Maine Black Bears Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Jordan Stevens

Team Mascot: Bananas T. Bear

Year Opened: 1998

Capacity: 8419

City / State: Orono / Maine

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Battle for the Brice-Cowell Musket

Rival Team: New Hampshire Wildcats

Each year the Maine Black Bears and New Hampshire Wildcats play for the Brice-Cowell Musket. The rivalry began in 1903, and the rivalry has been going strong ever since. New Hampshire holds a 55-44-8 lead in the all-time series, so come and cheer on the Black Bears as they look to cut into the Wildcats’ lead.

Maine Black Bears Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Maine may not be the first place you think of when it comes to tailgating, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time tailgating before a Black Bears game. Black Bears tailgates are a lot more relaxed than what you’ll find at other larger schools, but the camaraderie and friendliness on display creates a fun tailgating atmosphere for any football fan.

You’ll want to arrive at Alfond Stadium early as the lots here open three hours before kickoff and fill up fast. Everywhere you look on game days you’ll find Black Bears fans dressed in blue and navy grilling out and having fun.

Another great part about tailgating before a Black Bears game is that it’s free to tailgate in two of the three lots outside Alfond Stadium. Take advantage of the free parking and enjoy tailgating at a Black Bears game to its fullest.

You won’t find the rowdy crowd of an LSU or Ohio State, but you’ll still have an enjoyable time tailgating with Maine fans before a Black Bears game.

Traditions

Pregame Band and Cheerleader Appearances

Enjoy the appearances by the band, cheerleaders, and mascot before the game. All three put on a fun pregame performance and help create a festive feeling surrounding the tailgate.

Harold Alfond Statue

Snap a picture with the Black Bears’ stadium’s namesake before the game. Alfond made lots of contributions to Maine athletics over the years, making his statue a must-see for longtime Black Bears fans.

Bear Necessities

Stop by the Bear Necessities shop in Alfond Arena before the game to pick up a souvenir. Here you’ll find Black Bears t-shirts, caps, sweatshirts, and much more, so no matter what kind of souvenir you’re looking for you won’t leave empty-handed.

Where to tailgate

Maine Black Bears Stadium Guide

In Game

Maine fans are a tightly knit group, and you’ll find a very communal atmosphere when attending a Black Bears game. It seems like everyone here knows each other and the majority of the fans have been coming out to support the Black Bears for years. Don’t worry though as everyone is very friendly and welcoming meaning you’ll instantly feel like you’re a part of the group.

The student section, in particular, does an excellent job of supporting the Black Bears. Maine students show up in high numbers on game days, and the majority stay for the entire game no matter what the score is helping create a fun atmosphere at Black Bears games.

Finally, enjoy the marching band’s and spirit groups’ performances throughout the game. The presence of the band, mascot, and cheerleaders give games at Alfond Stadium a collegiate feel and provide fans with plenty of in-game entertainment.

A Maine Black Bears game is a fun time for any FCS football fan making a visit to Alfond Stadium a good way to spend some time during your trip to Maine.

Things to check out

Black Bear Marching Band

Enjoy the performance of the Black Bear Marching Band when taking in a game at Alfond Stadium. The band puts on a fantastic performance throughout the game and creates a fun atmosphere making them one of the best parts of any Black Bears game.

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Bananas the Bear

Keep an eye out for Maine’s mascot Bananas the Bear. Bananas gets into all kinds of antics during the game and is loved by fans young and old, so don’t miss him when attending a Maine football game.

Cheerleaders

Cheer along with the cheerleaders. The cheerleaders’ cheers and chants help propel the Black Bears to victory, so join in and give Maine as much of a home field advantage as possible.

Fight Songs

  1. Stein Song

    School song

    Fill the steins to dear old Maine
    Shout ’til the rafters ring
    Stand and drink a toast once again
    Let every loyal Maine man sing
    Drink to all the happy hours
    Drink to the careless days
    Drink to Maine our Alma Mater
    The college of our hearts always

    To the trees, to the sky
    To the Spring in its glorious happiness.
    To the youth, to the fire
    To the life that is moving and calling us.
    To the Gods, to the Fates
    To the rulers of men and their destinies.
    To the lips, to the eyes
    To the girls who will love us some day.

    Fill the steins to dear old Maine
    Shout ’til the rafters ring
    Stand and drink a toast once again
    Let every loyal Maine man sing
    >Drink to all the happy hours
    Drink to the careless days
    Drink to Maine our Alma Mater
    The college of our hearts always.

  2. For Maine

    Fight song

    Marching, we’re marching to victory
    Sweeping resistance away
    Tearing ground with the cheering
    Maine’s going to conquer today

    GO BEARS!

    Now we are nearing the goal line
    Gain on steady gain
    Nothing can stop us from scoring
    Touchdowns for dear old Maine
    For Maine, For Maine, For M-A-I-N-E
    Maine!

Maine Black Bears Bars & Restaurants

  1. Roost

    beer Billy Jacks Wing Draft Shack Roost Great American Pub

    The Roost is a pub and wingery located in the heart of downtown Orono, ME. We specialize in chicken wings, but offer a full menu and cold beverages.

    19 Mill St, Orono, ME 04473, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Woodman’s Bar & Grill

    Woodmans Bar Grill

    Relaxed choice serving pub fare & classic American mains, plus local craft beer & unique cocktails.

    31 Main St, Orono, ME 04473, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Stone Sparrow Cafe

    Js Homestyle Cooking Thomas House Restaurant Stone Sparrow Cafe breakfast Donzelles

    We use the finest ingredients and cook from scratch. We're always looking for new recipes, local products and creative ideas to make your visit special.

    1492 State St, Veazie, ME 04401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Papa Gambino’s Pizzas Subs

    Papa Gambinos Pizzas Subs

    Home of the famous Godfather sandwich and our fresh dough pizza!

    271 State St, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  5. Moe’s Original Bar B Que

    Grannys Home Cooking BBQ Flying Pig Moes Original Bar B Que

    Moe’s Original BBQ is a Southern soul food revival where great food is served in an atmosphere that is relaxed, spontaneous, yet civilized….well, sometimes.

    650 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  6. OHOP Orono House of Pizza

    OHOP Orono House of Pizza

    We specialize in crafting mouth-watering meals and providing superb customer service.

    154 Park St, Orono, ME 04473, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $

  7. The Family Dog

    The Family Dog

    Check out the terrace, eat the best food, drink the best cocktails. And just relax.

    6 Mill St, Orono, ME 04473, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

    Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

    Margaritas provides an atmosphere rich with the culture and flavors of Mexico.

    15 Mill St, Orono, ME 04473, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  9. Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery

    Governors Restaurant Bakery

    Serving good wholesome food and yummy desserts at prices your family can afford.

    963 Stillwater Ave, Old Town, ME 04468, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$