With their home opener just a little more than a week away, the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) have announced some changes at Hadlock Field.
Once the Sea Dogs return for their opener on April 14, significant overhauls will be seen in many areas. Among the changes include new concession and merchandise offerings, upgraded seating, and an enhanced HVAC system. Another difference will be noticed upon entering the ballpark, as the team has added metal detectors at every gate.
The most significant upgrade to Hadlock Field this season is reconfigured concession stands. The reconfigured stands will increase the fried food stands on each end of the concourse from four points of sale to 12. Fans will no longer have to wait in separate lines for mainstream items and french fries. With the expanded fried food capacity, the Sea Dogs have added clam cakes and Maine Cut Potatoes from Penobscot McCrum to the menu. Hamburgers and cheeseburgers will also now be available at the two end concessions stands in the concourse.
Additionally, the Sea Dogs have doubled the output for soft serve ice cream. Other new offerings include Not Your Father’s Root Beer and Ginger Ale as well as Sea Dog Helmet Boats which will feature a standard Sea Dogs entrée (hot dog, cheeseburger, popcorn chicken, etc.) with french fries served in a souvenir Sea Dogs batting helmet.
The Sea Dogs have replaced all of the picnic area seats, sky view seats, upper box seats, and general admission seats. The new general admission benches have been changed from blue to grey to help differentiate them from the blue colored box seats.
Mini-split heat pump systems have been installed in all of the sky boxes and the press box. These highly energy efficient products are ductless units that will provide both heating and cooling.
For fan safety, the Sea Dogs have installed metal detectors at Hadlock Field. The team says it wants to keep entry into the ballpark as efficient as possible, but is asking for fans to work through an adjustment period. It is also recommended by the Sea Dogs that fans allow for extra time to enter Hadlock Field. Fans will not be required to remove jackets, belts and shoes. Watches, wallets and coins also can remain in place. The Sea Dogs will continue to allow bags, backpacks and purses, as long as the bag is not larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches. All bags, including purses, will continue to be inspected. For more information visit the Hadlock Field Metal Detector Frequently Asked Questions page.
The Sea Dogs have partnered with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to provide a free bicycle valet service at all Sunday games, excluding July 3rd.
The Sea Dogs Souvenir Store features several new items including a new selection of men’s, women’s, and Children’s products from Under Armour and Nike. New hats are available from 47 Brand and New Era along with a wide selection of novelties. Fans can shop online at www.seadogs.com.