Catching a Portland Trailblazers game

By Claire Nunn on December 22, 2021

If you're a basketball fan stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) you might be disappointed that there is no longer a NBA basketball team in Seattle. Especially if you ever considered yourself a Sonics fan. However, we're here to tell you that a Portland Trailblazers game is an excellent option to fill your basketball fix. 

Located a little over a two-hour drive from JBLM is the Moda Center home of the Portland Trailblazers. With the relatively short drive time, attending a game can work as a day trip. Tip off for the majority of the remaining games is at 7 p.m. meaning it's possible to arrive back home around midnight. 

There are a couple of weekend options remaining in the season with earlier game times that will allow you to arrive back home earlier. On Sunday, Jan. 9 the Trailblazers will host the Sacramento Kings at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12 Portland will host  the New York Knicks at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 27 the Denver Nuggets will be the guest with tip off scheduled for 6 p.m. 

Besides those three games the remainder of this season's home games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Continue to monitor the schedule for any possible changes.

If you prefer not to drive four hours in one day, multiple lodging options exist around the arena making a NBA game the perfect excuse for an overnight stay in Portland. Plus it allows more time to do a little tax-free shopping while you're down for the game.

The Hyatt Regency Portland, The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Courtyard Portland Downtown are just a few of the many lodging options. 

The Moda Center has a capacity of a little over 19,000 when set-up for basketball allowing for many seating and pricing options. The lowest ticket prices start at about $23 and can range all the way up to $1,000 depending on what you're looking for. Tickets can be purchased directly from Ticketmaster on the Portland Trailblazers official website. Their Fans Choice Packs also allows you to purchase ten single game tickets for a discounted price. 

Let's be honest, even if you love NBA basketball a lot of the fun in attending the game is the arena surroundings. Loud fans bonding over the desire for a win, plastic seats that have you sore by the four quarter and, of course, the food. 

More than 70 concessions are available throughout the arena with some serving up delicious eats from local eateries. A slice of pizza from Sizzle Pie and burgers from Killer Burger to name two. 

And of course there are the typical arena food choices that scream you're at a sporting venue. Nacho's with delicious bright orange cheese, pretzels and cheese, popcorn, hot dogs and more. 

Dr. Jacks and 10 Barrel Tap Room are two sit down restaurants onsite and open two and a half hours before tipoff. Both feature numerous flat screen tv's and an extensive food and beverage menu. 

Whether you find yourself rooting for the Trailblazers or you strategically select a game that has your team as the opponent, we highly recommend taking a trip down to Portland for a game. 

It's important to note that proof of vaccination is required to attend any Portland Trailblazer game.