Orono, home of the University of Maine’s Black Bears, has been named one of the best cities for hockey fans in the United States, landing at No. 26 overall on WalletHub’s latest ranking and third among NCAA programs. The small town’s passionate fan base and affordable game experiences have helped it climb the list, reflecting a growing appetite for collegiate hockey across the country.
WalletHub’s methodology
The personal finance site evaluated 75 U.S. cities using 21 metrics that span ticket affordability, arena capacity, team performance, fan engagement and local economic impact. Each factor was weighted to produce a composite score that determines a city’s overall hockey fan friendliness, making the ranking both data‑driven and reflective of real‑world fan experiences.
New England’s dominance
Boston topped the overall list, buoyed by its deep NHL heritage and the success of its college programs, while Orono emerged as the second‑highest ranked New England location, underscoring the region’s strong hockey culture. Other New England cities also performed well, reinforcing a tradition of passionate fan bases and competitive collegiate teams.
For Orono, the placement translates into heightened visibility for the university’s program, potential boosts in ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, and a rallying point for community events that celebrate the sport. Local businesses, from sports bars to merchandise shops, are likely to see increased traffic as the city climbs the rankings, reinforcing a feedback loop that can further elevate the hockey experience.
Looking ahead
With the upcoming season on the horizon, the Black Bears have a chance to improve their win‑loss record and climb higher in the NCAA hierarchy, which could propel Orono up the WalletHub list in future editions. Continued investment in facilities, fan outreach and affordable game experiences will be key to sustaining the momentum and attracting even more enthusiasts to the stands.