Professional hockey returns to Portland, Maine this Saturday

The Maine Mariners are set to play their inaugural game this Saturday, October 13th in a home opener at the Cross Insurance Arena. Named after the former AHL Maine Mariners, the team is set to take on the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL.

About the Mariners

Maine’s newest professional ice hockey team will replace the void left by the departure of the Portland Pirates in 2016. After an opening appeared in the ECHL, one of the NHL’s minor leagues, rapid interest led to a quick resurrection of Portland professional hockey. An online fan vote ultimately decided upon a team name which heralds back to the gone but not forgotten legacy of Maine sports.

Now, the current iteration of the Mariners is an affiliate for the New York Rangers and primed for an exciting debut. The team will be cheered on by recently-announced mascot Beacon the Puffin. (the Puffins were a semi-finalist in the naming poll)

Attending the game

Tickets are still on sale and open to the general public, and can be purchased at the Cross Insurance Arena box office or online via Ticketmaster, starting at $17 each.

Game Details

  • Saturday, October 13th vs. Adirondack Thunder, 6PM
  • Parking is available at the Spring Street Garage
  • The official promotional schedule is “Opening Night” and will feature a Magnet Schedule Giveaway.

Season Tickets and Deals

  • Season tickets or even a package of five games for $99 can also be purchased via the Mariners’ website.
  •  The Family Four pack is offered for all Saturday home games with advance purchase only. This deal includes 4 tickets and food vouchers for hot dogs, chips, and a drink, along with a souvenir hockey puck, at $72 for ends and $80 for center ice.

Upcoming Games

Can’t make the game this weekend? The Mariners will be playing the following Friday, October 19th at 7:15PM.

Final Thoughts

At Maine Pro Sports, we believe that Portland, Maine is the best city for minor league sports in the country, and that Maine is the best state for competitive and family friendly sporting events. We’re predicting a strong victory for the Mariners squad, but we want to hear what you are most excited for about the return to hockey in Portland.

Finally, be sure to check out official Maine Mariners team website to stock up on gear, scout the player roster, and learn more about the team.

 

 

 

 

2018 Maine Mammoths Tickets on Sale

The Maine Mammoths, the incoming National Arena League (NAL) football team, released individual game tickets today for all 2018 home games. Tickets will range in price from $11 for upper arena seating to $70 for the prime “Arctic Zone” front row seats where fans will have the opportunity to take home game footballs. A Family Four Pack is also being offered for all games, which includes admission, hot dogs, Pepsi, and chips for $30.

The National Arena League is a developmental league for professional indoor football players. The cities of Portland, Maine and Worcester, Massachusetts each received an expansion team for the 2018 season. Both the Mammoths and the Massachusetts Pirates will begin their franchise debut in a head to head matchup on April 7th in the Worcester DCU Center (more information available here).

These teams are hoping to capitalize on the void of New England professional football during the spring and summer months. For diehard fans, season ticket opportunities are also available on the Maine Mammoths website, including a “Never Wasted” ticket policy.

Maine football fans will have to wait until the following week for the official home opener, scheduled for April 14th against the Carolina Cobras. The Mammoths are set to play all home games in their inaugural season at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Below is the complete 2018 Home Schedule and Ticket Information:

  • 4/14 vs. Carolina Cobras
  • 5/5 vs. Jacksonville Sharks
  • 6/2 vs. Massachusetts Pirates
  • 6/16 vs. Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
  • 6/30 vs. Carolina Cobras
  • 7/14 vs. Columbus Lions
  • 7/21 vs. Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
  • 8/4 vs. Jacksonville Sharks

The Maine Mammoths have already announced a coach and a number of players on the 2018 roster. They are even holding auditions for team dancers, and a team mascot will be announced shortly. Stay tuned for more information to come.

 

 

Winter Olympics Sports in Maine

It’s already been two weeks since the end of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.  Maine is a natural fit and even training ground for many Winter sporting events, and there is no surprise to see a natural crossover of interests for Maine sports fans and Winter Olympics viewers. Maine’s hockey and skiing traditions are obvious, but what about some of the lesser known sports?

For those looking to get their Olympics fix, here are some local organizations, events, and programs to keep you involved until the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Alpine Skiing

The recently revived World Pro Ski Tour concludes at the end of March in Sunday River. For those fascinated by the intense Olympic slalom races, the nationally televised event will be a great opportunity to stay updated, and occurs right in our own backyard.

Curling

A spark of interest in the sport of curling resulted in an almost immediate signup of all available spots for the March and April Learn to Curl classes offered by the Pine Tree Curling Club in Portland. There is also the Belfast Curling Club to check out as well.

For Portland residents, you can always try reaching out to Pine Tree or checking back during the Fall for more beginner classes, or even try to build your own outdoor curling rink.

Biathlon

Cape Elizabeth native Clare Egan was unable to take home a medal for Team USA in the biathlon, but did shoot a perfect 10 for 10 in the Women’s 4 by 6 KM relay.

An amateur biathlon circuit previously hosted events across the state, but has been quiet since the 2016 Championship event in Presque Isle. You can always try contacting BiathlonMaine for more information.

Figure Skating and Speed Skating

North Atlantic Figure Skating Club promotes the sport of figure skating at every level across Greater Portland and Southern Maine.

Great Atlantic Speedskating Club is Maine’s only short track speedskating club. The season runs from September to April at the Family Ice Center in Falmouth, including both adult and youth competitions.

Learn More

For those who want to learn more about some of the Winter events, the site SportsForBeginners.com has guides for beginners interested in Curling, Skeleton, Biathlon, and Figure Skating. For example, even though there are no tracks nearby, there are introductory bobsled and skeleton experiences available to the public at the Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid, NY.