  We propose to generate an artificial non-Abelian $U(3)$ gauge field by using
a 2-tripod scheme, namely two tripod configurations sharing a common ground
state level and driven by resonant 1-photon transitions. Using an appropriate
combination of four Laguerre-Gauss and two Hermite-Gauss laser beams, we are
able to produce a $U(3)$-monopole and a $U(3)$ spin-orbit coupling for both
alkali and alkaline-earth atoms. This 2-tripod scheme could open the way to the
study of interacting spinor condensates subjected to $U(3)$-monopoles.
