Maine Athletics provides updates on fan experience improvements at Alfond Arena

ORONO, Maine – Maine Athletics is pleased to announce several enhancements to the gameday experience at Alfond Arena for the 2024-25 men's ice hockey season. These include an improved lighting system, the introduction of a beer garden, improved traffic flow and parking procedures and much more. These improvements all complement renovation plans for the Harold Alfond Sports Arena and the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center.

A new lighting system was installed throughout the ice rink. The state-of-the-art system not only improves visibility of the ice and seating areas, but also enhances the game day atmosphere by providing the opportunity for multi-colored light shows and variable lighting.

The beer garden, which is being introduced as part of a pilot program, is open to all ticket holders aged 21 and over with appropriate ID. The limited access area will operate on a first come, first served basis. Alcoholic drinks must be consumed within the confines of the beer garden and may not be taken to the seating area. In addition to alcoholic drinks, discounted drinks are also available. The beer garden opens 90 minutes before the puck drops, and the service ends at the beginning of the third period.

To accommodate the beer garden, Alfond Arena's West Concourse was updated with new flooring and lighting, Maine Athletics branding, and features high-top tables and space to socialize with other fans.

A new grab-and-go concession stand is located next to the beer garden. The full menu of offerings for the grab-and-go stand and all other concession stands can be found here. Fans do not need to enter the beer garden to access the grab-and-go stand. New items offered at the concession this season include chili fries and chili nachos.

For the first time, referees in the Alfond Arena will wear microphones and be able to communicate directly with the audience after penalties and assessments.

Parking and traffic flow on game day have also been changed. These changes, detailed here, will help reduce traffic congestion around Alfond Arena and provide greater safety for pedestrians near the rink. VIP and ADA parking is available via Branch Road and all other parking (including for Gold members, season ticket holders and single game purchasers) is available via Sebec and Munson Roads. UMaine Police will be present to assist with traffic flow procedures.

Student ticketing has been modified to allow students quicker access to the arena once the doors open. Students will line up at the northeast gate where wristband donning and ID verification will begin 2.5 hours before puck drop. When the gates open (60 minutes before puck drop), a second door will be open for students to get into the arena more quickly. The student queue will be moved to a pedestrian-only area, increasing safety for everyone.

The Black Bears open the 2024-25 season on Saturday, Oct. 5, when they host American International College at 7 p.m. Single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at GoBlackBears.com/MIHTickets, by calling 207-581-BÄR, or in person at the Alfond Arena box office during regular hours. Game day purchases will incur an additional fee of $5 per ticket. Students with a valid MaineCard may receive a free ticket to any game. Students can pick up their tickets on game day at the Alfond Arena student entrance on the northeast side of the arena.