August 26, 2024 – 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.
About Portland Hearts of Pine
Portland Hearts of Pine is a professional soccer club that reflects the character of Maine and drives economic, community, and cultural value. The club strives to be a reflection of the diverse communities and cultures of Maine, from the Highlands to Downeast, Casco Bay to Acadia, Aroostook to the Forest City. Portland Hearts of Pine will kick off in USL League One at the historic Fitzpatrick Stadium in March 2025. To learn more about Portland Hearts of Pine, visit the club’s website and follow the club on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook.
About Maine Office of Tourism
The Maine Office of Tourism pursues economic vitality for Mainers in balance with healthy communities and the natural environment through responsible marketing, community advancement, and fostering collaboration among Maine’s tourism partners.
To learn more about the Maine Office of Tourism, please visit www.visitmaine.com and follow them on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
