ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine athletic department invites all fans to arrive at Alfond Arena early on Saturday, Jan. 31 for a free pregame festival, presented by Waterfront Concerts to benefit the Bear Down Collective, with support from Aroma Joe's, Renewal by Andersen and Hannaford.

The festival will run from 4-6:30 p.m., prior to the men's ice hockey game against Providence College. The pregame activities will take place in the new plaza located outside the main entrance of Alfond Arena.

Fans will be able to enjoy a stage show featuring a local deejay along with appearances from The Screamin' Black Bears pep band, men's hockey head coach Ben Barr, Bananas and more! The event will also feature a Hannaford Kids Zone, a bon fire pit and other activities. 

Food and drink options will include a variety of local food trucks, free s'mores provided by Renewal by Andersen, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage sales. 

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.

The festival starts at 4 p.m. with a deejay providing entertainment until 5:15 p.m. From 5:15-5:45 p.m., special programming will begin featuring a game preview with coach Barr, a performance by The Screamin' Black Bears Pep Band, and a special on stage birthday celebration for Bananas. Doors to Alfond Arena will open at 6 p.m. and puck drop is set for 7 p.m. 

Admission to the pregame festival is free for all and does not require a ticket to the Maine-Providence men's hockey game.

-UMaine-