The University of Maine (UMaine) has announced an $80 million gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation to make improvements to the university’s athletics facilities.

The gift will fund facility improvements that benefit all 17 varsity programs at UMaine’s only Division I athletic program. Following the foundation’s commitment, the University of Maine committed an additional $18 million challenge match to the athletics facilities master plan fundraising campaign.

Several phases of the athletics facilities master plan have been completed, including a best-in-class softball facility that enables the University of Maine to host state, regional, and conference playoff contests; a field hockey complex, which helps to elevate UMaine’s position in the America East Conference; and a new turf surface on Morse Field at Alfond Stadium. Upcoming projects include a 13,000-square-foot addition to the Shawn Walsh Center—which will include renovated strength and conditioning facilities, new film room, recovery rooms, team offices, expanded locker rooms, and team lounges—a 4,900-square-foot expansion to Alfond Arena, and the construction of the Morse Arena, the future home of the university’s men’s and women’s basketball programs. All projects are slated to be complete by the summer of 2028.

“This additional commitment will impact students, student-athletes, fans, and the greater community for years to come,” said University of Maine Foundation president and CEO Jeff Mills. “As a result of these new facilities, more people will be attracted to Maine and UMaine. Philanthropy is a powerful agent of change, and we are very grateful for this gift and the many others provided by the Harold Alfond Foundation over many years.”

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