James J. Fitzpatrick Stadium (formerly, Portland Stadium) is a 6,300-seat multi-purpose outdoor stadium in Portland, Maine, United States.[1] Built in 1930, it sits between Interstate 295, Hadlock Field baseball stadium, King Middle School, and the Portland Exposition Building. It is located across Deering Avenue from Deering Oaks Park. It was renamed in 1989 to honor James J. Fitzpatrick, one of the most respected figures in Maine athletic history.
Fitzy | |
 Fitzpatrick Stadium in 2024 | |
 | |
| Former names | Portland Stadium |
|---|---|
| Address | Portland, Maine |
| Location | 256 Deering Avenue Portland, ME 04102 |
| Owner | City of Portland |
| Operator | City of Portland |
| Capacity | 6,300 |
| Surface | FieldTurf |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1930 |
| Renovated | 2001, 2010 |
| Tenants | |
| Portland High School Portland Pilots (1946–1949) Portland Hearts of Pine (2025–) | |
| Website | |
| https://www.portlandmaine.gov/1174/Fitzpatrick-Stadium | |
History
editPortland Stadium was built in 1930 to replace the smaller Bayside Park, a baseball stadium.[2]
In 2001, the stadium received a $1.4 million renovation replaced the grass with FieldTurf, gave the track with a rubberized surface, and added rest rooms.
In November 2010, a $950,000 renovation began to replace the bleachers. Modeled after Memorial Stadium at Deering High School, the bleachers hold 3,800 seats on the home side and 2,500 seats on the away side and have a dark blue backing in honor of Portland High School's colors. The Portland High School Bulldogs is the primary tenant. The city of Portland paid for the renovation out of the capital improvement fund.[3]
Events
editFitzpatrick Stadium is the home field for the Portland High School Bulldogs, Southern Maine Raging Bulls, and Maine Tomcats of the New England Football League, state high school football championships, City of Portland high schools lacrosse league, Maine Elite Men's Lacrosse League, 2005 state high school lacrosse championship, and Maine Senior Games. The facility has occasionally hosted University of Maine Football games and local and high school soccer and track events. It was home to the Portland Pilots from 1946 to 1949.[4]
In 1960, Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kennedy spoke at Portland Stadium during his presidential campaign.[5]
In September 2023, investors known as USL to Portland were awarded a future USL League One team.[6] In November 2023, the Portland City Council approved a lease that will allow the team to begin play at Fitzpatrick Stadium in 2025.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Fitzpatrick Stadium". www.portlandmaine.gov. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ "Greater Portland Landmarks - Blog". Greater Portland Landmarks. 2021-09-23. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ "Take a seat at Fitzpatrick Stadium (on second thought, take 'em all)". Press Herald. 2010-12-01. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ "Flashback: Fitzpatrick Stadium". Press Herald. 11 July 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ "Letters to the editor: JFK changed many in life and death". Press Herald. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ Craig, Steve (7 September 2023). "Men's pro soccer team coming to Portland, slated for 2025 start". Press Herald.
- ^ "Portland will let professional soccer team use Fitzpatrick Stadium". Bangor Daily News. 16 November 2023.
External links
edit- Fitzy
- FieldTurf chosen to replace grass at Fitzpatrick Stadium
- University of Maine Black Bears to play at Fitzpatrick
- Fitzpatrick Stadium the right spot for high school championships
- Photo, 1948: Opening day for the Portland Pilots