University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
Photo by: AMI Graphics
UNH Athletics, Northeast Delta Dental Announce Long-Term Agreement Highlighted by Delta Dental Lobby at Whittemore Center
7/15/2026 7:53:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey, Women's Ice Hockey
Ten-year partnership will elevate fan experience for UNH hockey fans
DURHAM, N.H. – University of New Hampshire Athletics and Northeast Delta Dental have announced a new 10-year partnership highlighted by the naming and transformation of the Delta Dental Lobby at the Whittemore Center at Key Auto Group Complex, which will serve as a prominent gathering place for UNH men's and women's hockey fans for years to come.
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Whittemore Center lobby will undergo a significant renovation designed to revitalize the gameday environment. Planned enhancements include three new interactive digital touchscreens showcasing UNH hockey legends and program history, a featured jersey display of past and present UNH sweaters, upgraded branding elements and additional fan-focused improvements that will create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for guests.
The partnership also establishes the annual UNH Athletics Homecoming 5K, a community road race that will begin and end at the Delta Dental Lobby. The event will celebrate Homecoming Weekend while bringing together UNH students, alumni, fans and community members in celebration of health, wellness and Wildcat pride.
CLICK HERE TO SEE RENDERINGS OF DELTA DENTAL LOBBY
"The support of Northeast Delta Dental will have a lasting impact on our athletics department and the experience we provide to our fans," said Demi Kneeland, General Manager, Learfield's UNH Athletics Sports Properties. "The transformation of the Delta Dental Lobby and the creation of the annual Homecoming 5K will help make the Whittemore Center an even greater destination for our community while advancing the University's values of engagement, wellness and school spirit."
"This partnership aligns perfectly with Northeast Delta Dental's commitment to community wellness and giving back," said Tom Raffio, president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental. "The values that define UNH Hockey — hard work, community pride and investing in the next generation — are the exact same principles that guide our business every day. We are honored to support the Whittemore Center and the UNH community."
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening connections across the Granite State while investing in the future of UNH Athletics and its student-athletes.
"The Delta Dental Lobby project represents an important investment in one of the most visible gathering spaces in UNH Athletics," said Fumi Kimura, Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations. "By celebrating the history of UNH Hockey, this partnership will strengthen the connection between our student-athletes, fans, alumni and community."
The Delta Dental Lobby will serve as a year-round focal point within the Whittemore Center, welcoming thousands of visitors attending UNH hockey games, gymnastics meets, concerts, commencement ceremonies and other campus and community gatherings each year.
Additional details about the lobby enhancements and the inaugural UNH Athletics Homecoming 5K will be announced at a later date.
About UNH Athletics
UNH Athletics is committed to providing an outstanding student-athlete experience and fostering NCAA Division I teams that are a source of pride for the University community, the State of New Hampshire, and UNH alumni worldwide. UNH Athletics creates and sustains a culture of Competitive Excellence, Leadership and Service, Engagement, Academic Success, and Respect, Integrity, and Inclusion. UNH Athletics is dedicated to supporting an environment in which student-athletes can thrive—competing for conference and national championships, pursuing their academic, athletic, and personal goals, and becoming Wildcats for Life.
About Northeast Delta Dental
Northeast Delta Dental, a nonprofit member company of Delta Dental Plans Association, is the region's leading dental benefits provider, serving more than 1.1 million people across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Founded in 1961, Northeast Delta Dental is committed to advancing oral health and overall wellness through access to quality dental care and community investment.
GoCatsTravel.com
Wherever the Wildcats take you, book your hotel through GoCatsTravel.com. Fans receive rates comparable to those offered by other booking platforms, while 50% of proceeds support UNH Athletics. Select your team, book your stay and support the Wildcats.
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Whittemore Center lobby will undergo a significant renovation designed to revitalize the gameday environment. Planned enhancements include three new interactive digital touchscreens showcasing UNH hockey legends and program history, a featured jersey display of past and present UNH sweaters, upgraded branding elements and additional fan-focused improvements that will create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for guests.
The partnership also establishes the annual UNH Athletics Homecoming 5K, a community road race that will begin and end at the Delta Dental Lobby. The event will celebrate Homecoming Weekend while bringing together UNH students, alumni, fans and community members in celebration of health, wellness and Wildcat pride.
CLICK HERE TO SEE RENDERINGS OF DELTA DENTAL LOBBY
"The support of Northeast Delta Dental will have a lasting impact on our athletics department and the experience we provide to our fans," said Demi Kneeland, General Manager, Learfield's UNH Athletics Sports Properties. "The transformation of the Delta Dental Lobby and the creation of the annual Homecoming 5K will help make the Whittemore Center an even greater destination for our community while advancing the University's values of engagement, wellness and school spirit."
"This partnership aligns perfectly with Northeast Delta Dental's commitment to community wellness and giving back," said Tom Raffio, president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental. "The values that define UNH Hockey — hard work, community pride and investing in the next generation — are the exact same principles that guide our business every day. We are honored to support the Whittemore Center and the UNH community."
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening connections across the Granite State while investing in the future of UNH Athletics and its student-athletes.
"The Delta Dental Lobby project represents an important investment in one of the most visible gathering spaces in UNH Athletics," said Fumi Kimura, Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations. "By celebrating the history of UNH Hockey, this partnership will strengthen the connection between our student-athletes, fans, alumni and community."
The Delta Dental Lobby will serve as a year-round focal point within the Whittemore Center, welcoming thousands of visitors attending UNH hockey games, gymnastics meets, concerts, commencement ceremonies and other campus and community gatherings each year.
Additional details about the lobby enhancements and the inaugural UNH Athletics Homecoming 5K will be announced at a later date.
About UNH Athletics
UNH Athletics is committed to providing an outstanding student-athlete experience and fostering NCAA Division I teams that are a source of pride for the University community, the State of New Hampshire, and UNH alumni worldwide. UNH Athletics creates and sustains a culture of Competitive Excellence, Leadership and Service, Engagement, Academic Success, and Respect, Integrity, and Inclusion. UNH Athletics is dedicated to supporting an environment in which student-athletes can thrive—competing for conference and national championships, pursuing their academic, athletic, and personal goals, and becoming Wildcats for Life.
About Northeast Delta Dental
Northeast Delta Dental, a nonprofit member company of Delta Dental Plans Association, is the region's leading dental benefits provider, serving more than 1.1 million people across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Founded in 1961, Northeast Delta Dental is committed to advancing oral health and overall wellness through access to quality dental care and community investment.
GoCatsTravel.com
Wherever the Wildcats take you, book your hotel through GoCatsTravel.com. Fans receive rates comparable to those offered by other booking platforms, while 50% of proceeds support UNH Athletics. Select your team, book your stay and support the Wildcats.
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