Go Blue Festivities Precede Playoff Football

Fans of the University of Maine football team can show their spirit during “Go Blue” festivities prior to Saturday’s first-ever home playoff football contest. At 2 p.m., the 10–2 Black Bears host 8–4 University of New Hampshire at Alfond Stadium.

Students and staff are invited to write a good luck message to the Black Bears on a 16-foot banner that will be in the dining commons in Hilltop, York and Wells this week. Dining staff will wear football jerseys when the banner is in their respective facility. The banner will be presented to the football squad at Thursday’s pep rally in Memorial Union.

Blue snow cones will be given out Monday in the union and blue cotton candy will be handed out Tuesday. An ice sculpture showcasing the UMaine-UNH rivalry will be carved Wednesday, starting at approximately 11 a.m., outside the union on the library side. And, a pep rally will kick off Thursday just prior to noon in the Bear’s Den.

Student Life will purchase the $2 game tickets for the first 1,000 students who enter the gates; Athletics Engagement will pay for all other students who attend. In addition, the first 1,000 university students admitted will receive a $5 food voucher to use at the concession stand. All UMaine students will get free hot chocolate at halftime and all other fans can purchase hot cocoa for $1. A warming tent will be available for fans adjacent to the south end zone.

Tailgating for the 2 p.m. game begins at 11 a.m.; gates open at 12:30 p.m. ESPN3 is streaming the game live.

UNH crushed Lafayette College 45–7 on Nov. 30 to advance to play the fifth-seeded Black Bears in the second round of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The UNH Wildcats topped the Black Bears 24–6 in the regular season finale Nov. 23.