The Portland Pirates, AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Cumberland County Civic Center trustees today announced that the parties have agreed to a long-term relationship that will see the Pirates play in the Cumberland County Civic Center through the 2017-18 season, with the option of a five-year extension through the 2022-23 season.
“I’m excited for our fans, sponsors, and our team that we’ve reached a mutually beneficial agreement with the Cumberland County Civic Center to perform in a state-of-the-art facility for many, many years” said Brian Petrovek, Managing Owner/CEO of the Pirates. “As we complete a 20th anniversary season, we now, with this relationship in place, can look forward to celebrating 40 years of AHL hockey in Portland just a few years from now.”
The Pirates are celebrating their 20th anniversary providing fun-filled, family entertainment in the greater Portland region. The Pirates won the 1993-94 Calder Cup championship in their inaugural season in Portland. The Pirates are looking to make the playoffs for the 15th time in their 20-year history and are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a magic number of 1 point to clinch a spot in the 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs.
The Cumberland County Civic Center has been the home of hockey in Portland since it opened in 1977. The Civic Center has played host to both the Pirates and their predecessor, the Maine Mariners, including a combined four Calder Cup championships during the 36 years of hockey in Portland. A 33-million-dollar renovation was approved by Cumberland County voters in the fall of 2011, with phase 2 of the renovations set to begin following the conclusion of the 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs.
