Hey, sports fans! Get ready for an exciting year filled with all kinds of sports events in Maine! From cheerleading and roller hockey to trail running and road cycling, there’s something for everyone.
Guess what? Two national competitions are coming to Maine for the first time! There’s the Maximum Cheer and Dance MaXout, a cheerleading competition happening in Portland in February, and the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association National Championships in April at Auburn’s Norway Savings Arena.
The MaXout cheerleading event in Portland is going to be huge, with more than 1200 people, including athletes, officials, coaches, and spectators. They’re bringing the competition to Maine because they know how fantastic and supportive the people here are.
But that’s not all! Some events are making a comeback after successful debuts, like the Gran Fondo Hincapie Bangor in June, Ironman 70.3 Maine in July, and the XTERRA Trail Running Championship in Carrabassett Valley in August.
The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship had an amazing debut at Sugarloaf in 2023, bringing runners and spectators from over 30 countries. Now, they’re coming back for another unforgettable experience!
Maine’s becoming a hotspot for sports, with events like the High Peaks Paddlefest in Rangeley growing in popularity. Even the United Soccer League plans to bring an expansion team to Portland in 2025!
The Maine Sports Commission is working hard to make Maine a top sports destination, and it’s paying off. These events not only bring excitement but also boost the economy. A study by the University of Southern Maine found that sports events contributed around $155.6 million to Maine’s economy in 2019, attracting over 253,000 visitors.
So, mark your calendars and join the fun! Check out the full calendar of sports events at mainesportscommission.com. Let’s make 2024 a year of sports and excitement in Maine!
