MM 9.9: Xfinity Center to be used as polling site for 2020 General Election

Xfinity Center will be used as an advanced polling location for the 2020 Presidential Election, the University of Maryland’ announced Tuesday.

As one of 11 polling sites in Prince George’s County, the home to Maryland’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will be open for early voting from Oct. 26 through Nov. 2.

“This may be the most significant competition ever to play out in our arena,” University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines said. “Making it more convenient for voters and increasing turnout contributes to the cornerstone of our democracy. I’m extremely proud that our student-athletes took the lead in making this happen.”

Following Maryland Athletics’ launch of the VoTERP initiative earlier this summer, a student-athlete and staff-led campaign developed to provide Maryland student-athletes and staff with non-partisan resources to educate, activate and vote, the men’s basketball team also announced that all 15 players have registered to vote. Several other Terp teams have done the same.

“We are honored to open the doors of XFINITY Center to the general public as an advanced polling location for the upcoming presidential election,” Director of Athletics Damon Evans said. “This was one of the primary goals of our ‘VoTerp Initiative,’ and I am extremely proud of the committee members who brought this idea to life. Voting is fundamental to our human rights as American citizens and Maryland Athletics is humbled to play a role in the process.”

The University’s decision to host voters for the 2020 general election echoes the athletic department’s commitment to encouraging its student athletes to initiate social change and vote. Maryland football issued a statement in June following the death of George Floyd, vowing to exercise their right to vote with the Maryland men’s basketball team now following suit.

“We are honored to open the doors of Xfinity Center to the general public as an advanced polling location for the upcoming presidential election,” Athletics Director Damon Evans said. “I am extremely proud of the committee members who brought this idea to life. Voting is fundamental to our human rights as American citizens and Maryland Athletics is humbled to play a role in the process.”

In other news

Former Terps around the NFL are preparing for the outset of the 2020 NFL season.

Former Maryland women’s basketball forward Alyssa Thomas had another big night for the Connecticut Sun, recording near triple double with 22 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

Former Maryland men’s lacrosse midfielder Connor Kelly had an explosive 2020 season in the Premier Lacrosse League Championship series.

Maryland baseball wished its legendary former coach Elton “Jack” Johnson a happy 92nd birthday.