As Portland’s sports scene buzzes with talk of a massive renovation to the Moda Center, the question on every Trail Blazers fan’s mind is straightforward: What exactly are we getting for $600 million, and is it worth dipping into public coffers to keep the team anchored in the Rose Quarter? With Senate Bill 1501 making its way through Salem, renderings floating around, and opinions flying from architects to lawmakers, it’s time to break it down.
First, the nuts and bolts of what this facelift would deliver. Built in 1995, Moda Center is the NBA’s oldest arena without a major overhaul, and the plan aims to drag it into the modern era. Expect wider concourses with “eddies”: those trendy social nooks for mingling, grabbing a craft beer, and snapping Instagram-worthy shots without missing the action. Seating gets a shake-up too: Say goodbye to rigid level divisions and hello to scattered premium options like “ledge” and “loge” boxes, appealing to a mix of high-rollers and younger fans. Infrastructure upgrades are a big piece. Think refreshed HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and rigging to handle massive concert setups. Tech-wise, it’s all about seamless connectivity: Apps for seat navigation, personalized meal recs, live stats, and even in-game betting, plus upgraded digital signage and production capabilities.
On the outside, the vision includes new plazas, pathways, and exterior video boards to better integrate with the Albina neighborhood, promoting community vibes and sustainability tweaks like energy-efficient systems. Better lighting, open concourse views of the court, and even a “party zone” for non-ticket holders round out the package. This aligns with how fans experience events today, not glued to seats, but socializing and wandering. These shifts could keep the venue competitive for another 20-30 years.
The Trail Blazers have released renderings that paint a vibrant picture of these changes, showing bustling outdoor plazas and sleek, modern entrances buzzing with fans.
Now, the funding puzzle: This isn’t a blank check from taxpayers. The $600 million would be split among the state, city ($120 million, potentially including $75 million from the Portland Clean Energy Fund), and Multnomah County ($88 million). Senate Bill 1501 proposes an “Oregon Arena Fund” with state co-ownership, bonds repaid via taxes on athletes, performers, rental cars, and arena-related income. No new or hiked taxes for everyday folks. Lawmakers like Senate President Rob Wagner and Gov. Tina Kotek back it, seeing it as a way to lock in the Blazers amid their sale to new owner Tom Dundon. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson agrees that upgrades are essential to “affirm Portland as a major league city.”
But is it worth it? Proponents say absolutely. Keeping the Blazers means preserving 4,500 jobs, boosting economic activity from games and events like the Women’s Final Four, and maintaining civic pride. Without it, Portland risks becoming a “ghost town” like D.C. after losing its NFL team. Empty bars, lost tourism, and a hit to the city’s rep. Architects and NBA insiders argue that the arena is outdated. Fans want experiences, not just seats, and this would turn it into a “world-class hub” beyond basketball. Unseen infrastructure needs that could make maintenance a nightmare down the line.
Critics, however, aren’t sold. Bill Oram is skeptical and questions the plan’s value and ambition, implying it might not be worth the cost for a temporary patch rather than a transformative, long-lasting fix. Tapping the Clean Energy Fund draws fire for straying from its climate-focused voter intent, turning it into a “slush fund.” Why subsidize a billionaire’s toy when the city faces a $67 million budget hole? And with no ironclad guarantee against relocation, skeptics demand more from Dundon.
In my view, it’s a calculated gamble worth taking. Portland without the Blazers? That’s a tougher sell than overpriced arena nachos. The upgrades aren’t flashy innovations but essential updates to compete in a league where arenas are revenue machines. With funding structured to minimize taxpayer pain and benefits rippling through jobs and events, this could secure the Rose Quarter’s future. But lawmakers must nail the details, a 20-year Blazers commitment minimum, and ensure neighborhood gains aren’t just lip service. The shot clock is ticking; let’s not fumble this rebound.
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