Whether you’re an enthusiastic sports fanatic, and athlete, or a cursory observer out for a good time, there is nothing like the excitement and energy of a crowded sporting event. Although Portland may not have an NFL team, it boasts of one of the fiercest college football competitions in the nation and a loyal fan base for almost every other sport in town, like arena football. Home to some of the most fervently focused fans in the country, Portlanders boast a competitive stretch nearly as long as the Columbia River.
Portland-area spectator sports include hockey, college football, soccer, arena football, basketball, minor league baseball, and roller derby. It’s no wonder thousands of locals visit Bet-or.com regularly to learn more tips and advice on wagering on these sports.
With the introduction of The Thorns, a championship women’s major league soccer team, and the imminent arrival of the Portland Pickles, a Portland-based minor league baseball team, at the newly renovated Walker Stadium in Lents Park in June 2016, it’s shaping up to be an exciting time for sports fans in Portland.
Portland Timbers
MLS Soccer
Providence Park
1884 SW Morrison
Portland, OR 97205
503-553-5400
The Portland Timbers, champions of the 2015 MLS Cup, handed their esteemed fans the franchise’s first national championship! With a history dating back to 1975, they were the 18th soccer team to join the ranks of MLS (Major League Soccer) in 2009 and celebrated their introductory season in 2011. Just ask a Timbers fan, and you’ll know why Portland was given the nickname, ‘’Soccer City USA’’ – their passion is nothing short of contagious. A typical Portland tradition, the cutting of the victory log is something to observe. Each time the Timbers scores during a home match, a round log is cut with a chainsaw behind the north goal.
The Hillsboro Hops
Minor League Baseball
Ron Tonkin Field
4460 NW 229th Avenue
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-640-0887
Established in 1977, and then known as the Salem Senators, the Hillsboro Hops is an ally of the Arizona Diamondbacks. If you want to enjoy no-frills baseball as it was meant to be played, watch these two-years-straight winners of the Northwest League Championship Series play. The Hops’ 38 systematic season home games are mid-June through early September at newly-constructed Ron Tonkin Field, which can accommodate 4,500 fans.
Portland Thorns FC
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Providence Park
1844 SW Morrison
Portland, OR 97205
503-553-5555
When it comes to soccer in Portland, men aren’t the only ones getting into the action. Established in 2012, and owned by the same organization that owns the Timbers, Portland Thorns are one of the two NWSL clubs that have been permitted Major League Soccer affiliation. The Thorns earned enough bragging right when they won the first-ever NWSL championship in 2013.
Portland State Vikings
Portland State University
Multiple Venues
503-725-4000
An affiliate of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the Vikings represent Portland State University (PSU) in all things sports, and no matter what the season, the Vikings always deliver. Men’s sports include basketball, tennis, track & field, football (held at Province Park), and wrestling. While the Women’s sports include volleyball, golf, soccer, basketball, softball, tennis and track & field.
