Moda Center
Ground broke on the new arena in 1993, marking a pivotal moment for Portland's sports infrastructure. The project cost US$262 million to build, funded by a complex mix of private and public money. Paul Allen contributed $46 million from his personal fortune, while the City of Portland provided $34.5 million. A consortium of lenders led by pension fund TIAA-CREF supplied a massive $155 million loan at an interest rate of 8.99 percent. The arena opened its doors on the 12th of October 1995, replacing the aging Memorial Coliseum that had hosted the Trail Blazers since 1977. Transit access played a crucial role in site selection, with the MAX Light Rail stop located directly adjacent to the venue. This proximity eliminated the need for extensive parking structures, which often hindered large-scale financing deals. Construction included one of the largest recycling programs in the United States up to that time, diverting tons of waste from landfills.
The structure stands as a precast concrete frame topped with skeletal steel roofing. It encloses over 100,000 square feet across eight levels, five of which remain open to the public. The building height reaches 100 feet from the event floor to the peak of the saddle-shaped roof. Over 100,000 pounds of glass form the exterior skin alongside thousands of pounds of plaster and insulation. A unique feature known as the acoustical cloud hangs above the court. This system consists of 160 rotating panels designed to mimic the roar of noise found in older venues. Each panel measures 10 feet by 10 feet and is shaped like an airplane wing. One side reflects sound while the other absorbs it, allowing engineers to adjust the acoustic environment for different events. The cloud cost US$2 million to design and install, featuring JBL sound systems throughout the facility.
Financial troubles struck the Oregon Arena Corporation on the 27th of February 2004, when bankruptcy was filed due to reduced revenues. Creditors took control of the facility after negotiations failed to produce a settlement. The United States Bankruptcy Court ordered the transfer of title to creditors on the 8th of November 2004. A new corporation named Portland Arena Management assumed operation duties, hiring Global Spectrum to manage daily activities. The relationship between Paul Allen's Trail Blazers and the creditor-owned arena became highly hostile over several years. Both entities competed aggressively for ticket sales during this period. Speculation mounted that the team might leave Portland entirely if ownership remained separate. In early 2007, Allen reached an agreement with creditors to repurchase the arena. The team and building were finally united under common ownership once more. This resolution ended years of legal battles and financial uncertainty surrounding the venue.
The original name Rose Garden reflected Portland's reputation as the Rose City while honoring historic venues like Boston Garden. Fans commonly referred to it as the Rose Garden Arena to distinguish it from the International Rose Test Garden nearby. In August 2013, the Trail Blazers announced a ten-year deal with Moda Health to rename the facility Moda Center. Public outcry followed immediately, with many fans and residents expressing strong disapproval of the change. Portland mayor Charlie Hales called the new name a head scratcher during initial discussions. A petition circulated among locals who preferred retaining the traditional moniker. Despite the controversy, the transition took effect for the 2008-09 season. The renaming process highlighted tensions between corporate branding efforts and community identity attached to long-standing landmarks.
The primary tenant remains the Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchise, owned by Paul Allen's estate. The arena also hosted the Portland Winterhawks junior hockey team until they moved back to Veterans Memorial Coliseum in 2021. A record crowd of 14,103 attended a game on the 15th of March 1997, when Portland tied Seattle Thunderbirds. Several minor league teams have called the venue home over the years, including the Forest Dragons and Steel arena football squads. The original Portland Fire WNBA team played here from 2000 through 2002 before disbanding. A revived version of the Fire is scheduled to debut in 2026. The Portland State Vikings men's basketball team previously used the facility before moving to Viking Pavilion. The arena supports configurations for ice hockey, lacrosse, and other professional sports beyond basketball.
David Bowie performed the first concert at the new venue two weeks after opening on the 25th of October 1995. Roger Waters held a sold-out show there in June 2000 that became the basis for his live video In the Flesh: Live. Beyoncé appeared at the arena on the 8th of September 2007 during her The Beyoncé Experience tour. Coldplay returned multiple times, including a notable performance on the 2nd of April 2017 where they covered Free Fallin' as a tribute to Tom Petty. Lady Gaga completed one of her few U.S. shows here in January 2013 before canceling the rest due to injury. Bernie Sanders addressed an audience of over 28,000 people during a campaign rally on the 9th of August 2015. Recent years have seen appearances by Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and Phish among many others. The venue regularly hosts WWE events, UFC fights, figure skating championships, and NCAA tournament games.
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Common questions
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.
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.