ORONO — The University of Maine football program has been cleared by university officials to host a trio of football games on its home turf this spring. 

University of Maine President Joan Ferrni-Mundy reviewed the 2021 spring football season game operation plans and issued approval for UMaine to host home football games at Alfond Stadium, a news release announced Tuesday.

To comply with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding gathering sizes, no spectators will be permitted inside Alfond Stadium on game day. Only personnel deemed essential will be in the stadium during the home contests.

The health and safety plans were developed by UMaine athletics in collaboration with university health and emergency operations staff in adherence with state and University of Maine System guidance. Each home football game will be conducted and played under strict operational standards that have been reviewed and approved by the University of Maine Emergency Operations Center.

“All of Black Bear Nation appreciates the hard work and diligence our athletics and health and safety staff have done this year in support of our student athletes and our community,” said President Ferrini-Mundy. “Our players, coaches, and staff in all of our programs have been resilient leaders in our public health campaign. I am pleased we will have an opportunity to host games at Alfond Stadium starting in March. ”

Maine is tentatively scheduled to host three games at Alfond Stadium in the spring season, beginning March 13 with a home contest against Albany. Maine is set to host Villanova on April 3 before closing the regular season at home against New Hampshire on April 17.