News

UMaine announces $110M for athletic facility upgrades

UMaine announces $110M for athletic facility upgrades

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


ORONO, Maine (AP) The University of Maine plans to spend $110 million to modernize athletic facilities over the next decade with a new basketball building, three new outdoor artificial turf fields and two new domed facilities.

Also included are major upgrades to the university’s football stadium and Alfond Arena, where the hockey teams play.

“We are going to build outstanding athletic facilities to support our Black Bear athletes and students and youth from all over the state,” UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said in a statement.

As part of the community, the public will be “welcome to engage in our programs, use our facilities and contribute to our success,” she added.

The project is funded primarily by $90 million from the Harold Alfond Foundation. The athletic department will raise the remaining $20 million through private donations.

The foundation bears the name of the late philanthropist and founder of Dexter Shoe Company, Harold Alfond. Last fall, the foundation awarded a $240 million gift over 10-12 years to the UMaine system.

UMaine athletic director Ken Ralph said the upgrades will “provide the quality of facilities necessary” for the Black Bears to be competitive on a national level but he also reiterated that the facilities will be used by high school athletics and others in the community.

“We are also using this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to equity and to show our dedication to making Orono the go-to destination for sports in Maine for athletes of all ages,” he said.

The first phase calls for construction of new artificial turf fields for women’s soccer, softball and field hockey teams.

Other projects include a new surface for the Mahaney Diamond, renovations to Memorial Gym complex, upgrades at Alfond Arena and major changes at the football stadium.

Latest Headlines

4 hours ago in Sports, Trending

After the $500 million Dodgers’ title repeat, what’s next for MLB?

The $500 million Los Angeles Dodgers' thrilling World Series win over the Toronto Blue Jays attracted record international attention for Major League Baseball, affirmed LA's status as the sport's best team and drew more attention to baseball's payroll disparity heading into what is likely to be contentious labor negotiations.

5 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Which stars are joining this year’s lineup?

Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton and Teyana Taylor will feature in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will also cement "KPop Demon Hunters" as a pop culture phenomenon with appearances by the movie's singers on the ground and cute characters in balloons overhead.

19 hours ago in Local

Northern Light Not Raising Rates fore Anthem Patients

The head of Northern Light released a statement Saturday, saying Anthem will not be treated as out-of-network.

19 hours ago in Local

Deputies Say Intoxicated Man Arrested for Trespassing in Shapleigh

The suspect was arrested and will make his first court appearance on Monday.

1 day ago in Local

Bangor man arrested after alleged stabbing at McDonald’s

The male victim was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for injuries that are not considered life threatening.