The University of Maine athletics department this week announced the launch of its Fifth Grade Free Ticket Program, offering all fifth-grade students within the state the opportunity to experience select Black Bears sporting events at no cost during the 2025–26 season.
According to an athletics department release, the initiative aims to inspire young fans to engage with UMaine Athletics, promote school pride and strengthen the bond between the university and Maine communities. The program is open to all fifth-grades enrolled in Maine schools during the 2025–26 academic year.
Students can choose to take advantage free admission to one of three events:
Men's basketball versus. UMaine Fort Kent on Tuesday, Dec. 30; women's hockey versus Merrimack on Saturday, Jan. 24; or women's basketball versus the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Saturday, Jan. 10.
Each fifth-grade student may receive one complimentary ticket to one of the games listed above. Tickets must be reserved in advance through an official UMaine Athletics webform. Parents or guardians may purchase additional tickets at a special group rate when redeeming their child's offer.
