With the Portland Trail Blazers presumably changing hands soon in an impending sale, the state of the Moda Center—Portland’s 30-year-old arena—has become a hot-button topic
. The NBA and new franchise owners will be interested in renovating the building at minimum, perhaps replacing it altogether. Not everyone agrees that a facelift is necessary, let alone a whole new arena, especially if the cost is borne by the public.As a byproduct of the general sales talk, we’re going to have that conversation
today. For those of you who frequent the arena, what’s right and wrong about the Moda Center as it currently stands? Maybe you’re one of those who says, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Perhaps you would suggest specific upgrades. Or do you believe it’s time for a new, state-of-the-art facility in Rip City?
Obviously owners and league executives will have their own priorities. Luxury suites and accommodations have traditionally been high on the list because of their potential to generate revenue. Those are probably a given. But what about other modern amenities and assets that would redefine the building, or anything that would augment the experience for the average fan? Any thoughts?
Personally, I’d say that Moda Center is fine, but not much more than that. The facade is nice with the glass and the fire features, but after that it’s just a functional arena. It doesn’t have a lot of character, nothing that makes it feel distinct. The concourse is a concourse. Restrooms are semi-crowded and could use a traffic flow and space adjustment. Restaurants kind of exist and carts dot the outside of the walkway without any particular charm. Shopping is pinched and uncomfortable. Things seem to work but the entrance to shops to seat experience is an A, B, C journey where I’m negotiating or fighting the environment rather than feeling like a part of it.
Outside there’s Dr. Jacks (if you can afford it nowadays) and...what else? I know there’s the ticket office and some kind of rehab stuff down that row on the campus, but I can barely remember what inhabits that space. That in itself is a weird thing for a public, destination-oriented space.
To me, the Moda Center seems like a Lego structure built out of several different kits instead of designed from one, overarching box. In that way, I can see room for growth. I’m just not sure how much can be done with the existing facility and how much would require a new site entirely. Since it does work, mostly at least, I’d swallow hard at spending billions of dollars to improve the experience. If they do renovate and rebuild, I hope some kind of culture—as well as ease of use—factors into the design.
My final pronouncement about the campus can be summed up in a single sentence. There’s no compelling reason to go back to the site—or look forward to doing so—other than the events held there.
How about you, though? What’s your assessment of Moda? Would you be on board with an update or a new arena? If so, what aspects should they keep and what needs to be improved? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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