Key facts
- Expected opening
- 2029
- Location
- Cassidy Point, Portland, Maine
- Current use
- Sprague Energy worksite and fossil fuel storage site with coal stockpile
- Coal pile removal deadline
- Covered by 2027, gone by 2030
- Land purchase
- Over seven acres
- Estimated cost
- $50 million, mostly private funds
Background
The Portland Hearts of Pine announced Tuesday morning that its new stadium is expected to open in 2029 at Cassidy Point in Portland, Maine. The site currently operates as a Sprague Energy worksite and fossil fuel storage facility, including a stockpile of coal.
A city ordinance requires the coal pile to be covered by 2027 and removed by 2030, which would free up the space for the club to purchase over seven acres of land. Founding Partner Jonathan Culley said the club understands Sprague is in the process of carting coal offsite.
Current situation
The club intends to keep the area as a working waterfront, with a separate operator coming in for the 600-foot pier. It also emphasized maintaining the environment in a transparent way as a key priority.
Culley said the club is committed to environmental compliance and has assembled a team to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulations and ordinances. The property is not currently permitted to hold a stadium; that process, along with additional environmental filings, is expected to take around nine months.
The City of Portland said in a statement that it looks forward to officially reviewing the project plans at the appropriate time to ensure it is a good fit for the city.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Expected opening | 2029 |
| Location | Cassidy Point, Portland, Maine |
| Current use | Sprague Energy worksite and fossil fuel storage site |
| Coal pile cover deadline | 2027 |
| Coal pile removal deadline | 2030 |
| Land area | Over seven acres |
| Pier length | 600 feet |
| Permitting and environmental filings | About nine months |
| Estimated cost | $50 million |
Impacts
At Tuesday's event, the club encouraged fans to participate in public hearings that will be held as part of the permitting process. It also plans to host town halls to gather input on what the Cassidy Point experience should be, directly from fans.
Hearts of Pine President Kevin Schohl said crowdsourcing ideas is what will make the project special and truly community built. The club estimates the move will cost $50 million, mostly from private funds, but is hoping for state and local sources to help build nearby infrastructure.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the permitting and environmental filings proceed as expected, the stadium could open in 2029 as planned. However, the timeline may shift if the process takes longer than nine months or if additional environmental reviews are required.
The club's ability to secure state and local funding for infrastructure could influence the project's scope and timeline. If funding falls short, the club may need to adjust its plans or seek alternative sources.
The involvement of fans in public hearings and town halls may shape the final design and community integration of the stadium. If community feedback leads to significant changes, the project could see delays or modifications.
Source: wmtw.com
