Orono, Maine -- Maine Athletics has announced significant audio and visual improvements at Harold Alfond Sports Arena set to debut in the fall 2023. These upgrades will further enhance the already electric atmosphere inside the facility on game day.

The University of Maine and ANC, an AV integration company across college campuses and professional sports venues nationwide, will work together to complete the upgrades to the digital display network alongside many improvements to the NCAA Division I facility.

"The Alfond Arena is one of the best environments in NCAA Hockey, and these enhancements will only further the fan experience on game day," says Maine men's ice hockey head coach Ben Barr. "We are committed to providing the best game day experience possible for the Alfond Faithful that are so supportive to our program."

When returning to the arena, fans will be greeted by a high-definition center hung display; additional LED end zone displays, and north LED ribbon board for enhanced viewing opportunities. The upgraded displays increase viewing distances for all fans at center ice, in the seating bowl, and in the suite and student section levels, no matter the viewing angle, and showcase the Black Bears' action at a higher quality than ever before.

"We are ecstatic for the new video board upgrades at Alfond Arena," says Maine women's ice hockey head coach Molly Engstrom. "We are grateful for the effort that has been made to start making improvements to the arena and we cannot wait to see the final product. It's a thrilling time for Maine hockey."

The project, part of the Athletics Facilities Master Plan under the UMS TRANSFORMS initiative, was made possible by the transformational $240 million commitment the Harold Alfond Foundation made to the University of Maine System, including a $90 million investment in UMaine athletics. The Harold Alfond Foundation grant to UMS and the people and students of Maine was the eighth largest grant in the history of American public higher education when it was awarded in fall 2020.

ANC and UMaine have begun design work on the upgraded new 4mm LED center hung focal point, each screen expanding from a little over 9 feet by 9 feet to 11.02 feet high by an extended 18.9 feet wide. The upgrade will increase the main displays beyond a standard HD aspect ratio to 840 x 1,440-pixel resolution for elevated content delivery.

In addition to the main center hung display upgrades, the two 6mm suspended end zone displays will increase in size to 6.3 feet high by 25.2 feet wide, and the existing north ribbon board display will also upgrade to an expanded 166.93 feet width for over 1 million pixels of crisp 6mm fascia content. All displays will be driven by ANC's dynamic LiveSync content management software.

Harnessing the potential of all these improved displays, the Black Bears will reveal an upgraded graphics package designed in collaboration with ANC Studios' graphics department, ensuring that the upgraded screens deliver energetic, dynamic visuals alongside real-time stat updates, sponsored content, game day action, and significant, high intensity graphics and videos to further the electric atmosphere in Alfond Arena. The historic student section, and all loyal fans, can look forward to a lively atmosphere for game day and endless content opportunities for the wide variety of recreational events also hosted within the venue.

"We are very excited to be working with the University of Maine in their efforts to modernize this important venue and improve the atmosphere for student-athletes and their devoted fans," said Jerry Cifarelli Jr., CEO of ANC. "ANC is looking forward to beginning a long-term relationship with the university that will result in unmatched technology and a heightened experience for Black Bears fans. We can't wait to see what else they transform on campus."
 

-UMaine-