Agenda Item Request
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Informational Report - Cross Insurance Arena Task Force
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Background and Purpose of Request
The Cross Insurance Arena Board of Trustees have initiated a Task Force to begin the discussion in evaluating the market, financial, spatial, operational, and community viability of constructing a new, state-of-the-art multi-purpose entertainment and sports arena for Cumberland County and the broader Southern Maine region.
Over the last year, periodic updates have been provided to the County Commissioners on the work of the Trustees and staff, ultimately getting to this point of providing the Task Force’s “charge” and the committee members who have committed to aiding the effort.
The Task Force operates as an independent advisory body established to assess whether and how a modern venue could replace or supplement existing infrastructure, drive regional economic growth, and serve county residents. Key responsibilities include:
1. Marketplace & Venue Analysis: Evaluating population trends, event demand, and current facility constraints at the Cross Insurance Arena (including seating capacity and operational limitations).
2. Facility & Site Considerations: Collaborating with stakeholders such as the Maine Mariners (ECHL) to define facility specifications, as well as scoring potential urban and suburban site locations across Cumberland County.
3. Financial & Governance Models: Researching regional economic impact, capital funding options (including TIF districts, municipal bonding, naming rights, and public-private partnerships), and evaluating ownership structures.
Task Force Membership
As of September 2026, eleven committed members have joined the Task Force roster:
1. Steve Woods - Chair, Cross Insurance Arena Board of Trustees (Interim Task Force Chair)
2. Dexter Payne - Owner, Maine Mariners
3. Mike LoConte - General Manager, Cross Insurance Arena
4. Quincy Hentzel - President & CEO, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce
5. Jonathan Cross - President & CEO, Cross Insurance
6. Kevin French - Chairman & CEO, Landry/French Construction
7. Kevin Bunker - Founder/Principal, Developers Collaborative
8. Lynn Tillotson - President & CEO, Visit Portland
9. Michael Bourque - President & CEO, MEMIC
10. Jim Cohen - Partner / Government Affairs, Verrill
11. Ryan Wallace, Ph.D. - Founder & Principal Economist, Wallace Economic Advisors
Ex-officio
County Commissioner Tom Tyler
County Manager James Gailey
Next Steps
The Task Force is scheduled to hold its kick-off meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Hall of Fame Room at the Cross Insurance Arena. Further updates will be shared as workstreams advance.