University of Maine Unveils Plans for Harold Alfond Athletics Village
The University of Maine is unveiling its plans for the Harold Alfond Athletics Village, a transformational hub for all campus Division I athletic venues that will enhance the experiences of Black Bear student-athletes and fans.
The village, which is being developed with no tuition or taxpayer dollars, will also serve as a premier welcoming point to the university and UMaine Athletics for generations while celebrating the enduring legacy of Harold Alfond and the Harold Alfond Foundation. It will be constructed in phases as components of the Athletic Facilities Master Plan are finalized, with full completion expected by summer 2028.
"The Harold Alfond Athletics Village represents the very best of what we can achieve through partnership, vision and a deep commitment to our students, our university community and the people of Maine," said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. "This village will enhance the student-athlete experience at Maine's only Division I program, while providing new opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and community connections. We are profoundly grateful to the Harold Alfond Foundation for its extraordinary and enduring support of Black Bear excellence."
Apollo High School Breaks Ground on Apex Athletics Center
Construction of a new multipurpose indoor athletic facility is officially underway after a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday.
School board members and administrative staff turned the first shovelfuls of dirt at Apollo High School’s campus for the new Apex Athletics Center.
The 70,000-square-foot, $15 million complex is designed for year-round use and will feature a full-size turf field, batting cages, golf simulators, and a walking track. It will accommodate sports including soccer, football, lacrosse, softball, baseball, and golf, and will be available for both district teams and community use.
The project is funded through a voter-approved referendum that passed in April of 2025 with support from 54% of voters.
Jacksonville, N.C., Opens All-Inclusive Baseball Complex
An all-inclusive youth baseball field is set to open in an Eastern Carolina city by the end of this year.
Jacksonville has announced that construction on the “Inspiration Field” will begin on Friday and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The new field will be at the former skatepark within the Commons Recreation Complex and feature a rubber surface, so that children of all abilities can participate.
The city will also build a shelter pavilion and new walking trails to expand amenities for visitors.
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