The Maine Black Bears are the athletic teams which represent the University of Maine, and they compete in NCAA Division 1 athletics, with the majority of the teams playing in the America East Conference. Their official uniform colors are dark blue and light blue, their mascot is Bananas T. Bear and their athletics director is Blake James. They play their home basketball games at the 5,633 capacity Harold Alfond Arena, which is located in Orono, Maine and was opened in 1977.
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It is recognizable for its distinctive multi-angular roof design, which was also used in the Pavilion at Villanova University and the Brown University Smith Swim Center. It was expanded from its original capacity of 3,800 in 1992 in order to accommodate more spectators and bring the basketball team back from its temporary home at the Bangor Auditorium. It is named for Harold Alfond, a longtime Maine booster, whose name also adorns Alfond Stadium, the school's main outdoor stadium.
The university's basketball team, as well as all other sports teams, participate in the America East Conference, and the men's team has experienced some recent success, the current Clemson University head coach Jack Leggett also attended the university, as well as current NBA head coach Rick Carlisle, although Carlisle transferred to Virginia and finished his college career there. The women's basketball team is particularly noted for producing one-time WNBA player Cindy Blodgett, who also served as an assistant coach at Boston College and Brown. Blodgett was named the Head Coach of Maine's women's team on May 23, 2007.