Duke Ellington once graced its stage. That’s right. We’re standing before Ritchie Coliseum at the University of Maryland. It’s more than just a building. It’s a place with a rich history.
Ritchie Coliseum was built in 1931. It cost $200,000. Governor Albert Cabell Ritchie gave the building its name. The H. D. Watts Construction Company built it. Harry Watts, a former football player, owned the company.
For years, Ritchie Coliseum was home to the Maryland Terrapins basketball team. They played here from 1931 to 1955. Boxing matches often took place before or after basketball games. Imagine the excitement.
Back in the 1930s, boxing was huge at Maryland. Bouts drew crowds of 6,000 people. That’s way more than the Coliseum’s capacity. In 1937, Ritchie Coliseum hosted the Southern Conference boxing tournament. Maryland won.
However, not everyone was happy with the setup. Basketball coach Bud Millikan wasn’t a fan of the boxing doubleheaders. He thought it reflected poorly on Maryland athletics. He also complained about the lack of proper equipment. Basketballs were stored in cardboard boxes. He felt that even high school arenas were better.
When Maryland joined the Atlantic Coast Conference in 1953, basketball games were always sold out. Or so people thought. Coach Millikan didn’t like people saying games were sold out. He wanted even more fans to come.
In 1972, Title IX changed things. The women’s basketball team was created. The university offered Ritchie Coliseum as their dedicated arena. But head coach Chris Weller wanted to share Cole Field House with the men’s team.
Ritchie Coliseum got a makeover in 1997. It became a multipurpose facility. Gymnastics, wrestling, and volleyball teams called it home until 2002. In 2004, a broken water pipe forced those teams to return temporarily.
The Coliseum has also been a music venue. Duke Ellington played here in 1956. Students paid only $1 to see him. That would be about $8.72 today. The College Park Free Blues Festival also takes place here.
The arena floor covers 11,000 square feet. It is made of maple hardwood. Originally, the seating capacity was 1,500. Now, there are 1,900 seats. This includes folding chairs, bench seats, and floor chairs. Ritchie Coliseum also has concession stands, a ticket booth, and a scoreboard. You can also find a weight room and a martial arts room inside.
Today, Ritchie Coliseum hosts various events. These include tournaments, dances, and trade shows. It’s a versatile space for the university.
So, next time you pass by Ritchie Coliseum, remember its history. Think about the basketball games. Recall the boxing matches. Imagine Duke Ellington on stage. It’s a building full of stories.