Orono Maine Traffic Advisory – Saturday Will Be Wicked Busy

Two incredibly popular events in Orono on Saturday will make it a crazy day on the roads around the University of Maine.

Parking On and Around the U-Maine Fieldhouse Will Be Scarce

Either of these two events would bring many people to the city of Orono on their own, so the fact that both are happening on the same day means traffic will be insane. Of course, all of those drivers will be looking for parking in the same lots, so by Saturday afternoon, things could get interesting.

READ MORE: Did You Know There Used to Be a Massive Ski Jump in Orono?

Two Events Will Bring Multitudes of People to Orono on Saturday

What are the events? From Friday through Sunday at the New Balance Fieldhouse, vendors and outdoors enthusiasts will gather for the 85th Penobscot County Conservation Association's Eastern Maine Sportsmen's Show. Parking is always challenging for this show, since the vendor vehicles take up much of the lot in front of the building.

Starting Saturday afternoon, that quest will be even more difficult because of the second event at U-Maine.

Men's Black Bear Hockey will play UMass Lowell in the Hockey East Tournament at Alfond Arena on Saturday. The game starts at 6, so spectators will arrive late afternoon, vying for the same parking spaces as drivers heading to the Sportsmen's Show, which closes at 8 p.m.

People Should Use Caution When Driving And Bring Their Walking Shoes

The good news is that Saturday is supposed to be a mild day, with temperatures in the 50's. People going to either one of these events should probably wear a comfortable pair of shoes and get ready to walk.

Drivers in the area are advised to slow down and pay attention to pedestrians and other vehicles. If you aren't attending either of these events and don't have to be in Orono on Saturday, it's probably a great day to go somewhere else.