When did the Moda Center open and what was its original name?
The Moda Center opened on the 12th of October 1995 under the original name Rose Garden. It replaced the Memorial Coliseum as the home venue for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Questions about Moda Center
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How much did it cost to build the Moda Center and who funded the project?
Construction of the Moda Center cost US$262 million through a mix of private and public funding sources. Paul Allen contributed $46 million while the City of Portland provided $34.5 million and lenders supplied a $155 million loan.
What happened to the Moda Center ownership in 2004 and when was it resolved?
Oregon Arena Corporation filed for bankruptcy on the 27th of February 2004 leading to creditors taking control of the facility. The situation was resolved in early 2007 when Paul Allen reached an agreement to repurchase the arena and unite it with his team.
Why was the Moda Center renamed from Rose Garden to Moda Center in 2013?
The Moda Center received its new name following a ten-year deal with Moda Health announced in August 2013. This corporate sponsorship change sparked significant controversy among fans and local residents who preferred the traditional moniker.
Who performed the first concert at the Moda Center after it opened?
David Bowie performed the first concert at the venue two weeks after opening on the 25th of October 1995. Subsequent major performances included Roger Waters in June 2000 and Beyoncé on the 8th of September 2007.