New track and field and soccer complex, renovated hockey facilities open at UMaine
The University of Maine unveiled the New Balance Track & Field and Soccer Complex and the renovated Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Alfond Arena on Sept. 27.
“The New Balance Track & Field and Soccer Complex and newly renovated Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Alfond Arena reflect transformational investments in our students, our university and the state,” said University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “With support from the Harold Alfond Foundation, New Balance, U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and countless supporters, these modernized facilities will elevate the state’s only NCAA Division I athletic program while creating new opportunities for the people of Maine, especially youth.”
The Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Harold Alfond Sports Arena have undergone $48 million in enhancements, including 31,000 square feet of renovations and 21,000 square feet of additions. A $27.3 million project, the New Balance Track & Field and Soccer Complex features a combined 300,000 square feet of new athletics infrastructure to go along with a new access road and parking lot.
The Black Bears will host their first official game at the New Balance Soccer Complex on Oct. 2 when the women’s soccer team takes on Bryant University. The New Balance Track & Field Complex will complete its construction in late October and host its first events during the spring 2026 outdoor track & field season. The first UMaine varsity events inside the newly renovated Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Alfond Arena will take place on Oct. 10 when the women’s ice hockey team hosts St. Anselm College prior to the men’s team hosting the College of the Holy Cross.
The projects were made possible by the Harold Alfond Foundation’s transformational $320 million commitment to the University of Maine System, known as UMS TRANSFORMS, including a $170 million investment in UMaine Athletics to fund the Athletics Facilities Master Plan.
New Balance and individual UMaine supporters have already joined together to raise an additional $32 million toward the $38 million required match. With the Harold Alfond Foundation lead gift, and additional support, UMaine Athletics has raised $202 million of its $208 million overall campaign goal towards the athletics facilities master plan.
“Officially opening the New Balance Track & Field and Soccer Complex and revealing the renovated Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Alfond Arena is the next step in our vision of becoming one of the top five Division 1 programs in greater New England,” says Director of Athletics Jude Killy. “As Maine’s only Division 1 institution, we feel these new and improved facilities will continue our efforts towards becoming the premier destination for athletics in our region. On behalf of our department, I’d like to thank the Harold Alfond Foundation, New Balance and all others who have provided transformational support to make these facilities a reality for our student-athletes and the state of Maine.”
For a detailed description of the new center and renovations, read the full story on the UMaine Athletics website.
Contact: Tyson McHatten, tyson.mchatten@maine.edu