It’s no secret to Mainers and visitors alike that Portland is a true sports town. While the city boasts a rich sports history, Portland truly shines for its minor league teams and the exceptional talent that has passed through on its way to the highest levels of professional sports. But what really sets Portland apart from other markets, however, is the passionate fan bases that support these teams year after year.
Recently, Sports Business Journal named Portland the Best Minor League Sports Market, a prestigious honor that comes as no surprise considering the city’s prime location—just under two hours from Boston, often called the “City of Champions.” In fact, three of Portland’s four current teams are directly affiliated with Boston’s professional franchises. Currently, Portland is home to the Sea Dogs, Celtics, and Mariners, with the Hearts of Pine soon joining the lineup.
Over the years, many other clubs have called Portland home, including the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League, who arrived in 1993 after the original Maine Mariners left for Providence in 1991. The Pirates played in Portland until 2016, when the team was sold and relocated to Springfield, Massachusetts. This move wasn’t due to a lack of fan support or attendance issues but rather stemmed from a lease dispute with the City of Portland over the Cumberland County Civic Center, now the Cross Insurance Arena.
Another notable aspect is that all four venues hosting these teams are city-owned. Two of them have secured multi-year naming rights partnerships, which will fund upgrades to their respective facilities, helping keep these teams in Portland for years to come. Additionally, the Hearts of Pine have pledged private funding to bring Fitzpatrick Stadium up to USL standards, allowing it to host professional games. Fitzpatrick also serves as the home field for Portland High School and other youth organizations, meaning these improvements will directly benefit the community.
The honor of being named the Best Minor League Sports Market in the United States is certainly not lost on our teams or the community that supports them. It’s a well-deserved recognition, validating the pride Mainers already feel about our thriving sports culture.