $52 to $96 for lower level, and $48 for upper level. If you want your student to sit with the family, include a ticket for them in your purchase — discounted tickets are not available in the student section.

How to Get to SECU Stadium

By Metro: College Park–University of Maryland station on the Green and Yellow lines. The free Quickbus shuttle runs on game days between the station and the stadium. Metro parking is free on weekends. By car: Campus access off US Route 1. Lots open at 7:30 AM. Stadium Drive Garage is $3/hr. From Baltimore (~30 mi): I-95 S to I-495, Exit 25. From DC (~9 mi): US-1 N or Metro. From Annapolis (~30 mi): US-50 W to I-495, Exit 25.

The $45 Parking Permit Problem

Every vehicle on campus on Saturday needs a $45 game-day parking permit, even if you are just dropping someone off. For a family of four driving from Baltimore or Annapolis, that is $45 for parking plus $192 to $480 in tickets depending on section — and every parking zone is at capacity on Family Weekend. For families coordinating with other families, a single vehicle changes the equation: no parking permit, no hunting for a spot in Lot 1b, and no worrying about where everyone parked when the game ends. An Executive Sprinter van handles the entire family group — drops everyone at the stadium, waits, and picks everyone up when the game is over.

Tailgating on Family Weekend

Lots open at 7:30 AM (six hours before kickoff). One tailgate per parking space — no open-flame grilling in garages. The Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band's pregame march through the lots is a highlight for visiting families. Late September weather means highs in the mid-70s — sunscreen and water matter more than layers for this game.

Why Families Choose One Vehicle

Family Weekend doubles the population on campus. Every parking zone is at capacity, the Route 1 corridor backs up in both directions, and the Quickbus shuttles run at maximum load. For families coming from Baltimore, Annapolis, or DC — especially families with elderly parents or young children — a dedicated vehicle bypasses all of it. One pickup, one drop-off at the stadium, one return when the game ends. No $45 parking permit, no splitting across lots, no navigating the Green Line with grandparents. For the Wisconsin and Penn State games later in the season, the same campus logistics apply.

Frequently Asked Questions