Next time you are in Portland and have an afternoon or evening free, consider taking in a game of minor league baseball, basketball, or hockey. Recognized as a top minor league sports city in America, Portland provides a scenic backdrop to witness future sport heroes before they make it in the big leagues.
Spend a sunny afternoon at Hadlock field, home of the Sea Dogs. The team is the AA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and has been home to some of baseball’s best, including 2018 World Series Champions Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and Xander Bogarts. And with so many fun activities and events during the game, even if you aren’t a die-hard baseball fan you are sure to have a fun time. The stadium also has great ballpark food, like the Sea Dog Biscuit — a huge ice cream sandwich made with two chocolate chip cookies.
Portland is also home to the Maine Red Claws, the state’s NBA G league basketball team. The team is the minor league affiliate for the Boston Celtics and are wrapping up their 10th season. The games are fast-paced, and exciting, and some of the players you watch on the court will go on to play in the NBA.
The new Maine Mariners, an ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers, is the newest hockey franchise to call Portland home. The team plays their home games in the city’s largest venue, Cross Insurance Arena. The team often holds theme nights like Country Night or Maine Wild Blueberry Night, where a select number of guests will win a prize. Stick around after the game — the Mariners like to do post-game movies on the jumbotron!
Going to a minor league sports game in Portland is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The venues are smaller and more manageable than major league venues so it’s easier to get close to the action. It’s also markedly less expensive than major league ticket prices — which can be a real sticker shock. So take in some great sports in Portland!
