One of the rites of summer in Portland, Maine, is to attend a Sea Dogs game at one of America's most beautiful minor league stadiums, Hadlock Field. If there was ever a professional sports stadium that could reflect a state, it's Hadlock. It feels cozy and inviting and there isn't a bad seat in the house.

Not only that, Hadlock Field is the home base for one of the greatest mascots in professional sports today. That would be Slugger, whose theatrics over the years earned a selection to the National Mascot Hall of Fame in 2023.

USA Today Snubs Hadlock Field in Best Minor League Ballpark List

Despite the overwhelming praise from fans, Hadlock Field was recently snubbed by USA Today on the list of the Most Beautiful Minor League Ballparks in America for 2025.

Facebook via Portland Sea Dogs
Facebook via Portland Sea Dogs
loading...

The fine print at the bottom of the USA Today list mentions the minor league baseball "experts" that compiled the list. That seems like a massive oversight or perhaps it has something to do with the renovations going on at Hadlock Field right now.

Hadlock Field is Undergoing Its First Major Renovation in Years

According to MaineBiz, the Portland Sea Dogs are currently building out a brand new clubhouse in the left field area. That construction is part of a multi-million dollar plan to invest in the stadium and bring it up to compliance with minor league baseball rules and standards.

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

There has already been improvements to stadium lighting for night games. There is also planned improvements to actual playing field as well. Those improvements, including the new clubhouse, should be ready for the 2025 season.

Hadlock Field Also Has a New Name

With new improvements come expenses and the Sea Dogs have mitigated some of those expenses by selling naming rights for their beloved stadium.

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

Starting this season, the stadium will be known as Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field. The new name will be featured in multiple spots throughout the stadium including on the exterior facade.


 

LOOK: MLB history from the year you were born

Stacker compiled key moments from Major League Baseball's history over the past 100 years. Using a variety of sources from Major League Baseball (MLB) record books, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and audio and video from events, we've listed the iconic moments that shaped a sport and a nation. Read through to find out what happened in MLB history the year you were born.

Gallery Credit: Seth Berkman

Yankee Magazine's Top Maine Ice Cream Shops

Need a refreshing treat during these hot Summer days? Yankee Magazine has you covered. Here are seven outstanding ice cream shops that Mainers can enjoy.

 

More From WSHK-WSAK 102.1 & 105.3 The Shark