Opposing Arenas: Alfond Arena

The Terriers head up this weekend to Cold Maine to take on the Black Bears of UMO.  I’ve always wondered why they called themselves the Black Bears, yet their fans always say “M-A-I-N-E Go BLUE!”.  It doesn’t make sense to me… perhaps a Maine fan can explain it to me?

Anyway, the Black Bears play in historic Alfond Arena, and I figured I’d give a bit of background on this great facility. I really like the way it looks from the outside, like a bunch of snowy mountains.

Seating 5712 fans, this arena definitely gives the Bears an advantage, especially since their fans are such Maine-iacs.  I’ve seen their fans come out for the Hockey East Tournament, and I’ve been very impressed.  Their band is also pretty good, with a lot of energy.

Open in 1972, they increased the seating to its current capacity in 1992 in order to bring the basketball teams back to the Alfond.

The Alfond also offers great views, and additionally has 13 skyboxes which are available for their games.  There are virtually no obstructions to the ice.

I’ve never personally been to the Alfond, but I’ve heard great things about it, and how hostile they can be towards opposing fans.  I love it.  I can’t wait till the day I can make the trip, and I will make it one day. Until then, I hope BU takes them down this weekend.  Should be a very interesting matchup.

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Opposing Arenas: Yost Ice Arena

We all know and love Agganis Arena. Some of us know and love Walter Brown Arena too (I did for 1.5 years). But our Terriers don’t always get the luxury of playing in friendly confines of home. So let’s take a look at one of the opposing arenas that the Terriers have to face. This week, we’ll look at Yost Ice Arena, home to the Michigan Wolverines, the Terrier’s opponent this weekend.

Yost Ice Arena was built as Yost Fieldhouse in 1922, and was home to Michigan’s basketball and track. It was the nation’s first field house and was named after their famous football coach and athletic director, Fielding H. Yost.

The Ice Wolverines took the ice here for the first time in 1973, and have played there since. It’s known to be one of the toughest places to play in all of college hockey. Hopefully, the Terriers won’t find this to be a problem. I think they’ve got what it takes to shut the crowd down. Yost Ice Arena seats 6603, just a little more than Agganis.

Yost has also had a lot of renovations done. It’s an old building, but they’ve done their best to keep it up to date. Here’s something our Boston College friends can appreciate. In 1992, Michigan added a Dessicant Dehumidification System, and in 1996, they rennovated their water, gas, electric, HVAC, and north end lighting. You hear that Eagles fans. Yost is 84 years old, and it has AIR CONDITIONING. Why don’t you fog out another game before you get that installed though.

Anyway, I know there are a select few Terrier fans who are heading out there for this game. I wish I could join you. Let’s try to make Yost seem a bit more like Agganis.. or at least like Conte Forum when we play BC. Let me know what you think of the place! Go Terriers!

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