Portlanders love a good alternative sport and Providence Park, formerly known as Jeld-Wen Field, is no exception. While soccer is a major sport in other parts of the world, in the U.S. it tends to take a backseat. Everywhere but Portland that is, where Portland Timbers MLS soccer team and Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League play at Providence Park, right in the heart of downtown.
Providence Park Parking
Providence Park doesn't have a dedicated lot for events. Instead, visitors to the stadium must find parking in the surrounding area. Visitors are encouraged to take the TriMet to games or park in a downtown paid parking lot and walk or bus to the stadium. Those that park in the Fox Tower lot and use the Max to get to the Timbers game get half of their parking. The neighborhoods surrounding Providence Park are permit parking only and those that park in nearby commercial centers will likely be towed.
Hotels Near Providence Park
Despite its posh name, The Hotel deLuxe, directly near Providence Park, often has great deals on hotel rooms (and also offers game day parking). Throughout the downtown area, you will find hotels that offer convenient ways to get to Providence Park, including major chains like the Westin and Hilton, where you can save money by using your guest points.
Seating at Providence Park
Before buying tickets, take a look at the specific seating chart that the stadium provides. If you're not into enthusiastic fans, or have small kids with sensitive ears, then stay away from The Timbers Army, a section devoted to the Timbers fans that root at every game. The best-priced seats are the "value terrace," which is also furthest away from the field.
Food at Providence Park
Concessions at Providence Park are provided by Centerplate, which brings some of the city's signature foods into the venue. You will find offerings from local charcuterie Olympia (formerly Olympic) provisions as well a Tillamook Cheese Grilled Cheese Station and a rotating selection of the city's famous food carts in addition to Portlandian takes on classic stadium fare using local purveyors and ingredients.
Beer at Providence Park
Legal mandates don't allow you to bring your own alcohol into the stadium, but the concession stands include the local microbrews the city is known for as well as imports and domestics.
Parking Alternatives at Providence Park
The stadium encourages people to take the city's public transportation system to Providence Park or use one of the select bike parking spots that are available at Timbers games.
What to Bring to Providence Park
The outdoor stadium allows umbrellas inside the stadium but they cannot be opened in areas where they might block others' views. In cold weather, bundle up and wear a waterproof jacket with a hood and on sunny days, bring along some sunscreen. Hard coolers are not allowed, but soft ones are allowed to keep certain items cold.
Insider Tip for Providence Park
Locals avoid difficult parking situations and prices by taking multiple forms of public transportation, including the TriMet and Max to get to the stadium. Although the food has improved, many locals eat exclusively at the stands.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
Moda Center, formerly known as the Rose Garden, is the home of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. For part of their season, the WHL Winterhawks also play at Moda Center. When not hosting major sporting events, Moda Center is where you can find big names, like Madonna and Barry Manilow, headlining concerts as well as family and cultural events and various other sporting events.
Moda Center parking
For major events, Moda Center offers several different parking options for event-goers. The Garden Garage is physically attached to the Moda Center and offers regular and disabled parking spots. The Garden Garage is available for select Moda Center members during Trail Blazers events. There is also the Annex Garage for diners at One Center Court and the West and East Broadway Garages. On the Moda Center site, you can purchase pre-paid parking. Parking prices vary according to the event being held.
Hotels near Moda Center
Moda Center's location in downtown Portland makes it convenient to some of the city's best hotels. From major chains like Doubletree and Hilton, where you can find deals and earn membership points to smaller boutique hotels like The Benson or The Heathman, many hotels offer deals for families and weekenders.
Seating at Moda Center
Seating at Moda Center is circular, with standing room only near the floor and center stage. Standing is allowed at certain events, but at Moda Center's discretion. Disabled seating is widely available and suites can be purchased at various levels for both businesses and families. Prices vary according to the seating area and the event being held, whether it is a Trail Blazers game or concert.
Food at Moda Center
Portland's reputation as a food city extends to Moda Center. In addition to usual stadium concessions, Moda Center also offers Pyramid Taproom at Schonely's Place for both before and after game libations, named after Bill Schonely, the voice of the Trail Blazers.
Jack's Place, named after legendary NBA coach "Jack" Ramsay, offers casual Northwest dining fare.
Rose Room offers fine dining and stunning views for the formal buffet which is different every night.
And locals head to The Widmer Brothers Bar during halftime for local brews and top shelf liquor.
Portland's famous food carts also park nearby, offering additional gourmet options for event goers both before and after games and concerts. And inside, numerous concession stands serve local favorites, like Sizzle Pie pizza, Fire on the Mountain chicken, and Salt and Straw ice cream, in addition to traditional hot dogs and fried specialties.
Beer at Moda Center
With a reputation as a beer paradise, Moda Center offers beer at every turn, from restaurants to carts and concession stands. Beer can be found at every entry point and ranges from craft brews and ciders to less expensive standard options. Because beer is more expensive inside the center, some locals head to a local watering hole for a pre-game party.
Parking alternatives at Moda Center
Moda Center can also be accessed via Portland's public transportation system, the Tri-Met. At the Tri-Met website, you can find information on tickets. Another alternative is the Portland Streetcar Eastside loop, where you can save money buy getting a day pass rather than getting tickets for both before and after the game. The bike-friendly Moda Center also offers free parking spaces for those that choose to take a bicycle to the event center.
What to bring to Moda Center
The Moda Center is an indoor arena. Weather constraints don't apply, although the city is known for a lot of rainfall, so you may want to carry a coat with you for the walk to your car. The stadium was recently refurbished so the seats are more comfortable and probably don't require a cushion and the wide variety of food vendors from some of the city's favorite eateries and breweries means that outside food and drink and coolers are not allowed.
Insider tips for Moda Center
Although there are plenty of paid parking spots available, thrifty Moda Center goers try to find street parking to save money. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must not only for navigating the spacious stadium, but also for exploring the arena's surrounding restaurants pre-game or pre-show. Depending on the event, local deal sites may have special ticket prices available, which is another way to save money.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
