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September 23, 2025

Maine Mariners and Cumberland County work out five-year lease extension

Maine Mariners hockey game File Photo / Jim Neuger The Maine Mariners hockey team extended its lease at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. In this photo taken Jan. 21, 2024, fans cheer after Adam Mechura (No. 21) scores the game-tying goal in the third period.
By Laurie Schreiber

The Maine Mariners and Cumberland County said a five-year lease extension will keep Portland’s Cross Insurance Arena as the hockey team’s home through the 2029-30 season.

“Today is a landmark day for our organization as we proudly secure our home at the Cross Insurance Arena for the next five seasons,” said Dexter Paine, the team’s owner and governor.

The deal was worked out between the county’s board of commissioners, Cross Insurance Arena board of trustees and venue manager Oak View Group.

The upcoming season will be the seventh for the Mariners franchise. The arena has been home to professional hockey since it opened in 1977, hosting the original Maine Mariners from 1977 to 1992, Portland Pirates from 1993 to 2016 and the current Mariners since 2018.

People walk into a lobby.
FILE PHOTO / WILLIAM HALL
Fans enter Cross Insurance Arena in Portland before a Maine Mariners game.

“Assuring the Maine Mariners will continue their success in Maine was a top priority for the team and the county,” said Jim Gailey, Cumberland County’s manager.  

The Mariners 2025-26 season will start Oct. 18.

The team was acquired by Paine, a North Conway, N.H., native and New York financier,  in 2024.

Earlier this month, Paine and his family bought a minority stake in the Portland Hearts of Pine soccer club.

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