Portland

Field:

Surface: Natural Grass
Capacity: 7,368
Dimensions: Left 315 ft. Centerfield 400 ft. Right 330 ft.
Stadium Opened: April 1994

Food:

I thought concession options were a little weak.
At the Fried Foods stand: McCain's Fries (which looked very undercooked), Sea Dog Haddock Fillet Sandwich, Popcorn Chicken (a pretty generous portion) with Bingas Wingas sauce.
Pizza (which did not look too appetizing), Kayem's hot dogs, sausage and peppers/onions, steak and cheese w/ peppers/onions, deli sandwiches, burgers, and fried dough.
The most unique item was the Sea Dog Ice Cream Biscuit.

Parking:

Parking is avilable in privately run lots for about $5.
Fans can also park in the Maine Medical Center lot or the Fitzpatrick Stadium lot.

Seating/Stadium Design:

Most of the seating is located on the 3rd base side of the infield since the arena building inhibits the seating bowl from extending down the 1st base line.
Seating bowl is made primarily of aluminum giving it a cheap feel.

No cup holders on seats.
No roof for any protection from the sun.
General admission seating is in the upper part of the seating bowl. I like when teams offer general admission seating in the infield.
"Maine Monster" - replica of Fenway's "Green Monster" in left field is complete with a Citgo sign and scoreboard.
Small souvenir shop.

Picnic area in the right field area
US Cellular Pavillion Seating area in right field.

Home bullpen is elevated in right field allowing you to see pitchers warming up.
Luxury boxes are named after former Red Sox greats.
Sea Dogs mascot ("Slugger") statue outside stadium.

Atmosphere/Character:

Hadlock Field's signature feature is the "Maine Monster" in left field. The mascot, "Slugger" is adored by the fans. I was disappointed in the lack of a "Maine" feel to the park. Supposedly, there is a lighthouse that was supposed to come up over the centerfield wall after a Sea Dogs homerun, but when I was there it did not. Not sure if it was broken or if they have gotten rid of it. Other than offering a fish sandwich and doing an in-between inning contest involving lobsters, you don't really feel like you are in Maine. I feel the nautical theme could have been used more. Overall, a nice place to watch a game, but the park is not anything special. If I didn't know, I would never have guessed this park was built in 1994. I would have thought it had been around years.

Recognition of Team's History and/or MLB Affiliate:

"Maine Monster" in left field.
Outside the stadium, there are banners honoring former Sea Dogs now playing for the Red Sox.
Luxury boxes named after former Red Sox greats.
Team pictures displayed in the concourse.
Championship banners and retired numbers displayed near the press box area.

Overall Rating:

Questions? Comments? E-Mail me:amanda@baseballstadiumreviews.com