PORTLAND – The Portland Sea Dogs, in conjunction with U.S. Cellular, announced Monday that Hadlock Field will be expanded for the 2006 season.

The U.S. Cellular Pavilion will add 390 seats above the Sea Dogs’ bullpen in right field, and the seats will be pub-style, where fans can sit or stand at counter tops without blocking the view of anyone behind them.

The construction will be completed in time for Portland’s home opener on April 13, 2006.

The seats are similar to the “Monster Seats” of Portland’s major league affiliate, the Boston Red Sox. The U.S. Cellular Pavilion will have its own entrance, concession stand and restrooms. The seats will be the only seats at Hadlock Field in fair territory and fans will have a chance to catch a home-run ball.

U.S. Cellular has entered into a five-year partnership agreement with the Sea Dogs to help fund the expansion project.

“We are thrilled to align ourselves with U.S. Cellular, a company that shares our passion of the game and community,” said Charlie Eshbach, Sea Dogs president and general manager.