ORONO, Me. – The University of Maine and Maine Athletics have released plans for major renovations to Harold Alfond Sports Arena and Shawn Walsh Hockey Center.
The project is supported by a $320 million commitment from the Harold Alfond Foundation to the university, which includes a $170 million investment in UMaine Athletics to fund the institution’s Athletics Facilities Master Plan.
“With the support of the Harold Alfond Foundation, UMaine will continue to build on and expand our athletic facilities and the growing success of our hockey programs,” says Joan Ferrini-Mundy, president of the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias. “We are grateful for the exciting opportunities these renovations will bring to not only our student-athletes but our university, local communities, and state.”
The men’s and women’s ice hockey teams will receive new locker rooms equipped with modern lighting and the latest technology. The programs will also benefit from a new film room equipped with seating for 42 individuals. Upgrades also include improved branding and the structure of the tunnel leading to the arena.
Jude Killy, director of athletics, says, “These enhancements to an already iconic venue will provide our student-athletes with a first-class, modern experience. The updated facilities will provide championship-caliber resources for our men’s and women’s ice hockey programs as they prepare to compete in front of the best fans in Hockey East. These improvements will continue our efforts towards being the premier destination for college hockey.”
A new concourse entrance will connect the two facilities, featuring a modern origami building design complementing the Alfond Arena profile. The spacious concourse will include renovated points of sale for tickets and concessions and a new area for the Bear Necessities team store. Additionally, a new Hockey Hall of Fame will celebrate and preserve the history of Maine hockey.
Upon entering the facility, fans will see an area celebrating Maine’s only Division I program with displays of athletic history and accomplishments. Offices will be added and upgraded for head coaches, assistant coaches, and support staff.
The Shawn Walsh Hockey Center will be upgraded with state-of-the-art sports medicine, strength, and conditioning spaces. Other upgrades include new hydrotherapy cold and hot tubs, larger and more efficient treatment and injury prevention areas, a newly designed space with upgraded training equipment, and new nutrition areas.
Upgrades to the Dexter Lounge will allow student-athletes, staff, donors, and fans to enjoy events, meetings, and gatherings. The renovated area will also feature improved branding to celebrate the history of Maine hockey, recognition for donors, and an improved entrance for premium seat holders.
WBRC Inc. (Bangor, Maine) and Crawford Architects (Kansas City, Mo.) will serve as the architects for the project. PC Construction of Portland, Me., will oversee construction management, with work beginning in the spring of 2024. Forty Nine Degrees (Coldwater, Ohio) will lead the internal branding efforts.
