ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine has started construction on three state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a new turf soccer field, a modernized track, and a basketball arena with seating for 2,500 fans.
“It’s just such an exciting moment for UMaine," President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said. “We’ve always had a strong place in athletics.”
The projects are part of a broader push to enhance the university’s athletics program, supported by a $320 million donation from the Harold Alfond Foundation and a partnership with New Balance.
“This infusion of extraordinary funding is letting us try to think in a comprehensive way about how we make changes all at once in a sense,” Ferrini-Mundy said.
According to university officials, additional upgrades like new locker rooms and an area for sports medicine will not only improve facilities but also inspire and support athletes.
UMaine's Director of Athletics Jude Killy said the motivational impact of these investments on student-athletes is significant.
“They realize this investment is for you, and when people feel that care and support, you certainly feel appreciated by it,” Killy explained.
The additions come at a time when several of UMaine’s teams are finding success, like the women’s soccer team, which recently secured back-to-back conference championships.
“UMaine women's soccer has kind of been making a bigger name for itself, and I think getting the new facilities and having all those upgrades kind of goes hand in hand with that,” UMaine women’s soccer fullback Ema Schneider said.
Head Coach Scott Atherley emphasized how the updated field and stadium upgrades will help player development and recruitment efforts.
“They take a look at where you’re playing, and they see not just our facilities but really our commitment to athletics,” Atherley said. “It says a lot about our school and program.”
For current athletes like Schneider, they feel the upgrades are a great step to creating a more connected and supportive athletics community.
“You just think about your games, and you look in the stands and recognize so many of your fellow student-athletes,” Schneider said. “Just that kind of support amongst each other makes a big difference.”
UMaine officials say they aim to have the new facilities and improvements all finished by 2028.