The Majestic Pines of Maine State University - A Teambuilder Dynasty

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Maine State University to Launch Football Program, Announcing First Coach and Stadium Renovations

Portland, Maine — After months of research and analysis, Maine State University has officially greenlit the addition of a football team, set to debut for the 2026 season in which they will be playing a full 12 game schedule against FBS teams.

The school, located in Portland, is primed to make a major splash in collegiate athletics, with plans for an expanded Fitzpatrick Stadium as its home field.

This move comes after a comprehensive study into the feasibility of adding football, which showed broad support from the local community, alumni, and potential recruits. University officials are optimistic that this new chapter will not only boost the school’s athletic profile but also invigorate the local economy.

"The time is right for Maine State University to embrace the opportunity that football presents. Our study confirmed that there is a strong demand for this program in Portland and beyond," said Marc Kurto, the university's Athletic Director. "We're incredibly excited to see our teams, known as the Majestic Pines, compete at the highest level. And with the support from our community and donors, this project is already taking shape."

Kurto's first hire was Casey Monroe, who was hired as the school's director of football operations. Monroe, a former college softball player turned operations expert, will be tasked with keeping the ship running smoothly with scheduling, travel, and compliance.

Renovations to Fitzpatrick Stadium, the team’s new home, will begin shortly to expand seating capacity and improve facilities. The stadium, a well-known landmark in Portland, will undergo a substantial facelift to meet the requirements of Division I football, including updated locker rooms, press boxes, and fan amenities.

Some but not all of the renovations are expected to be completed ahead of the 2024 season opener, with the remainder set to be completed during the season.

"We're thrilled to be able to offer a first-class experience for our athletes and fans alike," Kurto added. "Fitzpatrick Stadium is a fantastic venue, and with these renovations, it will be one of the premier spots to watch college football in New England."

In addition to the physical upgrades, the university has named Rob Tierney as its first-ever football coach. Tierney is a former defensive coordinator at the University of New Hampshire. Tierney played linebacker at Maine in the early 2000s. After a decade in the FCS ranks, he finally gets his shot to lead a program in his home state. Known for discipline, toughness, and a blue-collar culture. Tierney's appointment has been widely celebrated.

"Coach Tierney is the perfect person to lead this program into its new era," said Kurto. "He’s a mentor, a leader, and someone who understands the values of hard work and community. His history in Maine speaks volumes, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have him as our first head coach."

Tierney says his vision for the program is rooted in a commitment to developing student-athletes who are as successful on the field as they are in the classroom.

"I’m proud to be back home, leading a team that will represent this great community," said Tierney "We’re going to build a football program that people can be proud of, both on and off the field. The Majestic Pines are about more than just football, we're about inspiring the community and the state's next generation of student athletes."

The university has received significant backing from local businesses to help fund the new football program and stadium renovations. Major donors include Hannaford, Berlin City Honda and Dunkin, all of whom are excited about the impact the new football team will have on the community and the region.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the generous support of our local partners," Kurto said. "Hannaford, Dunkin', L.L. Bean and Berlin City Honda have been instrumental in making this vision a reality. Their belief in Maine State University and its athletic programs shows just how much pride they take in Portland and in Maine."

The Majestic Pines football program is expected to generate excitement not only within the Portland community but across the state of Maine. The team's arrival in division one college football will provide a unique opportunity for local fans to experience competitive, Division I football close to home.

With renovations to Fitzpatrick Stadium underway and a new coach at the helm, Maine State University is ready to make its mark in collegiate football. Fans, alumni, and residents of Portland are eagerly anticipating the first season of Majestic Pines football in 2026.

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SEASON RECAPS

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RECORD BOOKS

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HEAD TO HEAD RECORDS

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RING OF HONOR

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RIVALRIES

The Battle for the Lobster Trap vs UMaine

The Battle for New England vs UMass

The Battle for Seavey's Island vs New Hampshire Tech

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THE STADIUM


*Artist's rendition, subject to change.

Fitzpatrick Stadium was originally constructed in 1930 and has been home to numerous professional, collegiate, high school and amateur sporting events. The stadium was updated in 2001 and again in 2010. Construction has begun in earnest to prepare the stadium for the Majestic Pines.

An artist's rendition of the playing surface shows the Maine State wordmark proudly displayed in one endzone while the updated 1901 flag is shown in the other. The Majestic Pines logo appears larger than life at midfield. The Hannaford logo is displayed at each 25 yard line. Hannaford has been the biggest sponsor of all of Maine State's athletics for decades. Secondary sponsors Dunkin' and Berlin City Honda are also represented.

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THE UNIFORMS


*Artist's renditions

EVERGREEN - The Evergreen uniform set features the Majestic Pines logo prominently displayed on the tan helmet, a tribute to Maine's original 1901 flag design. A robust green adorns the majority of the uniform set. The Maine State wordmark is emblazoned across the chest, reminding all that the name on the front of the uniform comes before the name on the back. The blue star appears on the front of the helmet as well as on the uniform sleeves, another striking tribute to the original flag. The number 207 appears on the rear bumper of the helmet as well as on the upper right thigh. Maine's first and only area code represents the entirety of the great state on Maine's 35,385 square miles just as the Majestic Pines football team does.

SNOW WHITE - Maine has some of the harshest winters in all of the nation. Our residents have been strengthened for generations because of it. The Snow White uniform set reminds us all how strong and resilient we can be. Features from the Evergreen set carry over, providing stability across the two main uniform sets.

MARINER BLUE - The Mariner Blue uniform set pays tribute to Maine's longstanding relationship with the Atlantic Ocean and all of the 6,000 plus lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of water in the state. The helmet features Maine's ensign, which in itself is a tribute to the state's Merchant Mariner flag which dates back to the 1930s. The logo from the ensign also appears on both sleeves. Other features carry over from the two main uniform sets.

HADLOCK TEAL - The Hadlock Teal alternate uniform set pays tribute to the Portland Sea Dogs, one of the state's most popular sports teams. The Sea Dogs call Hadlock field home and it is close enough to Fitzpatrick Stadium that a powerful enough blast from home plate could land on the 20 yard line. The Sea Dogs organization was instrumental in the formation of the Majestic Pines football team and has assisted with the funding of the upgrades and updates at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

TAN ALTERNATE - The Tan Alternate emphasizes the tan represented on the flag, using the Green from the pine tree and the blue from the star as bold accents.