The men’s lacrosse team’s return to Byrd Stadium thrills Terp players. After spending last season at Ludwig Field during the Tyser Tower renovation, they eagerly anticipate the tradition and intensity brought by their 54,000-seat stomping ground.
But does Coach Dave Cottle agree with the home field hype?
“Without question,” Cottle said. “Our fans can really come out and support us, we get the video board and the replays, we have the skyboxes and Testudo. We just think Byrd is a tremendous place to play.”
The intimidation factor did not go overlooked. Easily larger than the home venues of the Terps’ three ACC rivals – in fact, it holds more seats than the others combined – Byrd Stadium provides the team an extra edge. And coming into the season ranked No. 8 in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse media poll, last in the conference, any advantage helps.
“It’s an awesome place for visiting teams to come and take a look at,” Cottle said. “It’s a big-time environment. If you look across the country, it’s one of the best, most impressive places to play lacrosse.”
While Ludwig Field, home of the men’s and women’s soccer teams, served admirably as a stand-in, it held fewer than 6,000 fans and lacked the lacrosse history and tradition of the Terps’ true home field.
Cottle echoed his players in praising the electric atmosphere in Byrd Stadium, which he said provides the Terps with a spark like nowhere else.
“Our players play with pride no matter where they play,” Cottle said. “But Byrd is special to them.”
Kate Yanchulis is The Diamondback’s Terrapin men’s lacrosse team beat writer. She can be reached at kyanchulisdbk@gmail.com.
Tags: dave cottle, Lacrosse