Hi - my son is a rising junior on the golf team. His roommate first year was a football player but I think they were grouped because they were both neat and went to bed at a decent time (rumor has it they had the neatest room on campus that year). Unless things have changed, I haven’t heard of them doing it either and agree with @emilybee that it is very unBates-like. I do know that sophomore year, many of the football players lived together I think in one of the Frye Street houses but they grouped themselves together. I do know a huge percentage of the student body is on a varsity team of some sort though so rooming with another athlete is a good possibility.
I’m a welcome parent - it’s been so much fun - and there definitely are receptions area to area. We live about two hours from Boston, so that’s where receptions we were invited to were held but I’m guessing if you’re from a metro area, there might be an opportunity for that.
I’m really glad your son is doing an AESOP trip - my son really enjoyed his, in spite of the pouring rain. He also did a NH/White Mountains trip. He still gets together with folks from his AESOP group.
The Bates webpage has information on places to stay in the area. The aren’t nearly enough places to accommodate everyone so do make your reservation early. Friends of ours ended up staying in Freeport which isn’t too far from Lewiston. This same couple also did an AirBnB in Lewiston last year and had a good experience (who knew Lewiston/Auburn does AirBnB?!) And for all things dining out, menusinLA.com is wonderful!