2016-EPG pg1

SPORTS .

SMALL SAMPLING OF UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS IN MAINE

From the mountains to the sea, Maine sports venues have played host to youth, amateur, national, international, university-level, and professional-level sports. In 2016 we’re excited to once again welcome bowling enthusiasts to the three-day Professional Bowlers Association league championship tournament as well as athletes from across the US to the annual Lobsterman Triathlon, named one of the top ten races in the country. Welcome to Maine . Maine and sports—it’s a natural fit. With its diversity of terrain and changing climate, Maine is a destination fortunate to have an array of distinct, unique four-season sports activities. Maine has the space to hold large competitions and the services to ensure they run smoothly. From marathons & triathlons, to cycling and golf, to motor sports, sailing regattas and much more, the state’s natural resources allow for the widest range of sporting events. While visiting, your delegates may want to catch one of the region’s semi-pro teams in a home game. Consider taking a family member or corporate client to cheer on the Red Claws, Portland’s basketball affiliate of the Boston Celtics. Or bring a group to the bleachers of Hadlock Field to take in a Portland Sea Dogs game and watch the Red Sox AA affiliate as they “play ball!” Greater Portland is geared up for the excitement of organized sports and our convention team is eager to help you navigate the logistics of hosting a major league event in Maine. Find out more about Maine’s fit for your sporting event at MaineSportsCommission.com—we have the resources to make your sporting event a slam dunk. “ Maine was a fantastic host for Tough Mudder. The community of Westbrook and the Maine Sports Commission were incredibly supportive of our mission, and the Portland CVB was instrumental in securing hotels for the thousands of participants who traveled to the region.” — Kate Fitzpatrick, Tough Mudder

US National Toboggan Championships Feb 5-7, Camden

World Cup Biathlon Feb 11-16, Presque Isle Maine Pond Hockey Classic Feb 12, Sidney Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races Mar 5, Fort Kent PBA Bowling Challenge Mar 31-Apr 6, Portland Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race Third weekend of April Kenduskeag to Bangor Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K May 15, Carrabassett Valley Salomon Trail Running Festival May 28-29, New Gloucester Atlantic Cup Sailing Race Jun 6, Inaugural leg in Portland Trek Across Maine Jun 17-19, Newry to Belfast Old Port Half Marathon & 5K Jul 9, Portland New England Forest Rally Jul 15-16, Newry TD Beach to Beacon 10K Aug 6, Cape Elizabeth Senior League World Series Aug 6-13, Bangor REV3 Maine Aug 28, Old Orchard Beach Lobsterman Triathlon Sep 17, Freeport PDGA U.S. Women’s Disc Golf Championship Sep 23-25, Sabattus The Dempsey Challenge Oct 1, Lewiston Casco Bay Cyclocross Race Oct 16, Portland

Photo on right: Courtesy The Color Run/Flo-Foto

4 CVB