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Alfond Stadium - home of Maine Black Bears in Orono, Maine
NCAA FCS

Alfond StadiumOrono, Maine

Maine Black Bears

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
10,000
πŸ†
Conference
CAA Football
πŸ“…
Opened
1947
🌱
Surface
N/A

πŸ“–About Alfond Stadium

Harold Alfond Sports Stadium, originally known as Alumni Field when it opened in 1947, underwent major renovations in the late 1990s and was rededicated to longtime booster Harold Alfond in 1998. The 10,000-seat facility features modern amenities and hosts an active tailgating scene in scenic Orono, Maine.

πŸ›οΈHistory

Origins

The stadium was built in 1947 as Alumni Field to provide the University of Maine with a proper home for football and track & field. The original wood and steel grandstands served for nearly 50 years before being replaced.

Major Renovations

1994Renamed Harold Alfond Sports Stadium after longtime booster
1996Original 1940s wood and steel grandstands condemned and demolished
1998New west grandstand, lights, press and luxury levels completed; $6.1M cost
2008FieldTurf installed thanks to $1M donation from the Morses

Notable Moments

Sep 12, 1998Stadium rededicated to Harold Alfond at first home night game (52-28 win vs New Hampshire)
Sep 12, 1998Battle for the Brice-Cowell Musket rivalry trophy game

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Both the east and west grandstands offer good views. Season ticket holders get prime real estate in tailgating areas right next to the south end zone.

Parking Tips

Lots near the stadium fill with flags and fans in Maine's black and blue colors. Arrive early for the relaxed but active tailgating scene. Expect crowds of 5,000-10,000 fans.

Game Day

The stadium offers a quintessential New England college football atmosphere with views of fall foliage and the Orono campus. The night game atmosphere under the lights is special.

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Woodman's Bar & Grill

$$

Local sports bar and grill near UMaine campus.

πŸ“ 0.9 miles

Orono Brewing Company

$$

Local microbrewery in downtown Orono with great beers.

πŸ“ 1 mile

πŸ’‘ Downtown Orono is captivated with vibrant energy from local breweries.

🍽️Restaurants

Pat's Pizza

$

Making pizza since the 1950s. An Orono must-see.

πŸ“ 0.9 miles

πŸ’‘ Local institution perfect for pre-game meals.

Thai Kitchen

$$

Authentic Thai cuisine near campus.

πŸ“ 0.6 miles

Yamas Bar And Grill

$$

Greek cuisine and casual dining near UMaine.

πŸ“ 0.9 miles

🏨Hotels

Hotel Ursa

$$$

Stylish boutique inn on the UMaine campus with stellar coffee bar. Dog friendly.

πŸ“ 0.3 miles

πŸ’‘ On-campus location is unbeatable. Book early for football weekends.

University Inn Academic Suites

$$

Overlooks the Stillwater River, closest accommodations at 0.5 miles from campus.

πŸ“ 0.5 miles

🎭Attractions

Orono Farmers' Market

Free

Every Saturday on the University of Maine campus.

πŸ“ 0.3 miles

πŸ’‘ Great way to experience local Maine culture on football weekends.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸŽ‰

Stadium Lots

TailgateπŸ“ 0.1-0.2 miles

πŸ’‘ Season ticket holders get prime tailgating spots by south end zone. Arrive 2-3 hours early.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Alfond Stadium? Share it with us.

Stadiums Near Alfond Stadium

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.