ORONO, Maine – Maine Athletics is pleased to announce several enhancements to the gameday experience at Alfond Arena for the 2024-25 Men's Ice Hockey Season. This includes an upgraded lighting system, the introduction of a Beer Garden, improved traffic flow and parking procedures and much more. These enhancements are all in addition to the renovation plans for the Harold Alfond Sports Arena and Shawn Walsh Hockey Center.

A new lighting system has been installed throughout the rink. Along with improving the visibility of the ice and seating areas, the state-of-the-art system elevates the game day atmosphere by enabling the opportunity for multi-colored light shows and variable lighting. 

The Beer Garden, which is being introduced as part of a pilot program, is open to all ticket holders aged 21+ with proper identification. The limited access space will operate on a first come, first served basis. Alcoholic beverages must be consumed within the boundaries of the Beer Garden and can not be carried back to the seating areas. In addition to alcoholic beverages, concessions will also be available. The Beer Garden opens 90 minutes prior to puck drop, with service concluding at the start of the third period.   

To accommodate the Beer Garden, the West Concourse of Alfond Arena has been upgraded with new flooring and lighting, Maine Athletics branding and features high top tables and space for mingling with fellow fans. 

A new Grab-and-Go concession stand is located adjacent to the Beer Garden. The full menu of offerings for the Grab-and-Go stand, and all other concessions booths, can be found here.  Fans do not need to enter the Beer Garden to access the Grab-and-Go stand. New products offered at concessions this season include chili fries and chili nachos.  

For the first time at Alfond Arena, referees will wear microphones and be able to communicate directly with the crowd after penalties and reviews. 

Game day parking and traffic flow has also been modified. These modifications, which are detailed here, will help ease traffic congestion around Alfond Arena and provide added safety for pedestrians near the rink. VIP and ADA parking is available via Branch Road and all other parking (including for Gold members, season ticket holders and single game purchasers) is available via Sebec and Munson Roads. UMaine Police will be present to assist with traffic flow procedures. 

The student ticketing process has been altered to allow students quicker access to the arena once doors open. Students will line up at the northeast gate where wristbanding and ID verification will begin 2.5 hours prior to puck drop. When gates open (60 minutes before puck drop) a second door will be open for students to allow for increased speed into the arena. The student line will be located in a pedestrian-only area, improving safety for all. 

The Black Bears will open the 2024-25 season on Saturday, Oct. 5 when they host American International College at 7 p.m. Single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at GoBlackBears.com/MIHTickets, by phone at 207-581-BEAR or in-person at the Alfond Arena box office during regular hours of operation. There is an additional $5 fee per ticket on gameday purchases. Students with a valid MaineCard may receive one free ticket to each game. Students may pick up their tickets on gameday at the student entrance to Alfond Arena, located on the northeast side of the arena.