Ritchie Coliseum: Rich in history, rich in community

By Shira Torchinsky, April 9, 2017

COLLEGE PARK, Md.Ritchie Coliseum, officially chartered in January 1932 and named for
Maryland Governor Albert Cabell Ritchie, is still a historic piece of campus today.

The Coliseum was officially opened for use in 1931

as home to all the Maryland Terrapin Athletics sports
teams. Until the opening of William P. Cole Field
House in 1955, Ritchie was the main place for all
Maryland athletics.

Stanley Kensky, alum and local Maryland resident,

reminisces on his favorite times at the University
enjoying basketball games and wrestling matches at
Ritchie.
Ritchie Coliseum Source: Change.org
Ritchie Coliseum was the place me and some friends would go to enjoy a sports game and just
hang out. I loved the small, antiquated feel the coliseum always had. Kensky said.

Kensky also remembers visiting a friend who lived in Ritchie on the top floor when it was a
dormitory for athletes.

Sophomore Anne-Olive Nonoo, community assistant at Ritchie Coliseum, believes that Ritchie
has more a communal feel than Eppley Recreation Center or Cole Field House.

I like that the building is small and communal. Despite being a little dingy, its small and I
recognize those who come in and out. Nonoo said.
Graduate student and front desk associate Ashutosh Verule enjoys working in a historic yet
community-oriented environment.

Ritchie Coliseum is one of the oldest buildings on campus and its cool that the building is still
used for so much today. " Verule said.

Verule and Nonoo agree that most people enjoy Ritchie and its facilities for the sense of
community they bring to College Park and their convenience to the South Campus communities.

Sophomore Madison Curtis goes to Ritchie for convenience and the older equipment.

I live in Harford Hall and Ritchie is much more convenient than Eppley, and Im more used to
the older equipment available for use there. The old equipment available there allow for a more
rigorous workout, said Curtis.

Along with being known for its workout facilities and large multipurpose room, Ritchie
Coliseum was once home to many concerts and performances.

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Kensky also remembers the concerts taking place at Ritchie as open to students, faculty, and the
surrounding College Park community.

I remember hearing from friends about concerts at Ritchie. It was even said that one point
Bruce Springsteen performed there, and Led Zeppelin as well. Kensky said.

Kensky also discussed excitement for an upcoming Blues Festival at Ritchie he plans to attend.

For as long as Ritchie is accessible, I plan on attending community events and using the great
facilities there.

Ritchie Coliseum will always have a great effect on College Park and the University of Maryland
community.
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