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Moda Center Guide

NBA · Portland · 19,980 capacity

Last updated: 3/9/2026

Moda Center is one of the NBA's most accessible venues thanks to its on-site MAX light rail station, making hotels in the adjacent Lloyd District or downtown a short train ride away. With tailgating prohibited in Rose Quarter lots, the pregame moves to nearby sports bars like Spirit of 77, a tribute to the Blazers' 1977 championship season.

At a glance

Bag policy
Size-restricted bags
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
Sealed water only
Getting here
The venue is served by TriMet MAX Light Rail (Yellow and Green lines) via the Rose Quarter Transit Center.
Family friendly
Offers family-friendly amenities, including nursing rooms and changing stations throughout the arena.
Capacity
19,980

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Moda Center on the calendar. See Portland home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Moda Center

Lloyd District or Downtown Portland (near the MAX line).

Lloyd District

The Lloyd District is ideal for sports fans due to its direct proximity to major venues. It's a bustling area with diverse business, services, and entertainment options. It offers excellent public transit accessibility.

The Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum are located within the Lloyd District. The Rose Quarter Transit Center, served by MAX Light Rail (Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow lines) and several TriMet bus routes (including 4, 8, 17, 35, 40, 44, 77), provides direct access to these venues. The district has an excellent Transit Score of 80.

Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland offers a central location with convenient access to both the Moda Center and Providence Park via public transit. During business hours, the central city is vibrant and generally safe. It provides a dynamic mix of entertainment and amenities.

Downtown is a major transit hub. MAX Light Rail lines (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow) connect to the Rose Quarter Transit Center (for Moda Center) and the Providence Park MAX station. Numerous TriMet bus lines and the Portland Streetcar (NS, A, B loops) also serve the downtown area, providing connections across the city.

Pearl District

The Pearl District offers an upscale urban experience with boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining options. It's adjacent to downtown, making it relatively central. While some sources highlight its amenities and pedestrian activity, it's important to be aware of mixed safety perceptions, with some reports of increased property crime and assaults.

The Pearl District is served by the Portland Streetcar (NS, A, and B loops), providing connections to downtown, the Lloyd District, and other areas. It also has good bus access and is within walking distance or a short transit ride to MAX Light Rail stations in downtown connecting to the major sports venues.

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

The venue is served by TriMet MAX Light Rail (Yellow and Green lines) via the Rose Quarter Transit Center.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up area is located on N. Multnomah St.

Parking: Pre-purchase parking passes online through the Rose Quarter website to guarantee a spot.

After the event

Spirit of 77

Works well with these Portland venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Located in the Rose Quarter district, on the east bank of the Willamette River.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is generally prohibited in Rose Quarter parking structures and surface lots.
  • Signature food: Local Portland favorites often featured include Burgerville and various rotating local pop-ups.
  • Fan tradition: The 'Rip City' chant and wearing Blazers gear throughout the city on game days.
  • Pregame institution: Spirit of 77 (500 NE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97232)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • The Garden Tavern
    1835 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227 · Eliot

    Convenient location just a few blocks north of the Rose Quarter, ample neighborhood parking, delicious food and drink, many TVs, retro sports bar vibe, wide selection of craft beer, house cocktails, and over 80 whiskeys. Features food carts next door.

    What to order: Craft beer, house cocktails (margarita mentioned as best in town), food from adjacent food carts (Thai and Italian carts recommended).

  • Dr. Jack's
    1 N Center Court St, The Moda Center/Rose Quarter, Portland, OR · Rose Quarter

    Prime location adjacent to the Moda Center, making it a popular pre-event gathering spot. Offers a lively dining atmosphere, American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, and fan-favorite fare with a twist. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails, local craft beers and wines, and outdoor patios.

    What to order: Unique, fan-favorite fare with a twist, refreshing signature cocktails, local craft beers and wines.

  • Satellite Tavern
    5101 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217 · Overlook

    An Overlook favorite for grabbing a mid-game drink, featuring an industrial dining room with multiple TVs and a back patio with TVs. Known for local brews, beer buckets, boozy slushies, and showing UFC fights.

    What to order: Pizza, local brews, beer buckets, boozy slushies.

Postgame spots

  • Spirit of 77
    500 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232 · Lloyd District/Irvington

    Considered the best place in Portland to watch live sports, offering every sports package imaginable, ample space, a great local draft list, scratch-recipe food, and awesome cocktails. It is a tribute to the Portland Trail Blazers' 1977 championship season.

    What to order: Wings, nachos, fried chicken, Olympia Provisions meat board.

Late-night options

  • The Independent Sports Bar & Grill
    225 SW Broadway, #100, Portland, OR 97205 · Downtown

    Downtown Portland's first choice for sports with 34-36 large screens for watching games, offering pub grub, hot dogs, craft beer, and cocktails. Known for its robust menu including weekend brunch, weekday lunches, daily happy hour, dinner, and late-night options. Pays homage to the 1970s Portland Mavericks.

    What to order: Pub grub, hot dogs, craft beer, cocktails, wings, burgers, nachos, chicken tenders, fries, Philly Cheesesteak Nachos, Cheeseburger Sliders, Garlic Rosemary Fries.