A Guide to Moda Center
Opened in 1995 as the Rose Garden and renamed in 2013, the Moda Center sits at the heart of Portland's Lloyd District on the east side of the Willamette River. As the beloved home of the Portland Trail Blazers, the arena channels the city’s creative, independent, and food-obsessed spirit into an unforgettable, high-energy game-day experience.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingDrivers can easily reach the Rose Quarter campus from Interstate 5 by taking the Rose Quarter exit, or from Interstate 84 by taking the Lloyd Blvd exit. For parking, the campus accommodates guests across four primary multi-level garages the Garden, East Broadway, West Broadway, and Annex Garages alongside the Benton Surface Lot, which collectively offer a range of vehicle clearances and over two dozen electric vehicle charging stations. The physically attached Garden Garage provides the closest proximity to the arena with a dedicated ADA entrance on level P3, while the West Broadway Garage is highly recommended for drivers seeking the fastest post-event exit route.
- Public TransitTriMet MAX light rail serves the Rose Quarter Transit Center, directly adjacent to the arena. The Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow lines all stop here. From downtown Portland, it's a 5-minute ride. MAX is the best way to get to a game.
- TriMet MAX Light Rail SystemFans can take the MAX Blue Line (traveling between Hillsboro and Gresham), the MAX Red Line (connecting Beaverton, downtown Portland, and Portland International Airport), or the MAX Green Line (running from Clackamas Town Center to Portland State University), all of which stop directly at the Rose Quarter Transit Center immediately adjacent to the arena. Additionally, the MAX Yellow Line (connecting the Expo Center to downtown Portland and PSU) stops at the Interstate/Rose Quarter station, which sits a mere 200 yards west of the stadium gates.
- TriMet Bus LineThe primary options serving the Rose Quarter Transit Center include Line 4 (Fessenden), Line 8 (Jackson Park/NE 15th), Line 35 (Macadam/Greeley), Line 40 (Tacoma/Swan Island), Line 44 (Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest), and Line 77 (Broadway/Halsey). For commuters arriving via regional express routes from across the Columbia River, C-TRAN Line 105 and 105X (I-5 Express) also offer convenient game-day stops nearby on Interstate Avenue.
- RideshareThe rideshare zones on Center Court Street and Multnomah Street are active, and walking across the Steel Bridge to downtown remains the top insider tip for escaping post-game surge pricing and traffic.
Pregame Festivities
Portland's dining scene is nationally renowned, and the areas surrounding the arena. The Lloyd District, the Pearl District, and the inner east side neighborhoods offer exceptional pregame options.
Bars & Restaurants
- A sports bar on NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Named for the Blazers' 1977 championship season, it's the quintessential Portland sports bar shuffleboard, craft beer, projector screens, and a passionate Blazers crowd.
- A neighborhood bar near the arena (a nod to the Rose Garden era) offering craft beer, cocktails, and a game-night atmosphere.
- A craft brewery near the arena offering house-brewed beers in a laid-back taproom setting.
- A neighborhood tavern near the arena with a solid beer list and pub fare.
- A Vietnamese noodle house near the arena serving pho, bun, and other Vietnamese dishes. Portland has a significant Vietnamese community, and the pho scene is exceptional.
- A Portland pizza chain on East Burnside serving creative, counter-culture pizzas by the slice. Vegan options, punk rock vibes, and late-night hours make it quintessentially Portland.
- A vegan bar on NE Alberta Street offering craft cocktails and vegan bar food. Portland's vegan scene is one of the best in the country, and Bye and Bye captures the city's ethos. About 15 minutes from the arena.
- Portland's food cart culture is legendary — hundreds of food carts in pods across the city serve everything from Thai to Ethiopian to Korean tacos. Cartside Food Carts near the arena captures this tradition.
- The official Blazers merchandise store near the arena for gear and apparel.
Neighborhood Attractions
- The world's largest independent bookstore, occupying an entire city block in the Pearl District, about 15 minutes from the arena. Over a million books across multiple floors and color-coded rooms. Even non-readers find themselves spending hours here. A Portland pilgrimage.
- A free public garden in Washington Park with over 10,000 rose bushes and 610 varieties. Portland is "The City of Roses," and this garden — with views of Mount Hood on clear days — embodies that identity. About 20 minutes from the arena.
- Adjacent to the Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, this is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. Meticulously maintained gardens, tea ceremonies, and tranquil beauty. About 20 minutes from the arena.
- Portland's upscale neighborhood of converted warehouses, now home to galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and craft breweries. Walking through the Pearl District on a game-day afternoon is a quintessential Portland experience.
- A 1914 French Renaissance-style mansion in the West Hills, about 20 minutes from the arena. The free grounds offer the best panoramic view of Portland, with Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and the city skyline visible on clear days.
Monuments & Unique Features
- Little Prince SculptureLocated right outside the arena on the south side of the plaza. This massive 15-foot copper and steel sculpture of a royal crown resting on its side is an iconic pregame meeting spot.
- Essential Forces FountainDirectly outside the stadium gates sits this computerized water fountain donated by original team owner Paul Allen.
- Terra IncognitaAnother massive, permanent stone and steel public sculpture by artist Ilan Averbuch that has anchored the Rose Quarter plaza since the arena opened.
- The Trail Blazers Timeline ExhibitsThe main concourse wraps around several historical displays featuring photo timelines, artifacts, vintage sneakers, and changing exhibits tracking the franchise's greatest players and defining moments.
- Major 5th Art InstallationA spectacular floating mobile sculpture hanging gracefully above the main concourse. It features five large, rose-morphic musical instruments, symbolizing both "The City of Roses" and Portland’s rich music scene.
- Championship & Conference BannersThe crown jewel is the 1977 NBA World Championship Banner. It hangs alongside the 1977, 1990, and 1992 Western Conference Championship Banners, as well as several Pacific and Northwest Division Title banners.
- Retired Numbers
- #32 Bill Walton
- #22 Clyde Drexler
- #30 Bob Gross
- #30 Terry Porter
- #36 Lloyd Neal
- #45 Geoff Petrie
- #13 Dave Twardzik
- #20 Maurice Lucas
- #77 – Jack RamsayHonoring the coach of the '77 title team; also the inspiration for the Spirit of 77 bar down the street.
- #1 Larry WeinbergFounder/Owner
- "🎙️" Microphone – Bill SchonelyThe legendary broadcaster who coined "Rip City" has an honorary microphone banner in the rafters.
Seating & Special Sections
- Floor Seating & The Oro Fino LoungeDirectly on the NBA hardwood (Rows 1–2 surrounding the court). The absolute pinnacle of luxury at the Moda Center. These tickets grant entry into Oro Fino, a private, hidden, speakeasy-style lounge tucked away on the event level. Guests receive complimentary parking in the attached Garden Garage, all-inclusive premium fine dining (including artisan grazing boards, flatbreads, and gourmet smoked brisket), a top-tier open bar, and dedicated in-seat wait service throughout the game.
- Courtside Club & The Riverside ClubFloor level, specifically Rows AA–EE directly behind the floor seats: Offering unparalleled views where fans can hear the players' on-court chatter, these rows skip the stadium stairs entirely. Ticket holders enter through the same tunnels used by the team and referees, which open up directly into the exclusive Riverside Club. Amenities include private restrooms, an exclusive team merchandise shop, high-end in-seat catering (such as local Ranch Pizza and Killer Burger delivered straight to your seat), and a rotating all-inclusive bar and buffet.
- Baseline LoungesDirectly behind the baskets on both the north and south baselines of the floor level: Tailored for fans seeking a high-energy, laid-back atmosphere right next to the stanchion. It features a private court-level lounge area offering all-inclusive concession classics such as high-end hot dogs, wings, nachos, and local craft beer giving fans a premium club space without leaving the floor perimeter.
- The Club Level (200-Level Sidelines)The middle bowl of the arena, specifically Sections 201–204, 213–219, and 228–230: Striking the perfect balance between premium luxury and passionate fan atmosphere. This entire concourse level is strictly restricted to premium ticket holders, featuring extra-wide padded seating and exclusive access to two private, upscale stadium lounges. This level avoids the long general admission lines by hosting its own high-end bars and unique, rotating pop-ups of local Portland food vendors.
- Executive, Studio, & Party Suites
- Executive SuitesSuites 1–70: Feature a climate-controlled interior private living room, balcony seating for 16 to 22 guests, a personal suite attendant, a private restroom, and premium catering handled by Levy Restaurants chefs.
- Studio SuitesSemi-private, newer premium options located on the northwest corner of the level, featuring intimate booth-and-table setups for smaller groups of 2 to 4 guests.
- Party/Legacy SuitesMassive multi-room spaces configured on the ends of the bowl designed to host corporate groups of up to 44 to 100 people.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsPortland's food cart culture is reflected in creative, diverse food options. Local restaurant partnerships bring quality beyond typical arena fare. Vegan and vegetarian options are more plentiful here than at most arenas.
- Killer BurgerMain Concourse at Sections 105 and 115: High-energy, gourmet rock-and-roll burgers. Every burger comes standard with crispy bacon built right into the patty pile.
- Ranch PDXMain Concourse at Section 102 and Upper Concourse at Section 302: A wildly popular local hybrid of thick-crust Detroit and Sicilian-style square pan pizzas. Known for its perfectly crispy, caramelized cheese edges, slices are served standard with a signature side of house-made, creamy herb ranch dressing.
- Bunk SandwichesMain Concourse at Section 119 and Upper Concourse at Section 319: Upmarket, creative takes on classic street sandwiches and elevated pub comfort food. Highlights include their famous Pork Belly Cubano, marinated flank steak sandwiches, and an incredibly decadent, perfectly toasted Gourmet Grilled Cheese served with a side of tomato soup for dipping.
- Cha! Cha! Cha!Section 101 (Main Concourse), the private Club Level, and Section 301 (Upper Concourse): Fresh, sustainably sourced, authentic Mexican street-food favorites. They are heavily praised by locals for utilizing 100% hormone-free meats and non-GMO local produce. The menu features customizable street taco plates, massive burritos, loaded nachos, and fresh bowls with multiple vegetarian and vegan protein bases.
- Plum Tasty (by Moda Health)Main Concourse at Section 108: A specialized "slow food, fast" wellness cart developed in partnership with registered dietitians. It stands as the premier hub for health-conscious fans, offering nutrient-dense grab-and-go options, fresh handcrafted grain bowls, and dedicated dairy-free and gluten-free snacks keeping meals under strict sodium and calorie parameters.
- Zenner’s Sausage Co.300 Levels: A timeless Portland meat staple packing a heavy local heritage. They grill up premium, signature German-style bratwursts, traditional hot dogs, and smoked Italian sausages steamed in local Pacific Northwest craft beers and topped with heaps of caramelized onions and sauerkraut.
Arena Information
Notable Events
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena