What motivated you to bring an NBA Development League team to Portland?
People in Maine are passionate about sports, and particularly basketball. In 2007 I was approached with the idea of starting an NBA D-League team in Portland. The project fit with my sports industry background in marketing and as owner of Oxford (Maine) Plains Speedway. I immediately saw that the key to our project was an affiliation with the Boston Celtics, with direct support from the NBA, as the D-League is its only minor league.
Portland is a great minor league town, long supporting the AA baseball Sea Dogs, and so we were confident that we could make it work with the Red Claws--and we have. The team is part of the fabric of what makes Portland such a vibrant place to live and visit.
How can groups experience Red Claws basketball?
Working with corporate, affinity, school and other groups has been key for us since we started. Providing a fun atmosphere that can be tailored to a group’s needs, we offer everything from a pre-game talk with the coach to group participation in a high-five tunnel with players entering the court. Plus, private space for pre-game social events. Over the last eight years, we have made significant investments in venue upgrades, including all-new seating last year. Enjoyed across cultures and age groups, basketball is perfect for any group.