Maine Athletics details parking, tailgating structure for 2026 football season
9/10/2026 10:50:00 AM | Football
Black Bears host Merrimack on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m.
Orono, Maine – Black Bear Nation, we are excited to welcome you to campus for this Saturday's football home opener when the Black Bears take on Merrimack at 5 p.m.
With the construction to Morse Arena and updates to neighboring parking lots, Maine Athletics would like to update you on all tailgate, parking, and traffic flow procedures for the 2026 season.
Traffic Flow:
A new traffic route will be introduced in 2026 to improve traffic flow entering and exiting the stadium. Fans parking in the Bouchard Cleaning and Restoration tailgate lot (Lot A) and in the Wells tailgate lot (Lot B) will enter the UMaine campus via Munson Road. Fans parking in Lot C (VIP/ADA), Lot D (general parking), or Lot E (sponsorship/game day staff) will be required to enter campus via Alfond Drive between the TKE house and Alfond Arena. Long Road will be closed to vehicles on gameday from the College Avenue entrance to campus up to Gym Drive, located in front of Memorial Gymnasium.
Tailgating:
General Parking/Reserved Non-Tailgate:
VIP Parking and Satellite Lot parking will use the same entrance as in past years (TKE). Media will park in the New Balance Soccer Complex Parking Lot located beyond the north end zone. Legal consumption of alcohol will be allowed in the Bouchard Cleaning and Restoration tailgate Lot A (Dunn/Corbett) and Lot B (Wells). Fans 21+ or those accompanied by an adult, will be granted access to Lots A and B. When lots fill, fans will be directed to free parking - non-tailgating lots such as the Steam Plant Lot and the Collins Center Lot.
ADA Parking:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking will be available in Lot C with additional ADA parking available in Lot D. All ADA parking spaces will be free of charge.
Stadium Entrance
In 2026, fans will enter the stadium under the grandstands at the main entrance to Alfond Stadium, across from the ticket office at Alfond Arena. Metal detectors and security will remain in place for the 2026 season, so fans are asked to be prepared to remove items from their pockets and may have their bags searched upon entry. The new UMaine student entrance will be the northernmost entrance under the grandstands. A secondary entrance will be available at the north east corner of the stadium, near the visiting team sideline.
Season tickets and single game tickets are available and can be purchased by visiting GoBlackBears.com/tickets or by phone at 207-581-BEAR.
-UMaine-
