ORONO – Matt DiBiase has gone through a hectic week with the University of Maine football team.

The worst part hasn’t been the practices and meetings. His toughest struggle was trying to acquire enough tickets to take care of the numerous family members and friends who will be at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland tonight as South Portland native DiBiase makes his first collegiate start in the Black Bears’ season opener against Central Connecticut.

Kickoff against the Division I-AA Blue Devils, is scheduled for 6 p.m.

“I had a tough time getting tickets this week,” said DiBiase, who receives four complimentary tickets from the university for each home game. He was bargaining with teammates who might be able to spare theirs.

“I was saying, ‘I’ll do anything. I’ll do your laundry. Just give me your tickets,’ ” laughed the sophomore strong safety.

DiBiase is among four South Portland products who will be starting in their backyard. Senior linebacker Rob Kierstead, sophomore guard Mike Leconte and soph place-kicker Chris DeVinney all return to the site of many prior successes.

“It’s great. I’ll have my whole family there,” said Kierstead, who made his first collegiate start in Portland two years ago and has a large contingent going to watch him play. “We live right across the bridge, so it’s not too far of a drive.”

He is especially pleased his grandmother, Geraldine Kierstead, will be able to attend.

In spite of his familiarity with the site, DiBiase knows there will be “butterflies.”

“We love playing in Orono, nothing beats our field, but for a kid from Portland it’s a little treat,” he said. “I’m all excited, nervous about my first start. This has been the longest week of my life, honestly.”

UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove said the game should be special for the South Portland boys.

“It really is a compliment to that town, that program,” Cosgrove said. “It’s neat. They’ve got a chance to be close to home and to some people that are close to them.”

Kierstead relishes the opportunity to represent his city and his state with the Bears.

“Being from Maine and being a part of the team and helping the program grow and prosper is special,” he said. “I’m raring to go.”

Cosgrove said it is increasingly challenging for Maine players to crack the lineup.

“We’re finding that with increased scholarship dollars that things get more competitive,” he said. “We’re excited as heck if they’re from Maine, because that helps us better represent our state.”

Tonight, UMaine takes on a Central Connecticut team that uses a similar run-based offense and a Virginia Tech-style defense.

“I think that has helped in our preparation,” Cosgrove said.

The Devils were 2-7 last season under first-year head coach Paul Schudel. Though dominated by underclassmen, CentConn has 20 returning starters.

“They’re a team I think is ready for a step forward,” Cosgrove said.

The UMaine offense features a veteran line and senior quarterback Jake Eaton. The Bears will look to sophomore tailbacks, including Marcus Williams, Jim Henry and Onyi Momah, to re-establish the run game. Stefan Gomes and Paris Minor are the top receiving threats.

CentConn had a solid defense last season, ranking third in the Northeast Conference while allowing 326 yards per game. Leaders are linebackers Ramsey Roland and Paul Stevens.

The Bears’ defensive unit will initiate new starters in strong safeties DiBiase and Brandon McGowan. They’ll draw off the experience of preseason All-America linebacker Stephen Cooper, end Brendan Curry and safety Dave Cusano.

The Devils’ balanced offense features QB Scott Dolch, tailback Clinton Dunston and wideout Nick Dresko.

“It’s such an important game to establish a team’s identity, to find out where you are in terms of preseason and offseason preparation,” Cosgrove said.

Tight end Danny Fusco and cornerback Devon Goree, both of whom are coming off injuries, are expected to play.