The University of Maine has taken its renowned hockey programs to the next level with major upgrades and additions to the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Alfond Arena. The transformation was designed to reflect the excellence of the Black Bears’ programs, elevating the experience for both student-athletes and UMaine hockey fans.
The Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Alfond Arena Addition & Renovation project provides 31,000 square feet of renovated program and 21,000 square feet of new program including new locker rooms, new sports medicine space, new coaches’ offices, renovated equipment space, and a renovated visitor locker room, among other improvements.
Designed in collaboration with Crawford Architects, UMaine’s new hockey complex provides the Black Bear teams with high-performance, team-branded spaces for player recruitment and development, while promoting health and wellness for student-athletes. The project is made possible by a transformational $320 million commitment from the Harold Alfond Foundation to the University of Maine System, which includes a $170 million investment in UMaine Athletics to fund its Athletics Facilities Master Plan.
The two hockey facilities are connected by a dynamic concourse entrance, an ice-like facade that plays off of the distinct profile and architecture of Alfond Arena. The main entry includes a vibrant plaza sporting the iconic UMaine Black Bear. As visitors enter the concourse, they are greeted with an illuminated Maine logo and an inspiring display of UMaine hockey fans in action.
New interior spaces include streamlined points of sale for tickets and concessions, a new area for the Bear Necessities team store, and the Dexter Lounge, a gathering space where student-athletes, staff, and donors can connect and celebrate the achievements of UMaine Athletics. The men’s and women’s team locker rooms are equipped with special shelves and storage designed with ice hockey gear and equipment in mind. The facility also features a large film room, lounges for players and coaches, and a hype tunnel that leads from the locker rooms to the iconic Harold Alfond Arena.
As part of the renovations, the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center was upgraded to include state-of-the-art sports medicine spaces. The redesigned space encourages injury prevention and offers therapy treatment options such as hydrotherapy cold and hot tubs. Strength and conditioning spaces are outfitted with new training equipment and a dedicated nutrition bar. Other team space upgrades include staff offices, meeting rooms, and meaningful and inspiring graphics and memorabilia throughout the facility.
This transformed new resource positions the University of Maine to continue its legacy of athletic excellence, Black Bear pride, and community engagement.