Loh proposes ‘Maryland Stadium’ as new stadium name
The Byrd has flown the nest
University President Wallace Loh suggested “Maryland Stadium” as a potential new name for Byrd Stadium in a letter sent out to the campus community yesterday.
This announcement comes amid tension surrounding the stadium’s current name for its commemoration of openly racist former university president Harry “Curley” Byrd.
Loh acknowledged in the letter that the stadium’s name serves as a painful symbol to students and alumni, but said that Byrd’s great contributions to Maryland should not go unrecognized.
To ensure that Byrd is still memorialized after the name change, Loh proposed the installation of a permanent exhibit dedicated to him in one of the university’s libraries.
Terps react to Maryland Stadium:
Sophomore, Sabrina Viscomi
“I think if you’re going to change the name, at least make it something a little more meaningful or more creative than ‘Maryland Stadium.'”
Junior, Troy Rothman
“I think changing the name is unnecessary and speaks to the oversensitivity of our culture.”
Sophomore, Chris Rogers-Spatuzzi
“Changing the name is a good idea. We can’t progress as a school if we don’t keep up with present issues and react to them. But I don’t agree with it being called Maryland Stadium. Way too plain and boring.”
Junior, Sofie Epshtein
“I’m OK with the name. People here love to show their Maryland pride, so I think it’s a fitting name for our stadium.”