Saturday marks 168 days since Portland Hearts of Pine have played at Fitzpatrick Stadium, but any supporter will tell you that it’s felt like an eternity.
Hearts have instantly become ingrained in the fabric of Maine, selling out 18 home games during their inaugural season at Fort Fitzy, an affectionate nickname already featured on merchandise. Fans travel throughout the state to experience the incredible people, unique atmosphere, and fast-paced soccer.
Eva Hopkins’ journey from North Haven Island includes a 75-minute ferry ride followed by a 90-minute drive. She starts at the Portland Zoo, then heads to the game.
“It’s such a worthwhile trek because of the community of supporters that I have met and friends I’ve been able to make throughout the inaugural season,” Hopkins explained. “I can’t wait to do it all again.”
Chance Reed’s trip is shorter, but he’s enthusiastically traveled to New Jersey, Florida, and Vermont to support the team he’s come to love.
Reed’s brother invited him to the USL-to-Portland launch at Bissell Brothers in September 2023. He’s been hooked ever since, actively following everything associated with the club.
He’s ready to be back at Fitzpatrick Stadium, holding a shwarma pita pocket and Kickabout Lager, two of his favorites.
Interestingly, some of the people who pack Fitzy weren’t initially into soccer, though it’s now part of their identity.
Kirk Jones, who said he was “never a huge fan of soccer,” was convinced by a friend to buy a season ticket in the supporters’ section.
“He loves spending my money,” Jones joked.
What he experienced was worth every penny. Yes, the soccer is fun, and the food and drink are divine – Jones recommends the Icelandic hot dog – but it’s the people that keep him coming back.
Jones’ walk to his seat includes multiple interactions, as familiar faces offer a high five, a fist bump, or a hug. He’s surrounded by individuals who care deeply about him and his life.
“When I joined the Dirigo Union, I couldn’t tell you how many people just talked with you,” Jones said. “The people I’ve come across care about you as a person.”
Hearts' match days have already become a family tradition for many. Jones noted that his seven-year-old daughter knows all of the chants and came close to having her first oyster last year. His five-year-old son loves singing “HOP-EEEE” on corner kicks.
Jones brought his children to the tifo painting event ahead of Saturday’s home opener. His kids – with the help of Dana and others – jumped in to create a masterpiece that will be unveiled before the opening kick.
The car ride home included Hearts talk, with his daughter saying that she loved going to team events. She then muttered a line that caught Dad off guard.
“She said, ‘When we do Hearts things, it seems like you have more friends,’” Jones explained. “I paused to think about that and how to respond. I said, ‘That’s the Dirigo Union. There are a lot of people that we connect with.’”
The hope is to make more of these connections in year two.
Justine Satterthwaite is one of the Founding Mothers of the DiriGals, a group that aims to make space for women who support Hearts but may be a bit shy about getting involved.
The group, which has an Instagram page, is steadily growing beyond its five initial members. In fact, they had to switch their text chain to WhatsApp to include everyone.
“We are starting to do more events outside of Fort Fitzy together,” Satterthwaite said. “The DiriGals are some of my closest friends, and I talk to those gals on a daily basis about everything from family matters to what kits the boys are wearing this weekend.”
Bryan Willett grew up in Canada, where “hockey is a religion.” Yet he's never seen anything like Hearts.
He is part of the Valentine Band, a 30(ish)-person crew that provides game-day vibes with its eclectic mix of music. They meet every second Wednesday at Bunker Brewing to ensure the drums, trumpets, tubas, and more are on the same page.
“The band means everything to me,” Willet said. “I've found a chosen family that feels like they're blood family, and I would do just about anything for each and every member.”
Hearts fans have stayed connected during the off-season and early road games, but it’s not the same as being at Fitzpatrick.
Satterthwaite is excited for when the music stops, and everyone raises their hands to prepare for the pre-match Heartbeat.
“The boom of that drum echoes through the stands, rumbles right up your sneakers, snakes up your legs into your arms, and you can’t do anything with that energy but release it in one thunderous clap,” she said.
Hearts, who are 1-1-1, are looking to play postseason soccer at Fitzpatrick Stadium after narrowly falling short last year. Fans are optimistic that this can happen if the 13 newcomers can jell with the 13 returnees.
“I’m super excited to see how the team takes shape,” Reed said. “I’m looking forward to another year watching my favorite player, Jay Tee Kamara.”
If it does come together, Hearts supporters will play a role by creating a loud atmosphere that intimidates any visitor. Their traveling support is so good that some away games feel like home games.
A win against reigning USL League One champions One Knoxville would be a step in the right direction, but Saturday is more than that. For many, the first home match day will be a reunion and a return to normalcy.
“Hearts games are about coming together, standing with our neighbors, sharing a common love, and letting people know they are welcome in this space,” Hopkins said.
