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The College of Business at the ����ר�� has announced the launch of its new “Spark Business Series,” kicking off on Tuesday, March 4, with an in-depth discussion about the city of Portland’s leadership in minor league sports.

The college will present “The Business of Being #1 – Portland’s Lead in the Minor Leagues” at 6 p.m. in Arthur P. Girard Innovation Hall on the ����ר�� Portland Campus for the Health Sciences, located at 716 Stevens Ave. Doors open for refreshments and networking at 5 p.m. 

The event is free and open to the public, and advance registration is encouraged. 

A panel of industry trailblazers will explore the factors that have propelled the city to the top minor league sports market in the U.S., . Featuring executives from Portland’s leading minor league franchises — including the Portland Sea Dogs, Maine Mariners, Maine Celtics, and Hearts of Pine — the discussion will highlight the intersection of sports business, community engagement, and economic impact. 

Norm O’Reilly, Ph.D., dean of the ����ר�� College of Business, said Portland’s sports teams are an exception among cities of similar stature. He noted that, while many minor professional and grassroots sports organizations face stagnation, Portland’s teams are thriving.

“This success is built on a dedicated fan base, innovative leadership, and deep community engagement — elements that also make these teams excellent partners for ����ר��’s College of Business,” said O’Reilly, who will speak at the March 4 event. “Our students gain invaluable, hands-on experience working with these organizations, which helps launch their professional careers before they even graduate.”

The panel will feature:

• Chris Cameron, vice president of communications and fan experience for the Portland Sea Dogs
• Adam Goldberg, CEO/alternate governor of the Maine Mariners
• Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, founder and chief community officer of the Portland Hearts of Pine
• Dajuan Eubanks, president of the Maine Celtics
• David Broughton, reporter for Sports Business Journal

����ר�� President James Herbert will deliver welcoming remarks. Rick Burton, MBA, former chief marketing officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee and a longtime collaborator of O’Reilly’s, will serve as moderator. 

Portland’s sports landscape has been a driving force in the city’s economy and cultural identity. The city’s minor league teams have consistently ranked among the best in their respective leagues in attendance, fan engagement, and sponsorship growth. 

The Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, have been a cornerstone of the community since 1994, and the Boston Bruins-affiliated Maine Mariners revitalized professional hockey in the region upon their debut in 2018. Meanwhile, Portland’s newly launched professional soccer team, the Hearts of Pine, is set to further expand the city’s thriving sports market.

Since launching in 2023, the ����ר�� College of Business has established itself as a key player in sports industry education and community engagement. The University’s business programs have long served as a pipeline to student internships and employment with Portland’s minor league teams, including the Sea Dogs. 

In January, ����ר�� further solidified these connections by launching a research partnership with the Maine Mariners focused on student-led industry evaluation and marketing development.

“Our goal at ����ר��’s College of Business is to provide students with real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in the sports industry,” said Connor Blake, MBA, manager of ����ר��’s Center for Sport and Business Innovation. “Through collaboration with Portland’s thriving minor league teams, our students gain hands-on exposure to sports business operations, from marketing and sponsorship to fan engagement and analytics. These opportunities not only enhance their education but also help build connections that launch their careers.”

The Spark Business Series will continue to bring industry leaders to campus, Blake said, fostering dialogue on key business trends while creating professional pathways for students.