Portland Sea Dogs to Become the Maine Candlepins for One Game Only This August

Warmer days are right around the corner here in Maine, which means our long winter slumber is nearly over.

The birds are returning, the grass will soon start to green, and seasonal businesses have already begun to open.

The Portland Sea Dogs Are Ready to Open the 2025 Baseball Season

One of the most popular seasonal businesses is Maine's favorite baseball team, the Portland Sea Dogs. The Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox is excitedly preparing for the start of the 2025 season, with the home opener scheduled for Tuesday, April 8.

While there's plenty of excitement for that opening series, it was an August date that recently received a lot of attention—and for good reason. The August 2 game will be the team's annual one-game rebrand.

The Portland Sea Dogs to Rebrand as the Maine Candlepins

Since 2019, the Sea Dogs have taken one home game each season and completely rebranded the team to a theme that resonates throughout the state. Portland has been the Whoopie Pies, Lobster Bakes, Red Snappers, and Bean Suppahs, just to name a few.

The one-game rebrand is a fun way to engage fans and the community in a completely different way than a regular Sea Dogs game.

So, what's the theme for 2025? Well, get your bowling shoes ready. It's time to hit the lanes!

The Maine Candlepins? I absolutely love it!

As a kid of the '80s and '90s, I grew up on the candlepin lanes. I don't think I even picked up a 10-pin ball until I was probably 14.

Candlepin Bowling Has a Wonderful Tradition in Maine

Candlepin bowling has a unique history in Maine and Northern New England. First played in Worcester in the late 1800s, the sport grew to become a dominant force in the region. The pins are even manufactured right here in Maine.

I even remember candlepin bowling tournaments being televised on Saturday mornings back in the day.

The popularity of candlepin bowling remains strong here in Maine. According to candlepin101.com, there are at least 20 active alleys in the state, including the Big 20 Bowling Center, which is presenting the game.

READ MORE: When The Maine Guides Played in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Tickets for the game are available and can be found on the Sea Dogs website.

Best of luck to the Pins on August 2. Yes, I already gave them a nickname.