ORONO, Maine – University of Maine Athletics announced today details on enhancements to the fan experience at Alfond Arena ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The enhancements and updates come as part of UMaine's continued efforts to enhance the experience for fans of the state's only Division I program and align with standards across collegiate athletics.
New Fan Entrances & Concourse Experience
The new plaza outside of Alfond Arena has new lighting to provide fans a safer, more welcoming environment when approaching and entering the rink. The new main entrance to Alfond Arena opens up to a new expanded concourse while an upgraded premium entrance welcomes VIP guests to the arena.
A new concourse entrance, designed in a modern origami style to complement the highly recognizable Alfond Arena profile, will offer visitors a modernized welcome to the historic building. The expanded concourse includes renovated points of sale for tickets and concessions, a new Bear Necessities fan store and a new hockey "Champions Room" to celebrate and preserve the history of Maine Hockey.
Concessions Features
UMaine concessions will feature a brand new stand called 'Rafters' which was named by a vote of Black Bear Nation this past summer. Rafters, along with Slapshot Grille, will feature restructured services to reduce wait times and have added new items to the menu, including Italian sausages and French bread pizzas.
ADA Updates
ADA updates include the installation of a lift from the concourse to the student section balcony along with a new accessible seating option for students. Additionally, sight lines have been improved in ADA seating areas rink wide and the serving area in the Renewal by Andersen Lounge will also be ADA accessible.
Relocation of the Band
With the restructuring of the student section balcony, the Screamin' Black Bears Pep Band will now return to the student section.
Improved Internet Access Points
Fans attending Black Bear hockey games will find improved Internet access points throughout the arena.
Expanded Beverage Service
New in 2025, the university intends to expand its pilot program and serve beer, wine and hard seltzers throughout the arena at designated concession locations, in accordance with state liquor laws. This expansion will allow fans of legal age to return to their seats with their beverages to view the game. The beer garden will continue to be an option for those who choose to purchase alcoholic beverages but do not want to bring alcohol back to their seats. The beer garden is available to all ticket holders age 21 and older, space permitting, and will be open 60 minutes prior to puck drop. All sales of beer, wine and hard seltzers will conclude at the start of the third period.
Alcohol-Free Seating Option for Fans
A new ticketing option will be available in Section DD on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals who want to be seated in an alcohol-free section.
Commitment to Responsible Service and Safety
All alcohol purchases will be limited to a maximum of two drinks per person at any one time. To ensure responsible service, all serving staff are TIPS-certified (Training for Intervention Procedures) and will work closely with security staff to confirm valid identification. Once identification is verified, patrons will receive a wristband upon entry into each alcohol-purchasing location.
"Security and staff personnel will continuously monitor all seating locations, concessions and beer garden areas with heightened educational awareness campaigns communicating and promoting fan responsibility and self-regulation for alcohol consumption," said Director of Athletics Jude Killy. "UMaine remains committed to creating a welcoming, family-friendly, and responsible environment for all fans. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to enhance the game-day experience while maintaining safety and compliance during this expanded pilot program."
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