📍 Portland, Maine
⚾ Home of the Portland Sea Dogs

Constructed on the site of a former high school ballfield, the home of the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs is steeped in baseball tradition. Officially Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field, the 7,000-seat stadium opened in 1994 and was designed around the historic Portland Exposition Building, which now dominates the first base line.

The arrival of the Sea Dogs gave the Pine Tree State its first minor league team since the Maine Guides departed Old Orchard Beach in 1988. The team was originally affiliated with the Florida Marlins, but entered a mutually beneficial partnership with the Boston Red Sox in 2003.

This affiliation led to a few changes at Hadlock Field to further both player development and architectural quality. Most notable was the installation of left field’s “Maine Monster”, a replica of Fenway Park’s Green Monster. Atop the wall sits a small Citgo sign. The team also echoes the Red Sox traditions of playing Sweet Caroline in the 8th inning and serving up Fenway Franks at the concession stands.

The ballpark still has its own unique flair, however. When the Dogs blast a home run or secure a victory, a small lighthouse pops up from behind the center field fence and a fog horn is sounded, reflecting the sights and sounds one would see and hear on nearby Casco Bay.

In addition to its uncovered seating bowl behind the plate, the ballpark features a few picnic areas, including an exclusive group space in front of the Expo Building and the towering Gifford’s Pavilion in right field, which boasts a buffet and countertop bleacher-style seating.

Portland often has some of the biggest crowds in the Eastern League, and for good reason. Not only does the permanent population come out to cheer on their team, but out-of-town visitors also seem to be constant flowing through the gates. The Sea Dogs have used their home-field advantage to secure six division titles and even won the Eastern League crown in 2006. Just two steps below the big leagues, many big MLB names have worn the Sea Dogs name across their chest, including Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Jon Lester. At the top of the infield bleachers, suites are named after some of the most famous players to have passed through Portland, and jersey plaques on the press box structure also celebrate their success.

Blending the seaside charm of southern Maine with high-caliber baseball, Hadlock Field offers fans a unique experience that truly epitomizes the Portland to Boston pipeline.