On many college campuses, old buildings eventually just blend into the scenery as new glass towers rise up around them. However, some places have a legacy so thick you can practically feel it the moment you walk through the doors. Cole Field House Maryland at the University of Maryland is one of those rare landmarks.
To a casual passerby, it might just look like another sturdy brick building in the middle of campus. Students walk past it on their way to class, and recruits see it on tours, but for many, it’s just a training spot. But the truth is, Cole is a perfect example of how an institution can honor its legendary past while totally reinventing itself for the future.
What started as the most deafening, high-energy basketball arena in the country has evolved into a massive, multi-purpose facility that houses everything from elite athletics to high-level scientific research. Its transformation from a place of roaring crowds to a space for collaborative innovation is a fascinating case study in adaptive design.
A Geographic Landmark in College Park
You’ll find Cole Field House Maryland right in the heart of College Park. Its central location was never a mistake; from day one, it was designed to be a gathering spot woven directly into the daily life of the students.
Even though the building’s purpose has shifted, it still stands right next to the major academic halls, the athletic district, and the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. Because it’s so centrally located, it remains a permanent fixture in the daily rhythm of the campus.
The Rise of a Basketball Powerhouse
When Cole Field House first opened back in 1955, its goal was straightforward: give Maryland basketball a world-class home.
At the time, it was a massive deal. With a seating capacity of nearly 15,000, it was one of the biggest college arenas in the United States. For nearly 50 years, it was the home turf for the Maryland Terrapins, known for an atmosphere that was incredibly tight, loud, and intense.
Long before modern arenas were filled with luxury suites and giant jumbotrons, Cole was all about the raw energy of the game. Fans were practically on top of the court, the noise would bounce off the steel roof, and every rivalry felt personal. Visiting teams used to describe playing there as completely overwhelming. For decades, it was the absolute emotional core of Maryland sports.
Why Changing the Building Was Necessary
Eventually, the world of college sports moved on. Television grew, technology improved, and fans began expecting better seats and modern amenities.
Eventually, the basketball teams moved over to the Xfinity Center, which was built to meet these new modern standards. This left Cole Field House without its main attraction. For a while, people weren’t sure what would happen to it; some even suggested tearing it down. But instead of starting from scratch, the university decided to dream bigger and reimagine the entire space.
Rethinking the Space: Adaptive Reuse
Rather than turning the building into a museum or a giant storage unit, the university opted for a total transformation. They kept the iconic outside shell—the part everyone recognizes—but completely rebuilt the inside to fit modern needs.
Now known as the Cole Student Activities Building, the facility is a dynamic mix of different worlds. Today, the building includes:
- Elite Indoor Training: Massive areas for the football team to practice year-round.
- Performance Science Labs: Research centers focused on sports medicine and human performance.
- Academic Hubs: Spaces for students to study and collaborate on projects.
- Strength and Recovery: State-of-the-art conditioning and rehab centers.
This move from a single-sport arena to a multi-purpose hub shows a “build smarter, not just bigger” philosophy. It’s also a big deal in the construction world. For those interested in technical fields like Plumbing BIM, Cole is a prime example of how digital modeling can help turn a legacy building into a highly efficient modern facility.
The Jones-Hill House: Honoring True Pioneers
In April 2021, a major section of the facility was renamed the Jones-Hill House. The name honors two legendary Maryland football players: Billy Jones and Darryl Hill. Darryl Hill holds a special place in history as the first Black player to play football in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
This wasn’t just a PR move; it was a real effort to make sure the university’s social and athletic history is never forgotten. By making their legacy part of the building’s identity, Maryland ensures that the past stays visible in the present. Today, the Jones-Hill House is the official command center for Maryland football.
What Cole Represents Today
If you call Cole Field House Maryland a “former basketball arena,” you’re missing the bigger picture. It has become a massive support system for the entire university.
The building is no longer about hosting a few big games a year; it’s about the constant, behind-the-scenes work that makes a modern athletic program thrive. Instead of sold-out crowds, the building is now energized by:
- Early morning weight room sessions.
- Researchers in white coats studying athletic data.
- Coaches and players breaking down film in collaborative rooms.
- Student organizations holding meetings and events.
Comparison: Then vs. Now
The difference between the “Old Cole” and the “New Cole” shows just how much college life has changed.
| Feature | The Past (1955-2002) | The Present (Today) |
| Focus | One sport: Basketball | Multi-sport and academic |
| Identity | Game-day energy | Daily operational excellence |
| Tech | Basic steel and lights | Data-driven performance labs |
| Design | Arena seating for crowds | Integrated research and training |
People Also Ask
What happened to the original basketball court?
The court was retired in 2002 when the teams moved to the Xfinity Center. The space was eventually excavated and rebuilt to house the new indoor football field and research labs.
Can you still tour Cole Field House?
While much of the building is dedicated to high-level training and research, visitors can still see the iconic exterior on campus tours, and some areas remain accessible for student activities.
Who are Billy Jones and Darryl Hill?
They are pioneers of Maryland football. Darryl Hill was the first Black player in the ACC, and Billy Jones was another legendary player who helped integrate the program. The Jones-Hill House inside Cole is named in their honor.
Final Thoughts
Cole Field House Maryland is a living testament to the idea that preservation doesn’t have to mean standing still. It’s a building that refused to become a relic. By keeping its historic soul but upgrading its guts for the 21st century, the University of Maryland has created a model for the future of campus design. It remains a working symbol of continuity—a place that honors where it came from while working hard on what comes next.
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