Portland Hearts of Pine Announces Partnership with Maine Office of Tourism

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Portland Hearts of Pine

Portland Hearts of Pine Announces Partnership with Maine Office of Tourism

August 26, 2024 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Portland Hearts of Pine News Release


PORTLAND, Maine - Portland Hearts of Pine have announced a new multi-year partnership with the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) to celebrate "the beautiful game" and the natural beauty of Maine. Together, Hearts and MOT will create new connections with soccer fans across the region and beyond, gaining access to a new audience of soccer fanatics who will be exposed to Maine through a variety of marketing and advertising materials used by the club.

"We are thrilled to have the Maine Office of Tourism as a partner," said Kevin Schohl, the team president. "Our matches will bring diverse communities of fans together to cheer for Maine's newest home team, and we'll be able to showcase that excitement as yet another reason to visit this great state. We want people who visit Maine to know that they can hike in Acadia, enjoy world-class cuisine, and attend an action-packed soccer game all in the same vacation," said Schohl.

MOT and Hearts' partnership will capitalize on the passion and anticipation surrounding the first-ever professional men's soccer team in Maine, which will begin its inaugural season in March 2025.

"We are very excited to have professional men's soccer coming to Maine. Our partnership with Hearts of Pine is timely, as sports tourism is a national trend that supports communities and has a significant economic impact for destinations. With the upcoming World Cup in 2026, we are leveraging the buzz already being created by this major event coming to the U.S."

- Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Offices of Tourism, Film and Outdoor Recreation.

"Hearts of Pine was founded on the principles of progressing, uplifting, and contributing to the betterment of Maine. We have a natural platform that garners the attention of large, passionate, and diverse audiences," said Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, Founder and Chief Community Officer at Hearts of Pine. "Part of making our club's vision a reality is establishing thoughtful, purpose-driven partnerships and engaging with Maine's communities in meaningful ways," Hoffman-Johnson continued. "Mainers have a responsibility to be stewards and active contributors to our culture and community. As the soccer club of Maine, we're no different. MOT's and Hearts' joint values will strengthen our efforts to sustainably support and promote the very best of what Maine has to offer," said Hoffman-Johnson.

MOT hopes to promote this new family-friendly sporting experience through expanded storytelling efforts to attract a growing and diverse audience of soccer fans in Maine and across the country. The partnership includes community activations and high-visibility marketing efforts with a common goal of sustaining and embracing Maine's authentic character for generations to come.

"We are very excited to have professional men's soccer coming to Maine. Our partnership with Hearts of Pine is timely, as sports tourism is a national trend that supports communities and has a significant economic impact for destinations. With the upcoming World Cup in 2026, we are leveraging the buzz already being created by this major event coming to the U.S.," said Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Offices of Tourism, Film and Outdoor Recreation.

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