I’ve always found something special about the energy in Portland when basketball season rolls around. The city buzzes with excitement as fans in red and black gear fill the streets ready to cheer on their beloved Trail Blazers. Whether I’m catching a game at the Moda Center or watching from home I can’t help but feel the passion that Blazers fans bring every night.
If you’re thinking about joining Rip City or just want to get more out of your NBA experience you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a true Trail Blazers fan from team traditions to the best spots to catch a game. Let’s dive into the world of Portland basketball together.
History of the Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers first joined the NBA in 1970 as an expansion team. I remember locals talking about how this brought new energy to the city, since Portland hadn’t had a major professional sports franchise before. The Blazers quickly found their footing and won their first—and only—NBA Championship in 1977, led by Bill Walton and coach Jack Ramsay. That win remains a foundational memory for nearly every lifelong Oregonian I know.
Civic pride soared through the 1980s and 1990s, as the Blazers consistently made the playoffs. Players like Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, and Jerome Kersey became household names in Oregon. I watched the city come together as the team reached the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992, even though those championship runs fell short.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a new wave of stars—Rasheed Wallace, Damon Stoudamire, and Sabonis—who kept the Blazers in national conversations. Controversy came with that era, earning the roster the “Jail Blazers” nickname in local media, but people all over Oregon kept showing up to support the team.
Key players like Brandon Roy revitalized the franchise in the late 2000s, creating unforgettable moments before injuries cut his career short. The arrival of Damian Lillard in 2012 gave fans new hope. I’ve seen his buzzer-beating shots ignite crowds at the Moda Center and bring Portland into the spotlight again.
The Trail Blazers have made 37 playoff appearances as of 2024, with passionate fan commitment evident across Oregon. The team’s history shows how important basketball is in Portland—not just for sports fans, but for the whole community.
Key Players and Legends
Portland Trail Blazers history pulses with the stories of iconic players whose legacies shape Oregon basketball culture. Every fan in Oregon, including me, has personal memories tied to these athletes—each name a thread in the Blazers’ rich tapestry.
All-Time Greats
Blazers legends elevated basketball in Portland to statewide pride.
- Bill Walton: Walton led Portland to its only NBA title in 1977, earning NBA Finals MVP honors and capturing Oregon sports fans with his skill and energy.
- Clyde Drexler: Drexler, a 10-time NBA All-Star, took the Blazers to the NBA Finals twice, becoming a household name for Portlanders in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Terry Porter: Porter, a consistent point guard, set franchise assist records and formed the core of the Finals runs with Drexler.
- Rasheed Wallace: Wallace’s playoff performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s defined a new era of Blazers basketball intensity.
- Brandon Roy: Roy, despite knee injuries limiting his career, brought electric playoff moments and multiple All-Star appearances in the late 2000s.
- Damian Lillard: Lillard embodies modern Blazers culture with buzzer-beater game winners, six All-Star selections, and deep playoff runs—his “Dame Time” heroics echo through every corner of Oregon.
Current Roster Highlights
Portland’s 2024 roster rebuild brings fresh faces and hope for the next generation of fans.
- Scoot Henderson: Henderson, the 2023 No. 3 pick, shows elite speed and court vision, quickly earning starting guard status and anchoring the backcourt.
- Anfernee Simons: Simons, known for his scoring outbursts, averages 21 points per game and often delivers highlight dunks and three-pointers.
- Shaedon Sharpe: Sharpe adds athleticism and versatility, making key defensive plays and drawing praise for his potential as a future star.
- Deandre Ayton: Ayton, acquired in a major trade, brings size and rebounding strength in the post, stabilizing the Blazers’ frontcourt.
- Jerami Grant: Grant, a 2023 Team USA selection, provides two-way efficiency and leadership on and off the court.
I find these players consistently shape conversations in Oregon’s basketball community, whether you catch a game at the Moda Center or watch the highlights at any hometown sports bar.
Game Day Experience at Moda Center
Game days at Moda Center blend Oregon’s local traditions with the passionate Trail Blazers community. I’ve spent years exploring every corner of this arena, so here are my best insider tips for a smooth, unforgettable visit.
Tickets and Seating Tips
Securing tickets ahead saves hassle, since Blazers games often sell out, especially against West Coast rivals like the Lakers or Warriors. I usually check the official NBA and Trail Blazers websites for the most reliable seat options. For a lively Portland crowd, sections 101-112 near the court give you clear views of the action and the team bench. If you prefer budget-friendly seats, levels 300-330 still carry the energy, with fans waving jerseys and sharing chants from up high. I always recommend Row A in the 200 (club) level for a balanced view—these aren’t cheap, but you get extra legroom and quick access to food stands.
Best Food and Merchandise Options
Moda Center food stands offer Oregon specialties that showcase the region’s flavors. During games I grab a burger from Killer Burger or a fresh slice from Sizzle Pie—both Portland staples with locations inside the arena. For a quick snack, Salt & Straw ice cream or Tillamook cheddar carts deliver local taste. The craft beer selection rotates often, but Pelican Brewing and Hopworks Urban Brewery taps stay fan favorites.
Official Trail Blazers Team Stores near entries 10 and 20 carry player jerseys, hats, and exclusive Moda Center gear. I always check the wall near the checkout for limited-edition collaborations with local brands—these sell out fast, especially during playoff pushes. For kid-friendly gifts, mascot Blaze’s Den stocks youth apparel and interactive fan gear.
Supporting the Trail Blazers from Afar
Supporting the Trail Blazers stretches well beyond Portland. I’ve watched fellow Oregonians follow every game and connect with the team from nearly every corner of the state—and way beyond. Living outside the city doesn’t mean missing the action or community spirit.
Watching and Streaming Games
Watching and streaming Trail Blazers games remains straightforward for fans outside Portland. I use Root Sports Northwest for most live broadcasts, with games also available on streaming platforms like fuboTV and DirecTV Stream. The NBA League Pass covers national broadcasts and out-of-market games, which I recommend for fans living outside the Northwest. For those eager to catch radio commentary, Rip City Radio 620 AM streams every game and pre-game show, bringing local voices to any location.
Connecting with the Fan Community
Connecting with the Trail Blazers fan community from anywhere in Oregon—or the world—keeps the team experience personal and vibrant. I participate in online groups like “r/ripcity” on Reddit and follow the team’s official Discord for real-time chats during games. Social media hashtags like #RipCity and #BlazersTwitter help me join discussions, share highlights, and meet fans from different backgrounds. I join Oregon’s watch parties at local sports bars or independent theaters in places like Eugene, Bend, and Medford, which often host Blazers-themed nights. Trail Blazers fan clubs also organize meetups for playoffs or draft night, helping me keep my connection with Rip City strong wherever I am.
Must-Know Traditions and Chants
Blazers fans fill the Moda Center with energy by keeping old traditions alive and inventing new ones every season. Every home game starts with the crowd chanting “Let’s go Blazers!” echoing through the stands before tipoff. I’ve seen this tradition draw in first-timers and longtime season ticket holders alike, connecting everyone in Rip City with one chant.
Rip City comes alive each time the team makes a big play. Chanting “Rip City! Rip City!” puts the whole building on its feet—I’ve felt Moda Center shake after a Lillard game-winner or a clutch block by Ayton. Fans wave red rally towels after huge three-pointers, a tradition since the Drexler era. Seconds after the home team hits a deep three, you’ll hear Portlanders shout “Threeeee!” in unison, a custom that belongs to the Blazers faithful alone.
During the third quarter, crowd leaders start the “Defense! Defense!” chant, creating a wall of noise that rattles visiting teams. In close games, Moda Center’s upper deck always gets the “Beat L.A.!” chant rolling, especially when rivals like the Lakers come to town. Fans never let up until the final whistle.
After every Trail Blazers win, fans sing along to “Blaze of Glory” by Jon Bon Jovi, a victory tradition that started back in the late ’90s. In some sections, older fans still yell “Bobby Gross!” as a throwback to the 1977 title squad—little moments I love pointing out when I take friends to a game.
These rituals, crowd chants, and quirky tributes turn every game at Moda Center into a uniquely Oregon experience. Every Blazers event connects fans of all backgrounds through a shared love for Oregon basketball and tradition.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just starting to follow the Trail Blazers there’s always something special about being part of Rip City. For me the energy of Portland basketball goes far beyond the court—it’s about the people the traditions and the memories we create together.
No matter where you are you can find your place in this passionate community. So throw on your Blazers gear join the chants and let the spirit of Portland basketball bring us all a little closer.
