Parking & Transit Guide
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Campus-Wide Commencement, Comcast Center
10 A.M. Ceremony
Thursday, May 19 & Friday, May 20, 2011
Individual college and school ceremonies
Various campus locations
For the main commencement ceremony, you will be directed to the closest parking area to access the Comcast Center. Shuttle bus service will be available from the College Park Metro station to the Comcast Center and individual departmental ceremonies between 8:00am and 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. Shuttle service will also be available from the College Park Metro station to individual departmental ceremonies between 8:00am and 5:00 pm on Friday, May 20.
If you require special handicap transportation the day of commencement, please make arrangements by calling dispatch services at 301.314.0318. If you have parking questions, please call 301.314.park.
Click the tabs on the left for directions to ceremonies.
Commencement Parking:
Main Commencement Ceremony @ Comcast
Thursday, May 19 2011 @ 10:00am
To alleviate potential traffic delays following the Main Ceremony at Comcast, please consider the following options. Please follow police direction at all times. You may not exit campus the way you entered. All campus roads lead to University Blvd. (Route 193), Baltimore Avenue (US-1), and the Beltway (495). Directional signage leading off campus or to Departmental Ceremonies will be posted for outgoing traffic.
1) College Park Metro Rail/Direct Shuttle to Comcast:
Direct and continuous Shuttle service is available from the College Park Metro Station to the Main Ceremony at Comcast. Return service from Comcast and the Stamp Union to the College Park Metro Station continues all day. UM Shuttle service is free.
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2) If you choose to RIDE SHUTTLE from Comcast. (Recommended)
• Leave your car parked at Comcast. Marked shuttles will take you directly to your Departmental Ceremony and bring you back to Comcast. Police and parking attendants will favor shuttles in traffic.
• Multiple marked shuttles will stage in Lot PP*. Lot PP* is located on the South side of Comcast by the main entrance steps. Directly following the Main Ceremony, shuttles will begin running loops to the Departmental Ceremonies located around Campus.
From Lot PP*:
• Shuttles will run directly to the Reckord Armory and Ritchie Coliseum. Shuttles will bring you back to Comcast following your Departmental Ceremony.
• Shuttles will run directly to the Stamp Union, Cole Field House, and Clarice Smith. Shuttles will bring you back to Comcast following your Departmental Ceremony.
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3) If you choose to PARK DIRECTLY at your Departmental Ceremony location:
• Shuttle Service will be available to the Main Ceremony at Comcast in the morning and back to your car and Departmental Ceremony in the afternoon.
• Chemical and Life Sciences (Comcast) should park directly at Comcast. The departmental ceremony starts at 2:30pm. Food, drinks, and plenty of photo opportunities are available.
• Economics (Armory) and Sociology (Ritchie Coliseum) should park in Regents Drive Garage in the morning and take UM Shuttles to Comcast and back to departmental locations. Limited parking is available in Lot K by Ritchie Coliseum.
• Art History and Journalism (Clarice Smith) should park in Stadium Drive Garage in the morning and take UM Shuttles to Comcast and back to departmental locations.
• Languages, Literature, and Culture, Art Studio, and Jewish Studies (Stamp Union) should park in Union Lane Garage in the morning and take UM Shuttles to Comcast and back to departmental locations.
• Public Health (Cole Field House) should park in Lot 1 in the morning and take UM Shuttles to Comcast and back to departmental locations.
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4) If you choose to DRIVE from Comcast:
• MOST traffic exits campus to University Blvd (Route 193) via Paint Branch Drive. Directional signs will be posted on Paint Branch Drive exiting to University Blvd (Route 193). Please follow police direction at all times. You may not exit campus the way you entered. All campus roads lead to University Blvd. (Route 193), Baltimore Avenue (US-1), and the Beltway (495).
• Art History and Journalism (Clarice Smith); Language, Literature, and Cultures, Art Studio, and Jewish Studies (Stamp Union), and Public Health (Cole Field House) should exit Comcast to University Blvd (Route 193 West), then re-enter campus on Stadium Drive. From Stadium Drive, parking is available in Stadium Drive Garage, Lot 1, and Union Lane Garage. Police are controlling the lights to favor outgoing traffic. Driving through campus to departmental ceremonies will cause delays.
• Economics (Reckord Armory) and Sociology (Ritchie Coliseum) should exit Comcast via Regents Drive or Paint Branch Drive towards Baltimore Avenue (US-1). Parking is available in Regents Drive Garage. Limited parking is available in Lot K by Ritchie Coliseum.
• Chemical and Life Sciences (Comcast) should consider remaining at Comcast. Food, drinks, and plenty of photo opportunities are available.
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Directions to Ceremonies in Chapel/Marie Mount Hall:
FROM BALTIMORE AND POINTS NORTH
Take I-95 South to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Take exit 27 and then follow signs to exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
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FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS SOUTH
Take I-95 North to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Continue North on I-95/I-495 toward Baltimore. Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
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FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS WEST
Take I-66 East or I-270 South to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Go East on I-495 toward Baltimore/Silver Spring. Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
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FROM ANNAPOLIS AND POINTS EAST
Take Route 50 West to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Go North on I-95/I-495 toward Baltimore. Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
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FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
Take Rhode Island Avenue (Route 1 North), which becomes Baltimore Avenue North at Maryland/D.C. line. Proceed through the city of College Park. Turn left onto Campus Drive and follow it to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
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Directions to Ceremonies in Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center:
FROM BALTIMORE AND POINTS NORTH
Take I-95 South to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). At the 495/I-95 split, go toward the right (I-495 West). Be in the left lane and immediately take exit 27 toward Route 1 South, College Park. Follow sign to exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Exit will end at traffic light; take a right onto Route 1 South. Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Exit right onto Route 193 West (University Boulevard) towards Byrd Stadium. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Stadium Drive. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Valley Drive). The Performing Arts Center will be on your right. Parking is available in the Stadium Drive Garage on your left.
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FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS SOUTH
Take I-95 North to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Exit will end at traffic light, go south onto Route 1. Proceed approximately two miles South on Route 1. Exit right onto Route 193 West (University Boulevard) towards Byrd Stadium. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Stadium Drive. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and exit to the right (Valley Drive). The Performing Arts Center will be on your right. Parking is available in the Stadium Drive Garage on your left.
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Directions to Ceremonies in Cole Field House:
FROM ANNAPOLIS AND POINTS EAST
Take Route 50 West to Capital Beltway (I-95/495); go north on I-95/495 to College Park to Route 1 South (exit 25). Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Exit right onto Route 193 West (University Boulevard) towards Byrd Stadium. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Stadium Drive. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Valley Drive). Parking for Cole Field House is available in Lot 1.
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FROM BALTIMORE AND POINTS NORTH
Take I-95 South to the Capital Beltway (I-495 West); follow signs to College Park, Route 1 South. Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Exit right onto Route 193 West (University Boulevard) towards Byrd Stadium. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Stadium Drive. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Valley Drive). Parking for Cole Field House is available in Lot 1.
more »
FROM NORTHERN VIRGINIA/MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Take the Capital Beltway (I-495 West) and head north and east. Just after I-495 joins I-95 in Maryland above Washington, D.C., get off at exit 25B towards College Park on Route 1 South. Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Exit right onto Route 193 West (University Boulevard) towards Byrd Stadium. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Stadium Drive. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00) location) and go to the right (Valley Drive). Parking for Cole Field House is available in Lot 1.
more »
FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
Go northeast on Rhode Island Avenue (Route 1). After entering the state of Maryland, continue on Route 1 for approximately four miles to College Park. Turn left at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive around the "M" traffic circle. The Stamp Student Union is on your right, halfway up the hill. Make a right on Union Lane located between the Union and Cole Field House. Parking is available in Union Lane Garage located on your left or in Lot 1.
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Directions to Ceremonies in Comcast Center:
FROM BALTIMORE AND POINTS NORTH
Take I-95 South to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Take exit 27 and then follow signs to exit 25(Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately one mile south on Route 1; take the exit for Route 193 West (University Boulevard). At the first light, turn left onto Paint Branch Drive. The Comcast Center will be on your right. Parking is available in lots 4, 6 (Terrapin Trail Garage), 9, and 11 surrounding the Comcast Center.
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FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS SOUTH
Take I-95 North to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Continue north on I-95/I-495 toward Baltimore. Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately one mile south on Route 1; take the exit for Route 193 West (University Boulevard). At the first light, turn left onto Paint Branch Drive. The Comcast Center will be on your right. Parking is available in lots 4, 6 (Terrapin Trail Garage), 9, and 11 surrounding the Comcast Center.
more »
FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS WEST
Take I-66 East or I-270 South to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Go east on I-495 toward Baltimore/Silver Spring. Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately one mile south on Route 1; take the exit for Route 193 West (University Boulevard). At the first light, turn left onto Paint Branch Drive. The Comcast Center will be on your right. Parking is available in lots 4, 6 (Terrapin Trail Garage), 9, and 11 surrounding the Comcast Center.
more »
FROM ANNAPOLIS AND POINTS EAST
Take Route 50 West to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Go north on I-95/I-495 toward Baltimore. Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately one mile south on Route 1; take the exit for Route 193 West (University Boulevard). At the first light, turn left onto Paint Branch Drive. The Comcast Center will be on your right. Parking is available in lots 4, 6 (Terrapin Trail Garage), 9, and 11 surrounding the Comcast Center.
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FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
Proceed through the city of College Park. Turn left at the main entrance (the intersection of Route 1 and Paint Branch Parkway) into the university. Take the immediate right onto Paint Branch Drive. The Comcast Center will be on your left. Parking is available in lots 4, 6 (Terrapin Trail Garage), 9, and 11 surrounding the Comcast Center.
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Directions to Ceremonies in Reckord Armory:
FROM BALTIMORE AND POINTS NORTH
Take I-95 South to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Take exit 27 and then follow signs to exit 25(Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
more »
FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS SOUTH
Take I-95 North to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Continue North on I-95/I-495 toward Baltimore. Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
more »
FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS WEST
Take I-66 East or I-270 South to Washington, D.C.'s Capital Beltway (I-495 West). Go East on I-495 toward Baltimore/Silver Spring. Take exit 25 (Route 1 South toward College Park). Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
more »
FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
Take Rhode Island Avenue (Route 1 North), which becomes Baltimore Avenue North at Maryland/D.C. line. Proceed through the city of College Park. Turn left onto Campus Drive and follow it to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage. The commencement venue is within walking distance.
more »
Directions to Ceremonies in Ritchie Coliseum:
FROM BALTIMORE AND POINTS NORTH
Take I-95 South to exit 27; follow signs to Route 1 South. Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage.
Or (from Route 1 South) turn left at Rossborough Lane. Ritchie Coliseum will on your immediate right. Limited parking is available in Lot K located directly behind the building.
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FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS SOUTH
Take I-95 North to Maryland exit 25 and Route 1 South. Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage.
Or (from Route 1 South) turn left at Rossborough Lane. Ritchie Coliseum will on your immediate right. Limited parking is available in Lot K located directly behind the building.
more »
FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS WEST
Take I-495 North (Capital Beltway) to exit 25. Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage.
Or (from Route 1 South) turn left at Rossborough Lane. Ritchie Coliseum will on your immediate right. Limited parking is available in Lot K located directly behind the building.
more »
FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
Take 16th Street north to Georgia Avenue North (Route 97). Go about 1/4 mile to Capital Beltway (I-495 West) East. Get off at exit 25 and Route 1 South; Proceed approximately two miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive to the "M" traffic circle. Go 1/4 of the way around the traffic circle (3:00 location) and go to the right (Regents Drive). Follow signs to Regents Drive Garage. Parking with free shuttle service is available one block down on your left in the Regents Drive Garage.
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Directions to Ceremonies in Stamp Student Union:
FROM ANNAPOLIS AND POINTS EAST
Take Route 50 West to Capital Beltway (I-95/495); go north on I-95/495 to College Park to Route 1 South (exit 25). Proceed approximately three miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive around the "M" traffic circle. The Stamp Student Union is onyour right, halfway up the hill. Make a right on Union Lane located between the Union and Cole Field House. Parking is available in Union Lane Garage located to your left.
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FROM BALTIMORE AND POINTS NORTH
Take I-95 South to the Capital Beltway (I-495 West); follow signs to College Park, Route 1 South. Proceed approximately three miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive around the "M" traffic circle. The Stamp Student Union is on your right, halfway up the hill. Make a right on Union Lane located between the Union and Cole Field House. Parking is available in Union Lane Garage located to your left.
more »
FROM NORTHERN VIRGINIA/MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Take the Capital Beltway (I-495 West) and head north and east. Just after I-495 joins I-95 in Maryland above Washington, D.C., get off at exit 25B towards College Park on Route 1 South. Proceed approximately three miles south on Route 1. Turn right at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive around the "M" traffic circle. The Stamp Student Union is on your right, halfway up the hill. Make a right on Union Lane located between the Union and Cole Field House. Parking is available in Union Lane Garage located to your left.
more »
FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
Go northeast on Rhode Island Avenue (Route 1). After entering the state of Maryland, continue on Route 1 for approximately four miles to College Park. Turn left at the main entrance to the university (Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive around the "M" traffic circle. The Stamp Student Union is on your right, halfway up the hill. Make a right on Union Lane located between the Union and Cole Field House. Parking is available in Union Lane Garage located to your left.
more »