Whether you’re a sports fanatic — or just look good in red and black — when it comes to sports, Portland has no shortage of teams to support. Our city is home to some of the most loyal fans in the country, so of course they get tattoos to show their dedication.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Portland sports, so whether you’re already a devoted Portland sports fan or you’re new to the area, we hope it can serve as a valuable resource.
The very first Portland Trail Blazers team
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) | Est. 1970
Sports promoter Harry Glickman brought basketball to Portland, his hometown, fulfilling a decades-long dream. Seven years later, first-year Head Coach Jack Ramsay — known for his iconic plaid pants — took the Blazers to the promised land, roaring back from a two-game deficit to win the 1977 NBA Championship. Trail Blazers coaches, players, and fans come together under the banner of “Rip City,” a moniker spontaneously invented by legendary broadcaster Bill Schonely. On December 19, 2022, Damian Lillard passed Clyde Drexler to become the team’s all-time leading scorer.
Where they play: Moda Center
- Initially, the Blazers played at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. They moved to the larger Rose Garden (now named the Moda Center) in 1995.
- From 1977 to 1995, the city was gripped by Blazermania and the team set a record 814 consecutive home sellouts (the only sports franchise in the US to since surpass this mark is the Boston Red Sox).
Mascot: Blaze the Trail Cat
- This silver-and-white mountain lion joined the squad in 2002.
- For two years (1987-1989) Bigfoot was the Blazers’ on-court costumed character. Though he disappeared for decades, his descendant Douglas Fur recently took up the mantle, leaving behind the forest for the hardwood.
Team colors: Red, black, and white
- Five lines on each side (representing opposing teams) come together to form the Trail Blazers pinwheel logo. Between 2004-2007, gray was added to the color palette.
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- NBA Champions (1977)
- Three-time Western Conference Champions (1977, 1990, 1992)
- Bill Walton remains the only Blazers player to win the NBA MVP Award (he also won the NBA Finals MVP Award).
See the team’s schedule.
The Timbers Army supports the team at every home match (and away days too).
Photo by Craig Mitchelldyer/Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers (MLS) | Est. 1975
Throughout their history, the Timbers have played in different leagues in various forms — the North American Soccer League, United Soccer League, and Major League Soccer, which it joined in 2011. Early on, its ravenous fans helped earn Portland the nickname “Soccer City USA.” For the most exciting game in club history, look no further than the “Double Post.”
Where they play: Providence Park
- The ground has had many names throughout the years — from Multnomah Stadium to Jeld-Wen Field — and is one of the most-historic venues of any US soccer club.
Mascot: Timber Joey
- For every goal and clean sheet (when the keeper doesn’t allow a score), Timber Joey cuts a slab from the Victory Log with a chainsaw and presents it to the deserving player.
Team colors: Ponderosa green, moss green, gold, and white
- The double-sided ax logo is not only an homage to the Portland area’s logging industry, but it also serves as a stylized “T.”
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- USL First Division Commissioner’s Cup winners (2004, 2009)
- MLS Cup winners (2015)
- Three-time Western Conference Champions (2015, 2018, 2021)
- MLS Is Back Tournament Champions (2020)
See the team’s schedule.
Portland Thorns (NWSL) | Est. 2012
As a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League, the Thorns went on to win the very first championship, defeating the Western New York Flash 2-0. Since then, the club has won a league record three titles, with the most recent success coming in 2022.
Where they play: Providence Park
- The arena’s latest renovation was completed in 2019, adding three new levels, two new video boards, LED field lighting, an updated sound system, locker room upgrades, and more. Its current capacity is 25,218.
Team colors: Red, black, white, and green
- Portland’s nickname as Rose City inspires many aspects of the club, from the floral logo to the actual roses that players receive when they score a goal (or prevent them from going in the net).
- By Any Other Name (#BAON) is a team slogan and reference to the line “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- Three-time NWSL Champions (2013, 2017, 2022)
- Two-time NWSL Shield winners (2016, 2021)
- Women’s International Champions Cup winners (2021)
- NWSL Challenge Cup winners (2021)
See the team’s schedule.
Spring sunshine gets past the curtains during the annual Twilight Game.
Photo by Meg Connelly/Portland Winterhawks
Portland Winterhawks (WHL) | Est. 1950
The junior ice hockey team began its history as the Edmonton Oil Kings, before moving to Portland in 1976 for a cheaper stadium deal. Today, the team plays in the Western Hockey League (WHL), which is one of three leagues that comprise the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Many alumni of the team have gone on to have successful careers in the National Hockey League (NHL), including Hall of Famers Mark Messier, Marian Hossa, and Cam Neely.
Where they play: Veterans Memorial Coliseum
- The 12,000-seat arena opened in 1960 in honor of veterans from all wars.
- Prior to the 2021-2022 season, the Winterhawks played games at both the VMC and the Moda Center.
Mascot: Tommy (formerly known as Tom A. Hawk)
- The Winterhawks were often wrongly confused (and understandably so) as a farm team for the Chicago Blackhawks because their logos were so similar. But it simply stems from the fact that the owners of the two teams knew each other, and the jerseys that the very first Winterhawks team wore were a used set of Chicago jerseys.
- In 2021, the Winterhawks partnered with local apparel company Portland Gear and designer Brian Gundell for a complete identity rebranding.
Team colors: Biscuit black, buzzer red, squall gray, celly gold, and ice white
- The modernized logo incorporates several meaningful details. The two feathers are a nod to the previous logo. Mount Hood anchors the team in Portland, and within that design, you can see a “W” and an “H.”
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- Three-time winners of the Ed Chynoweth Cup (1982, 1998, 2013)
- Two-time Memorial Cup winners (1983, 1998)
See the team’s schedule.
Portland Pickles (WCL) | Est. 2015
Perhaps Portland’s wackiest sports team plays a collegiate woodbat baseball in the South Division of the West Coast League. You can catch these dill-igent athletes going head-to-head with other local squads like the Portland Rosebuds, Gresham Greywolves, and more.
Where they play: Walker Stadium
- Pickles games are known for zany promotions, like “California People Moving to Portland” and “Woof Wedensday.”
Mascot: Dillon T. Pickle
- Where do we begin? From the infamous mascot theft to the unfortunate photo cropping incident, this beloved 7-ft jolly green giant is always up to hijinks and capers.
Team colors: Navy blue, green, and white
- The team’s clean uniforms evoke the verdant forests and pristine waters of the region.
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- South Division Champions (2018)
See the team’s schedule.
Rose City Rollers | Est. 2004
The Rose City Rollers is actually a roller derby league that encompasses 17 different teams and programs, and claims to be the largest in the world. Its all-star team — the Wheels of Justice — competes on the international level and has won the world championship four times, more than any team except the Gotham Derby of New York City.
Where they play: The Hangar at Oaks Amusement Park
- The crowd can feel the energy from the same level as the flat track.
Team colors: Purple
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- Four-time world champions and winners of The Hydra Trophy (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)
See the team’s schedule.
