2024 Event Planner's Guide

COMPETE IN STYLE

Maine and sports—it’s a natural fit. With its diversity of terrain and climate, Maine is fortunate to have an array of unique four-season sports activities. From the mountains to the sea, Maine sports venues have played host to youth, amateur, national, international, and professional-level sports; Maine has the space to hold large competitions and the services to ensure they run smoothly. Play in Maine Year-round, events make use of Maine’s mountain trails. This March, in addition to the annual Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race, the Fort Kent Outdoor Center will also host the 2024 US Biathlon National Championships. And XTERRA is bringing athletes from around the globe to Sugarloaf for their Trail Run World Championship in September. The Bangor waterfront sets the stage for the Gran Fondo Hincapie Bangor; scenic course lengths are mapped out from the Maine Highlands through Downeast, culminating in a family friendly festival. Since 2017, Firecracker Sports has hosted the All American Lighthouse Classic baseball tournament now welcoming over 100 teams every June; last year they added a second tournament and there’s now talk of a third! In July Maine again welcomes Ironman 70.3 triathletes from around the nation and Canada to swim the Kennebec River, then cycle and run the rolling hills around Augusta. Thompson’s Point has been chosen by Maximum Cheer and Dance for their MaXout competition projected to bring 1200 athletes and fans to Portland in February. The National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association selected Auburn as the site for their 2024 National Championship where 60+ teams will compete in April. As summer begins, the inaugural Maine’s High Peaks Paddlefest will be held in the Rangeley Lakes region, a special spot for water enthusiasts. Maine is emerging as a top “go to” place for hosting memorable sports and recreation events—participants rate their experiences high as well as an inspiration to return. CHEERING OUR NEW EVENTS

“While we will be new to the state, we already know how fantastic and supportive the people in Maine are.” — Pete Graham, Maximum Cheer

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