Fitzpatrick Stadium – Portland Hearts of Pine SC

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29

Fitzpatrick Stadium 140 Deering Avenue Portland, ME 04102

Portland Hearts of Pine website

Fitzpatrick Stadium website

Year Opened: 1930

Capacity: 6,000

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Lead With Your Heart

Since 1976, Portland, Maine has awoken every Valentine’s Day to find the city mysteriously “attacked” by hearts. Red hearts on plain white paper appeared on storefronts, lampposts, and even Fort Gorges in Casco Bay, but no one knew who was responsible. For 47 years the identity of the “Valentine’s Day Bandit” remained a secret, that is until April 2023 when Kevin Fahrman passed away and his family revealed him as the man behind the 47-year tradition.

That fall, the United Soccer League announced Portland would be home to a new USL League One club, set to kick off in 2025. When the team was officially named the Hearts of Pine it connected two powerful symbols: the red hearts of Fahrman’s tradition and Maine’s signature tree, the resilient pine.

The home of the Hearts, Fitzpatrick Stadium, has long been an important gathering place for Portlanders, most notably for the annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry game between Deering and Portland. So, it feels only fitting that it now brings the community together to support Portland’s newest professional team.

Food & Beverage   5

There is just one traditional concession stand at Fitzpatrick Stadium during Hearts matches, but the offerings are far from ordinary. Operated by local brewpub Brickyard Hollow, it serves up fried chicken sandwiches, signature burgers, and the unmistakable red Maine hot dog. The real standout, though, is their pizza, especially the Maine blueberry slice, which somehow just works.

However, most of the food experience leans heavily into Portland’s food truck scene. Options rotate throughout the season, but a few favorites include PB&ME, with creative twists on the classic peanut butter and jelly (think grilled sandwiches, tacos, and even a PBJ Dog). Miller’s Marke also impresses with wagyu smash burgers and steak sandwiches, while Cheese the Day offers a wide lineup of grilled cheese melts. For seafood lovers, a mobile oyster bar serves not only oysters but kelp dogs, lobster grilled cheese, and full-on lobster rolls, while Falafel Mafia brings falafel bowls, chicken shawarma, and hummus. In addition, Meet on the Street offers rice bowls, pulled pork, and tacos, and Empanada Club delivers a rotating mix of hand pies and southern Alabama style barbecue. There’s even Gunnar’s Icelandic Hot Dogs, a lamb-pork-beef blend topped to order. Lastly, on hot summer days Snowology 207 has Hearts-themed shaved ice.

For those looking to splurge a little, $3 Dewey’s Club offers reserved seating along the east touchline with buffet access, and even higher up the culinary ladder, High Roller Club serves the acclaimed lobster rolls from High Roller Lobster Co., arguably the city’s most talked about lobster rolls.

Portland’s status as a craft beer capital is reflected throughout the stadium as well – the Hearts partnered with Allagash to debut Kickabout Lager and Bissell Brothers for the Hearts of Pine Pale Ale. Other local favorites are also on tap, including Allagash White, Bissell’s Substance Ale, Maine Beer Company’s Lunch, and Portland Zoo’s Mesa Cerveza.

For those not drinking beer, there are plenty of local alternatives: Après’ Hearts of Pine Rickey, seasonal hard cider, and Blue Lobster wines are all available. Bottled Coca-Cola products and Maine Love canned water, in five locally inspired flavors, round out the beverage lineup.

 

Atmosphere   4

Fitzpatrick Stadium is not much more than your typical high school football venue – aluminum bleachers on both sides, a wooden press box perched above, and a basic scoreboard at the west end. But the Hearts have done an impressive job of making it feel like home. Heart-shaped overlays on the scoreboard, team crests, and branded signage over the seating areas all help transform the space into “Fitzy Park,” as supporters proudly call it.

Most seating consists of standard bleachers, with chairbacks available at midfield on both sides of the pitch. The High Roller Club stretches along the near side touchline at field level, while the $3 Dewey’s suites run along the end line of the east end. That said, some of the most sought-after views are behind the benches, along the far-end touchline, or up on the grassy hillside. Or, for those chasing shade and comfort, the far side bleachers offers a break from the evening sun.

There is just one traditional high school scoreboard here, at the west end of the stadium. While the facility lacks video boards and multiple scoreboards, the existing scoreboard does have capabilities to provide fans with shot, save, and penalty information, though this feature is not utilized.

Neighborhood   4

Fitzpatrick Stadium sits in a cluster of Portland’s sports venues, including Hadlock Field, home of the Sea Dogs, and the Portland Exposition Building, which hosts the Maine Celtics during basketball season. The stadium’s immediate surroundings do not offer much in the way of food or drink, but a short walk or drive opens up several great options.

The Great Lost Bear, a longtime local favorite, is not far from the venue and serves an extensive menu alongside one of Portland’s best beer lists. In addition, at the top of Deering Avenue Quiero Café offers flavorful and fast Latin fare.

For fans willing to go a bit further, the Old Port is Portland’s culinary and nightlife center, with an endless array of restaurants, bars, and shops along its cobblestone streets. Those looking to mix a bit of history with their visit can climb the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill, or visit the former home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow downtown. Alternatively, a walk along the Eastern Promenade provides amazing views of Portland Harbor and makes for the perfect picnic spot to enjoy a classic Italian sandwich from Amato’s, along with a bag of Humpty Dumpty chips.

Across the Fore River at Thompson’s Point, fans will find the Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine, as well as the Bissell Brothers taproom. Nearby Bunker Brewing Co. is also a Hearts-friendly hangout, but for the most Hearts-centered experience, The Portland Zoo has become the unofficial pre- and post-match gathering spot for many.

Fans   5

Mainers have anticipated the arrival of the Hearts since the announcement that professional soccer would be coming to the state’s largest city, and no group of fans has done more to stoke the fires of that fandom than the Hearts’ supporters' group, Dirigo Union. From pregame throughout the match, the singing, chanting, and revelry of Dirigo Union goes a long way in setting a one-of-a-kind stadium atmosphere, and if the passion of the Dirigo Union is not evident enough throughout the match, a Hearts goal is enough to send them into a near riot.

Already in their early going, the Hearts have set league records for sold out matches in USL League One. The popularity of Hearts of Pine soccer has been immense, with a waitlist for season tickets that numbers over 1,000.

Access   4

Parking is the stadium’s biggest logistical challenge; there’s very little on-site, so fans are encouraged to use one of two main garages, either at the University of Southern Maine (88 Bedford Street) or at Maine Medical Center (880 Congress Street). Both are about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the facility. The Iris Network lot is another solid option, offering $10 parking with direct stadium access (cash only). Some street parking is also available if arriving early.

Fitzpatrick is also about a mile from the Amtrak station, which is served by the Downeaster line from Boston to Brunswick. Fitzpatrick Stadium is also walkable from nearby neighborhoods like Parkside, Libbytown, and Bayside, and for those biking in, the team has partnered with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to offer a free bike valet for matches in July and August.

The main entrance at Fitzpatrick Stadium, Gate A, can get congested, particularly before kickoff. A limited number of entry points and slower hand-wand metal detectors contribute to delays, especially with sellout crowds. Once inside, fans are funneled in two directions: left toward the south side stands or right toward the north. A field-level walkway runs along the north stands, allowing fans to move without disrupting views of the match. Much of the pathway that leads behind the press box is gravel, however, which can be a bit tough to navigate for those with mobility challenges.

The success of the Hearts has created unintended consequences around the stadium. Capacity crowds often create bottlenecks, especially in high-traffic areas. Once through some of the choke points, though, navigation becomes much easier. At times, the popularity of the Hearts almost makes it feel as if they have already outgrown their home.

Return on Investment   4

The problem with Hearts tickets is not the cost, but that they can be extremely difficult to come by. General admission runs $20 ($18 in the supporters’ section), but most matches sell out quickly and also months ahead of time. The secondary market is not much help; tickets are in demand and priced accordingly.

Parking, if you can find free street spots, keeps things affordable. Otherwise, expect to pay between $10 to $20. Concession prices are slightly above average, but the food quality more than justifies the cost.

Extras   4

Fitzpatrick Stadium’s west end features a kids’ zone with inflatable games, a mini soccer field, and a sign-making station. It is a great place for kids who might not be able to stay engaged with the game for the full 90 minutes.

Moxie the Moose, the team’s mascot, named after Maine’s famously polarizing soda, makes his way around the stadium, mostly near the kids’ area. Who knows, maybe we will see Moxie crowd surfing atop the Dirigo Union one day.

The Hearts of Pine truly is an organization that has rooted itself not just in the Portland community, but across the state of Maine. Win, lose, or draw, the players are quick to thank fans following the match, and Hearts owner Gabe Hoffman-Johnson is easily accessible to fans throughout, often circulating around the stadium during the match.

The music during pregame, halftime, and after the match intentionally highlights songs about hearts and love – it is a small touch that goes a long way in emphasizing the Hearts’ branding.

Final Thoughts

Fitzpatrick Stadium might not be flashy. It is not modern. It does not have high-end amenities. But none of that matters as much as what is there: heart, connection, and a fanbase that genuinely loves this club.

The Hearts of Pine are more than a soccer team; they are a reflection of the city itself. From Kevin Fahrman’s red hearts to the roar of the crowd at “Fitzy Park,” the through-line is love. Love for the game. Love for community. And love for their team.