The Portland Sea Dogs announced the extension of their player development contract with the Red Sox on Tuesday. The club says the Red Sox will continue to keep their Double A-class affiliate in Portland for the longest permitted term under the existing Professional Baseball Agreement.

Red Sox vice president of player development Ben Crockett says Portland’s “passionate fan base gives our players a taste of what they will see at Fenway.” The Sea Dogs have been a Red Sox affiliate since 2003. The team routinely draws larger crowds than minor league clubs in much larger cities, such as San Antonio and Las Vegas.

The Sea Dogs were previously a Florida Marlins affiliate.