Take a bow, Portland. We’re No. 1.
On Monday, the Sports Business Journal released its rankings of minor league sports markets. For the first time, Portland topped the list.
It makes sense. Portland is home to three successful minor league teams – baseball’s Portland Sea Dogs, hockey’s Maine Mariners and basketball’s Maine Celtics – and will add a fourth next spring when the Hearts of Pine soccer club begins play at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Doesn’t it feel like Portland always ends up on one of these ‘best’ lists? Best place to live. Best place to visit. Best place to drink a craft beer and inhale a lobster. Best place to sprain your ankle walking on uneven cobblestone after drinking a craft beer and inhaling a lobster.
This superlative seems different, though. It’s based on something folks did, simply supporting the teams. It’s not based on the opinion of somebody who dropped into town to take a selfie at Portland Head Light and go home with a coffee …