These Iconic Rock Bands Have All Rocked Portland, Maine’s Legendary Expo Building

When people talk about music venues in Maine, two usually come up right away. There’s the huge outdoor Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, and the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Both host tons of concerts, along with plenty of other big events.

But while those venues get most of the spotlight, there’s another place that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—especially when it comes to rock shows. It’s better known for its sports history, but the legendary Portland Exposition Building has quietly built a serious reputation as a rock venue and deserves a lot more love.

Maine's Portland Expo is One of the Most Historic Arenas in the Country

Located next to Hadlock Field, Fitzpatrick Stadium, and the Portland Ice Arena, the Portland Exposition Building (or Portland Expo) is home to many of the town's school sports teams, as well as the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League.

Originally built in 1914, the Portland Expo is the oldest multi-purpose arena still in use in the entire country. You can definitely feel all of that history in this old brick fieldhouse, which makes you feel like you've been thrown back into the days of Hoosiers.

The Portland Expo has been home to some significant events over the years, including professional boxing and wrestling matches, pro golf galas, presidential speeches, and plenty of great high school basketball and track events.

But the Expo also has an incredible music history, with a plethora of iconic shows that concertgoers would never forget.

What Iconic Bands Have Played Maine's Portland Expo?

This includes a lineup of rock shows that date back to the mid-1960s. Legendary bands like the Beach Boys, Jethro Tull, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Queen, and others have graced Mainers with their presence in this historic building over the years.

READ MORE: Bob Weir Dies at 78: A Look at his Touring History in Maine

Below is a look at some of the biggest acts that have come through the Portland Expo. It's a wonderful look at the amazing history of an iconic part of Portland.

A hat tip to the fine folks over at setlist.fm for their massive archive.