State Spotlight:
Maine

With its coastal views, forested landscapes, and four-season appeal, Maine stands out as an exceptional destination for hosting sports events of all kinds. The state’s natural terrain invites endless possibilities—from skiing and snowshoeing in the mountains to sailing, kayaking, and triathlons along its iconic shoreline, while modern athletic complexes, ice arenas, and waterfront venues complement the outdoor adventure, providing flexibility for both large-scale tournaments and community events. “Maine is not such a hidden gem for sports lovers—it’s a place where outdoor adventure, passionate local sports culture, and unique regional events come together to create something special,” says Sheila Brennan Nee, strategic director of the Maine Sports Commission. n

With its coastal views, forested landscapes, and four-season appeal, Maine stands out as an exceptional destination for hosting sports events of all kinds. The state’s natural terrain invites endless possibilities—from skiing and snowshoeing in the mountains to sailing, kayaking, and triathlons along its iconic shoreline, while modern athletic complexes, ice arenas, and waterfront venues complement the outdoor adventure, providing flexibility for both large-scale tournaments and community events. “Maine is not such a hidden gem for sports lovers—it’s a place where outdoor adventure, passionate local sports culture, and unique regional events come together to create something special,” says Sheila Brennan Nee, strategic director of the Maine Sports Commission. n

Bangor

Bangor is Maine’s third-largest city and home to the Bangor International Airport. Located in the Maine Highlands, a region renowned for its access to iconic natural assets, Bangor boasts a wealth of scenic beauty.

Hotel Rooms: 2,400
Hotel tax rate: 9 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Cross Insurance Center offers 6,349 seats, 26,000 square feet, and 50-foot ceilings
  • Shawn T. Mansfield Stadium is a 1,500-seat ballpark
  • University of Maine’s Harold Alfond Sports Arena is a multipurpose venue that seats 5,640 for hockey
Contact:

Maine Sports Commission, mainesportscommission.com.

Portland

Located in southern Maine, Portland is the largest city in Maine and a charming seaside destination worth including in any trip to the state. This welcoming seaside city and beautiful region offer athletes, fans, and visitors endless opportunities to create memorable experiences long after the game, with places and activities that often inspire a return trip. It has been named the number one minor league sports market in the nation.

Hotel Rooms: 6,000
Hotel tax rate: Nine percent; some hotels charge an additional 1.5 percent tourism development district fee
Major Facilities:
  • Ballpark at Old Orchard Beach has a capacity of 6,000
  • Cross Insurance Arena is an 8,000-seat, 27,000-square-foot multipurpose venue
  • Fitzpatrick Stadium is a 6,000-seat multipurpose turf facility
  • Delta Dental at Hadlock Field is a 6,800-seat minor league ballpark
  • Portland Exposition Building offers 25,000 square feet of space
  • The Picklr is a 19-court pickleball facility
Contact:

Maine Sports Commission, mainesportscommission.com.