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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 F E B R UA R Y 2 3 , 2 0 2 6 F O C U S S P O R T S / T O U R I S M / R E C R E AT I O N Hearts of Pine to launch a women's franchise in 2027, Corcoran wonders if the city is headed toward a "tipping point" for adding more pro teams beyond that. 'Sense of belonging' Amid the harsh business realities, the games are what matter most to fans like Glenn urlow, a medical-device company executive in Freeport who comes to Portland to see all four pro teams. He and his wife Patti are full- season ticket holders for the Mariners and Hearts, partial season ticket hold- ers for the Maine Celtics and go to occasional Sea Dogs games. "When people gather to cheer for the same team, they share more than a score — they share pride, hope and a sense of belonging," urlow says. "Local games become meet- ing places, rivalries turn into friendly banter and victories feel communal while losses are softened by solidar- ity. In those moments, sports create a common language." If Slugger the Sea Dog could talk, he might very well say the same thing. Renee Cordes, Mainebiz deputy editor, can be reached at rcordes @ mainebiz.biz Kemali Green, No. 66, is congratulated after scoring the game- tying goal. Portland Hearts of Pine tie USL League One leaders Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 1-1 at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Learn more about Efficiency Maine at efficiencymaine.com/at-work. Scan the QR code to access the link. Save Money Now, and Later, with Efficiency Upgrades Efficiency Maine incentives reduce up-front costs of qualifying energy-efficiency upgrades. Eligible energy-efficient HVAC upgrades can help reduce your energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Incentives for eligible high-efficiency equipment and systems are available for businesses, non-profits, multifamily buildings, schools, and municipalities, under the Commercial and Industrial Prescriptive Initiatives Program. P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R

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