UMaine athletics gets 90 million dollar gift from Harold Alfond Foundation

[nodak651]

Surprised that this hasn't gotten it's own thread yet. This is a ton of money! Any thoughts on what they will do with it? It looks like it will be going to facilities, and one of the first purchases will be new turf. Donation is spread over 10 years.

https://www.wabi.tv/2020/10/07/umaine-athletics-gets-90-million-dollar-gift-from-harold-alfond-foundation-plans-to-upgrade-facilities/

[dunbar]

It’s all for facilities. $20M to be matched for $110M total. All 17 programs will receive upgrades with a bulk of it expected to go to a new on campus arena for basketball.

In regards to football, the turf is planned to be replaced next summer, separate from more long-term renovations to the stadium. The track is expected to be replaced elsewhere on campus and likely a new east grandstand brought closer to the sideline. Space between may be maintained to accommodate soccer, it’s still less than the NFL average.

[nodak651]

It’s all for facilities. $20M to be matched for $110M total. All 17 programs will receive upgrades with a bulk of it expected to go to a new on campus arena for basketball.

In regards to football, the turf is planned to be replaced next summer, separate from more long-term renovations to the stadium. The track is expected to be replaced elsewhere on campus and likely a new east grandstand brought closer to the sideline. Space between may be maintained to accommodate soccer, it’s still less than the NFL average.

Any word on if the new arena would be basketball only? I love your hockey arena - its iconic, and it would be a shame if you guys stopped playing games there.

[mainejeff]

Any word on if the new arena would be basketball only? I love your hockey arena - its iconic, and it would be a shame if you guys stopped playing games there.

Alfond Arena is a maintenance nightmare.