ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine on Friday, April 3 announced additional plans for the interior design of Morse Arena, the new 106,000-square-foot basketball and football operations venue made possible by a $10 million gift from 1964 UMaine graduates Phillip and Susan Morse. 

Inside Morse Arena, fans will enjoy an intimate and comfortable viewing experience of Chappelle Court, named in honor of UMaine Sports Hall of Famer Skip Chappelle ('61), from any of the venue's 2,660 seats, nestled below a fully branded concourse and club section. Chairback seats with clear views of the court, enhanced amenities and easy access to concessions and restrooms will become the new standard at Black Bear basketball games. A newly created student section and designated area for the Screamin' Black Bears Pep Band will enhance the game-day experience, while two high-definition video boards and state-of-the-art sound will help create one of the best home-court advantages in the region.

The court design reflects UMaine's commitment as Maine's flagship and the state's only NCAA Division I program, featuring a bold outline of the state at midcourt surrounding the historic Maine athletics logo. "University of Maine" text will be displayed above the court, flanked by signage celebrating the history and success of the basketball programs. Courtside LED tables will provide additional branding, sponsorship and fan-engagement opportunities.
 

Preferred seating with access to the new Pine Club will offer a premium ticket experience. The Pine Club will also serve as a premium event space for the university, functioning as an upscale club section on basketball and football game days, where fans can enjoy unique food and beverage offerings in a welcoming, first-class environment. The space can also be transformed for campus and community events. On football game days, preferred seat holders will have a comfortable, climate-controlled space to cheer on the Black Bears.

A key feature of Morse Arena will be the football operations center, which will include all coaches' offices, two staff conference rooms, dedicated film breakdown space, and a lobby area. 

Coaches' offices overlooking Morse Field, including the head coach corner suite, will provide premium workspace and visibility.

The facility will also include a gathering space within the club area large enough to accommodate full team meetings. Maine football will have a dedicated entrance and corridor leading to both the team offices and the Walt Abbott Sports Performance Center. Newly designed spaces combined with modern technology will allow coaches to better support and train student-athletes.

Construction on the arena began in the fall of 2025 and the building is expected to be completed and in use during the 2027-28 basketball season.

The project is part of a $320 million investment from the Harold Alfond Foundation, including $170 million to fund the Athletics Facilities Master Plan as part of UMS TRANSFORMS.
As the state's only Division I program, Maine Athletics is boldly reshaping the University of Maine's infrastructure with best in-class facilities and convening venues at the state's flagship university. A landmark $170 million investment from the Harold Alfond Foundation, with an additional $38 million to be raised from private and philanthropic sources provides Maine Athletics with an opportunity to enhance facilities and positively impact the state's flagship university for generations to come.
To support Maine Athletics, UMS Transforms and shape the future of higher education in Maine, donate today!
Harold Alfond Foundation
UMS Transforms honors Harold Alfond's legacy to build a brighter future for Maine and thanks to the Harold Alfond Foundation's visionary philanthropy, the University of Maine system is positioned to respond positively and with optimism for the future.
Giving Link: engage.umaine.edu/athletic-facilities

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