Hearts of Pine Generated $16.5 Million in Economic Impact Across Maine in Inaugural Season
USL1 Portland Hearts of Pine

Hearts of Pine Generated $16.5 Million in Economic Impact Across Maine in Inaugural Season

Published on September 16, 2026 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Portland Hearts of Pine News Release


PORTLAND, Maine - Portland Hearts of Pine generated an estimated $16.5 million in economic impact across Maine during the club's inaugural season, according to a new economic impact study commissioned by the City of Portland.

Prepared by the University of Southern Maine's Catherine Cutler Institute, the study examined the economic activity generated by Portland's professional sports teams through team operations, visitor spending, and travel by visiting teams. The report found that Hearts of Pine alone supported an estimated 145 jobs across the state in its first year of play.

"The $16.5 million figure reflects an ecosystem that extends well beyond matchday," said Kevin Schohl, President and Chief Business Officer of Portland Hearts of Pine. "It includes visitor spending, year-round employment, and the economic benefits that extend to local Maine vendors and suppliers that contribute to the club's success. From the beginning, we've been intentional about building Hearts in a way that creates opportunities for local businesses and keeps a lot of that economic activity here in Maine."

Hearts welcomed 113,386 fans in 2025, the highest attendance in USL League One. In addition to having a strong season ticket base that represents all 16 Maine counties, Hearts of Pine generated economic activity from single-match buyers and tourists, with 36 percent of attendees coming from outside the local market.

That visitor activity is an important part of the economic impact measured in the study. Spending by out-of-area fans includes lodging, food and beverage, retail and local transportation, while team operations capture payroll, facility expenses and spending with Maine-based vendors and suppliers.

The study uses conservative assumptions throughout. Spending by residents living within 50 miles of Portland was excluded from visitor-impact calculations, while tourism spending estimates were informed by data from the Maine Office of Tourism. The analysis also measures the broader ripple effect created as spending moves through local businesses, supply chains and household spending.

"This report gives us a meaningful baseline," Schohl said. "It reflects what Hearts was able to contribute to Maine with one team, in one season, at a venue where demand consistently exceeded capacity. As we continue to grow, launch our USL W team in 2027 and move forward with plans for a new stadium, we see a significant opportunity to expand that impact for Portland and for the state."

Looking ahead, Hearts believes the next phase of the club's growth could significantly increase its economic footprint. A future stadium at Cassidy Point would allow for greater attendance, additional match dates, and expanded opportunities for the women's team and other community-oriented programming. The club projects the new stadium could generate approximately $30-40 million in annual economic impact for Maine, in addition to the $50 million-plus investment at Cassidy Point that would drive near-term construction activity and employment.

As the club grows, Hearts plan to maintain the local-first approach that has become part of the experience at Fitzpatrick Stadium, continuing to work with Maine food and beverage vendors, merchandise partners, contractors and other local businesses.

Check out the Portland Hearts of Pine Statistics

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