LEWISTON – Colisee officials are looking to a volunteer program to triple the number of ushers at each Maineiacs game this season.

Colisee General Manager Wayne Thornton said he’d like to have a core of 40 volunteers in all. He’d rely on about 32 for each game, taking tickets, watching the doors, ushering guests to their seats and monitoring the press box and VIP suite.

“I don’t want people who just want a see a hockey game,” Thornton said. “They don’t end up lasting very long.We want people that are proud of this facility and can really promote it.”

A volunteer meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. today at the Colisee.

In exchange for their work, volunteers get to watch every game they work and bring one guest. They get a 50 percent discount in the gift shop once they’ve worked five games and get to attend a team picnic after 10 games. They get a 50 percent discount on all food and will be guests at two service representative nights throughout the year, with free food and soft drinks.

Thornton said he’ll pick one guest service representative each month, and that volunteer will get to bring five family members to a special night at the Colisee, with free food and soft drinks.

Last season, the Colisee relied on about 10 paid ushers per game. He hopes the program is a way to boost the guests’ experience without breaking the budget.

“I want people really enthusiastic about the community and the facility,” he said. “I want people who can recognize the regular season-ticket holders and welcome them back. I want people that will be able to say Hi, welcome back. Your seat’s right over here.'”