UM testing waters for luxury boxes at Alfond

Still shopping for that special gift for the person who seemingly has everything?

University of Maine Athletic Director Kevin White has a suggestion. Call him now and ask about a “Super Box” at the soon-to-be-expanded Alfond Arena.

Here’s what the recipient of a Super Box would get: A private enclosure at balcony level containing eight permanent seats overlooking the rink and/or basketball court at the end of the building that currently houses Black Bear hockey coach Shawn Walsh’s office. Preferred parking spaces for you and a significant other, or your corporate clients. Season passes for all UM home games played at the arena for the next 10 years, which is the term of the lease for the box.

All this, for only $120,000. But hurry, there are only 11 Super Boxes available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Super Boxes aren’t a reality – yet. White confirmed he is currently only “test marketing” the idea of selling what in other facilities are termed luxury boxes as part of the Alfond Arena expansion. The reason White is exploring the idea of selling luxury boxes is to generate the approximately $1 million needed, in addition to Harold Alfond’s $2 million lead gift, to pay for the project.

“We need to generate a significant amount of income beyond what Mr. Alfond has done for us,” said White, prior to Saturday’s men’s basketball game in Portland. “Super boxes are one option we’re closely examining.”

Under the expansion plans, the Alfond Arena’s seating capacity will be raised from 3,600 to 5,200 for hockey. The expansion will enable the seating of 6,000 fans for basketball.

The additional income beyond Alfond’s donation is not needed to complete the expansion, White stressed. The construction will be finished whether luxury boxes are sold or not. What the income from luxury boxes will do is prevent the University from having to borrow against future ticket revenues to pay the construction bill.

“We could amortize it with the income we’ll generate from more seats, but we prefer not to do it that way,” said White. “We would rather put it (ticket revenue) toward women’s athletics. Super boxes would allow us to do that.”

After the construction costs have been paid, White said luxury boxes would provide a continuing source of income for the athletic department in the next century, thereby lessening the department’s dependence on institstate (tax) money.

“It would certainly help,” White said.

Although he has only been test-marketing the idea of luxury boxes for a short time, White said he has received a positive response from members of the state’s private sector and business community. Most luxury boxes around the country are sold to corporations.

“It’s been very positive. People I’ve talked to have been very receptive to the idea. I’m very optimistic,” White said.

Asked if he felt he could sell all 11 luxury boxes prior to the start of construction, White declined to speculate.

“I think it would be premature to talk in those terms since we haven’t made a final decision (on whether to proceed with the boxes),” he said.

As for when a final decision will be made on whether or not to proceed with the boxes, White said he would expect to know soon.

“I think we’ll know what we’re doing in the next couple of weeks. I have to continue to test-market the idea,” said White, noting the final decision on the boxes will come from the UM administration.