Maine Athletics details fan experience upgrades, parking & traffic details for Alfond Stadium
9/4/2026 12:41:00 PM | Football
Black Bears host Merrimack in home opener on Sept. 12 at 5 p.m.
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' 2026 season, along with updates on parking, traffic flow and stadium access.
The enhancements are part of UMaine's continued efforts to improve the experience for fans of the state's only Division I program and align with standards across collegiate athletics.
Tailgating and Parking
Tailgating will open four hours prior to kickoff. 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 (Gold Pass - Dunn & Corbett lots) and in Wells Lot (Red Pass) will enter the UMaine campus via Munson Road. A large portion of the tailgate lots will be pre-paid, reserved parking. Fans without a pre-paid, reserved parking pass will be parked in Wells Lot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Day of game paid parking is cashless. 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 and Wells Lot B. 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.
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.
Beverage Service
The recent expansion of beer sales throughout Alfond Stadium will continue in 2026. Fans of legal age will continue to be allowed to return to their seats with their beverages to watch the game. Sales of beer, wine and hard seltzers will conclude at the beginning of the third quarter. Alcohol purchases will be limited to a maximum of two drinks per person at 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 to each alcohol-purchasing location. Due to this expansion and the ongoing construction of Morse Arena, the beer garden will shift to an area at the north east corner of the stadium. Tables and umbrellas will be provided in the new grass area beyond the north end zone for fans to watch the game from on a first-come, first-served basis. Both areas will operate with limited capacity.
Game Day Experience
Enhancements have been made to the in-stadium audio and public address system, including a new sound system in the upper part of the stadium. A new temporary video board also will be in place for all games in 2026 due to construction of Morse Arena.
Hannaford Kids Zone
Due to construction of Morse Arena, the Hannaford Kids Zone will move to the lawn in front of the Alfond Arena patio area. A rotation of inflatables, pop-up bounce houses, family-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon animals and autograph sessions, and lawn games will be available during the 2026 season. DJ services will be featured in the area during select games.
Bear Necessities Fan Shop
The Bear Necessities Fan Shop will return to its permanent location inside Alfond Arena for the 2026 season. Fans are advised to visit before kickoff or postgame as reentry to Alfond Stadium is not permitted.
Day of Game Tickets
The UMaine ticket office staff will operate out of Alfond Arena for the 2026 season. Windows outside the arena will open four hours prior to kickoff for game-day ticket purchases or questions regarding seating.
For tickets to all Maine Athletics events, please visit GoBlackBears.com/tickets, call 207-581-BEAR, or stop by the Maine Athletics box office at Alfond Arena. UMaine students are eligible for free tickets to all home events, while supplies last. For more details on student tickets, click here.
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