ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine Department of Athletics announced today details on enhancements to the fan experience at Morse Field at Harold Alfond Stadium for the Black Bears' upcoming 2025 season, along with details on parking, traffic flow and stadium access.
 
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.
 
Hannaford Kids Zone
Now in its third year of operation, the "Hannaford Kids Zone," continues to expand with new inflatables, pop-up bounce houses, family-friendly experiences for the kids like face painting, balloon animals and autograph sessions, along with lawn games, football tosses and basketball pop-a-shots for the 2025 season.
 
Restructured Grandstand/Relocation of Students and Band
The east side grandstand, located behind the visiting team bench, has been condensed and restructured. This will allow for Maine's VIP and corporate sponsor tents to be relocated to the southeast side of the stadium and positioned to provide fans with better visibility of the game action, with the ability to watch the game just a short distance from the playing surface.
 
With the restructure of the visiting grandstands, the Pride of Maine Black Bear Marching Band and dance team will return to the main grandstand to bring the tradition back to the home sideline. In an effort to enhance the viewing and gameday experience for UMaine students, the student section and student entrance has also been relocated to the main grandstand located on the west side of the stadium near Alfond Arena. All gates to Alfond Stadium will open 60 minutes prior to kickoff.
 
Concessions Features
UMaine concessions will feature restructured services to reduce wait times and have added new items to the menu, including Italian sausages and French bread pizzas. Concessions will add additional points of sale in the beer garden on Homecoming weekend.
 
Expanded Pilot Program
To accommodate construction, the beer garden will be relocated back to the south end zone near the main scoreboard. It will be equipped with high-tops and picnic table seating, allowing fans to watch the game while enjoying their favorite beverage in a group social setting. The beer garden will feature a covered tent, upgraded seating options and great views of the action on Morse Field. The beer garden is available to all ticket holders age 21 and older, space permitting, and will be open 60 minutes prior to kickoff.
 
Beverage Service will Expand on Sept. 27
New in 2025, and starting with the Sept. 27 home game, the university intends to expand its pilot program and serve beer, wine and hard seltzers throughout the stadium 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. All sales of beer, wine and hard seltzers will conclude at the beginning of the third quarter.

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."
 
Alcohol-Free Seating Option for Fans
A new ticketing option will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals who want to be seated in an alcohol-free section. Details of the expanded pilot program for Alfond Arena, with plans to be implemented this upcoming season, will be released at a later date.
 
New Traffic Queue for Vehicles
For game one (Sept. 13), all traffic patterns will remain the same. Season ticket holders will enter campus via Branch Road and non-season ticket holders will enter campus via Long Road. Due to current and future construction projects throughout the campus, non-season ticket holders will be required to enter campus via Rangeley Road off Park Street, starting on Sept. 27. Further traffic details will be released prior to Sept. 27. Season ticket holders will still enter campus via Branch Road. Season ticket holders will be required to show their tailgate parking pass to enter the Freshies Lot.
 
Bear Necessities Fan Shop Location(s)
During the first two games of the football season, the Bear Necessities Fan Shop at Alfond Arena will be offline due to construction. Pop-up shops inside the gates of Alfond Stadium will allow fans to purchase all of their Black Bear gear for the first two gamedays prior to the new, enhanced Bear Necessities Fan Shop officially opening at Alfond Arena in October.
 
The Black Bears open their home schedule when they host Stonehill on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. For ticket information and a full schedule of events, visit GoBlackBears.com.
 
-UMaine-