A fresh initiative, Rip City Forever, has emerged with a mission to explore the development of a new venue for the Portland Trail Blazers. This group is assembling a team of experts to evaluate various aspects such as cost, size, and location for the potential new home of the NBA team. This, on the heels of news that the team is for sale for the first time in 37 years, leaves many basketball fans in Oregon wondering about the next chapter in the team’s future. Is it possible that a team will no longer play in the Rose City?
Modernizing the Trail Blazers Home
The group self-branded Rip City Forever has the objective to ensure that the Portland Trail Blazers have a state-of-the-art facility that meets modern standards. The group is dedicated to conducting a thorough analysis, which includes:
- Assessing the financial implications of constructing a new venue
- Determining the optimal size to accommodate fans and events
- Identifying strategic locations that maximize accessibility and fan engagement
According to organizers:
“State and local leaders should not take on faith that the team is here to stay. The Trail Blazers have only a flimsy five-year agreement in place to continue playing at the 30-year-old Moda Center. In a region struggling with increased layoffs, falling property values, minuscule population growth and lingering reputational damage, losing this cornerstone of our civic pride would be devastating.”
“The impending sale is an opportunity for leaders to show the NBA and potential buyers that Portland is the only choice – not out of guilt or nostalgia, but because there is no better partner for a team on the rise than a city making a comeback.”
Impact on the Portland Trail Blazers
This initiative could significantly influence the future of the Trail Blazers, offering them a competitive edge with enhanced facilities. A new venue can increase revenue streams through ticket sales, sponsorships, and hosting various events. The city is in a much-needed economic boost, and a thriving new facility could be what it needs. Having a new permanent home for the NBA team would ensure Oregonians have their basketball fix.
