What’s to Love:  This is a 2009/2010 season update to the article I published last year on the Portland Trail Blazers.  I’m looking forward to this season, and I hope you’re all able to get your kids to a game this year -- it’s going to be a memorable season.  Last night, I attended the exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns at Memorial Coliseum.  While we lost the game, I couldn’t help but be excited about Greg Oden and the newly acquired Andre Miller.  Greg Oden looks like a completely different player, and he dominated in the paint grabbing 13 rebounds and scoring 17 points in 28 minutes.  Miller was electric with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.  I left feeling that the Portland Trail Blazers have all the right pieces to once again make it to the playoffs and possibly, much more!  Please read on paying particular attention to the various options for tickets. 

You’d have to be living under a rock to miss the rebirth of the Portland Trail Blazers.  Personnel changes at the executive level, smart trades, the acquisition of Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden have all added-up to one of basketball’s most exciting teams.  The Trail Blazers have transformed into a playoff contender with the added advantage of being family-friendly.  Parents I know WANT to take their kids to the game now -- they see many of these younger stars as “character players.”  You won’t see a lot of whining on the court, technical fouls, fights, or any other of the many distractions of a previous era.  You will see a lot of hard work on the court featuring a bunch of guys who really seem to enjoy playing team ball.  The only issue now is that every home game is a sellout and getting into the game might be a challenge.  The Trail Blazers are once again the hottest ticket in town.

Yes, there is a lot of talent on the floor, and they’ll be making a serious push for the playoffs this year.  However, I think what has endeared this team to Portland is the players seem to have embraced our town.  I don’t think it’s a big secret that Greg Oden lives right in the heart of the Pearl District and enjoys all the amenities of that area of Portland.  Because of their connection to the community, the players have created a sense of relationship with the fans and people of Portland that hasn’t existed for at least a decade or more.  There is a story here -- fans want to root for this team, and I get the sense that this relationship between the team and the fans is only getting better each year.

So, it’s obvious that there are many things to love about this team.  What about attending a game?  While there are distractions (see Caveats below), I’ve always enjoyed going to games.  When a good defensive series is followed with a fastbreak dunk, the entire Rose Garden is incredibly electric, and your kids will truly be amazed by the environment inside the Rose Garden arena.  It’s a great stadium (very clean!) with fans eager to offer their support, and everyone gets pumped-up for the games.

Although tickets are getting hard to come by, the Trail Blazers’ staff members have done an excellent job at offering special packages targeted directly at families and/or groups.  After all, buying (ala carte) tickets, snacks, drinks, parking, etc…could easily add up to a couple hundred dollars or more for 3-5 people.  To help ease the financial burden of getting the family to a game, the Trail Blazers offer the following packages of special interest to parents:

Option 1: Fred Meyer Family Nights offers 4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 hot dogs and a family-sized popcorn.  Seats are in the upper bowl, but you can select your seats at the time of purchase.

Option 2:  Block Party is an interactive way to enjoy a game.  This package offers 12 tickets on the 100 level, group recognition on the big screen, in-seat food service for the group, a bobble head for everyone, and the group keeps track of the block shots by posting signs against the wall.

Option 3:  Custom Group Experience is a package of 10 or more seats to a game of your choice.  This package includes group recognition on the big screen and savings on the ticket price.

Option 4:  Club Seating is exclusive 200 level seating with all you can eat buffets and all you can drink (non-alcoholic) stations.  Packages start at 10 tickets and can be for 1 game or spread out over a number of games to provide more flexibility with scheduling.

Option 5:  Private Group Suites are now all-inclusive with food packaged in with 16 tickets and 4 parking passes.  Suites are located in the lower bowl and include a private bathroom, flat screen televisions, Internet service and an on-site suite concierge.

Option 6:  Blazers Sky Boxes are personal boxes (mini-suites) and are located in the 300 level. They come equipped with a television, kitchenette, food and beverage catering options and 12 tickets.

Option 7:   Rip City Row is a way to throw a party in a private row in the 200 level for 10-20 people.  RCR’s include $10 concessions/person, a special visit from Blaze the mascot, and big screen group recognition.

You might be thinking some of these options are unrealistic for your financial situation; however, if you get several families together, these options become more realistic.  Contact the Trail Blazers via their website to inquire about specific prices for the various packages.

Caveats:  I know my audience.  Many of you might be questioning my allegiance to an organization so steeped in commercialism.  It seems like every time-out is filled with commercial sponsors, coupons for fast food, a blimp dropping gift certificates, and the place practically explodes when the 100 point Taco Bell Chalupa celebration begins.  It seems like every inch of space in the Rose Garden is filled with advertisements.  Your kids will probably be begging for fast food, licorice ropes, snow cones, and anything else you can imagine.  Many of these factors have always put me off a bit, but I don’t let it bother me at game time.  I simply view it as a time to discuss and answer many questions being hurled at me by my 5 year old.

• Dad, why are those ladies dancing while they’re trying to play basketball?
• Dad, where does that big car (the blimp) park?
• Dad, why don’t they just bring me a t-shirt instead of trying to shoot it up to me?

Because my son goes to a school where you cannot wear commercial advertisements on clothing, we’ve already had many of these conversations, and they will certainly continue in the near future.  The reality is, if you’re going to a Trail Blazers’ game, you’re going to have to relax and enjoy yourself despite some of the obvious distractions.  This current team makes it very easy in my opinion.

Parking (see “Insider Info”) can be a challenge and food is not cheap!  If you’re on a tight budget, beware of the concession stands.  I always tell my son exactly what he can have before we even go into the arena, which seems to help a bit.

Website:  Portland Trail Blazers

Distance from Portland:  Within 1 mile of downtown Portland!  Here is a Google map.

Recommended Ages:  Younger kids won’t really understand what is going on in the game, but they may enjoy the spectacle of the Rose Garden crowd.  This is one of those rare events that has the potential to satisfy the entire family from baby all the way to high school kids.

Personally, I think weeknight games are too late for toddlers and babies.  Also, the volume inside the arena can get to decibel levels that are a bit much for younger ears.  If you have a baby or toddler, you might want to consider bringing ear plugs.  Also, try to go for a “family Sunday” game, which is an excellent option, because they are usually in the mid-afternoon.

Parental Stress Factor:  If you think your young child will just get bored, the game can be a stressful experience trying to keep them occupied and in their seat.  Plus, you’re going to have to deal with limited parking (if you don’t want to pay, which can be expensive) and maybe, kids constantly asking for snacks and/or souvenirs.  Combine all that with huge crowds not necessarily looking down to watch out for your kids, and there is a definite possibility that you’ll get a bit stressed out.  However, if your kids are older, and you don’t have to worry about losing them, you will probably have a pretty stress-free time at the game.

Physical Difficulty:  Suites are fully handicap-accessible.  There are seating options for fans using wheelchairs.  Please call the Trail Blazers’ office for more information on accessibility.  If you park in the NE neighborhoods, you may be in for a 10-15 minute walk to the game, but it’s easy to get around in the arena.

Family Fun Factor:  High!  Portland has an incredible basketball team once again.  The Trail Blazers’ organization does its best to put on a great family show that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of people.

Pet Friendly:  N/A

Weather Considerations:  N/A -- great indoor fun!

Insider Info:  After acquiring tickets, parking will be your next challenge!  The best option is to take public transportation -- the MAX line comes right through the Rose Quarter and MANY buses come through as well.  To make that an easy option, park downtown in a “Smart Park” and hop on the MAX or a bus.  You’ll spend far less paying for the Smart Park than parking in a lot around the Rose Garden.  The Rose Garden does have an attached parking garage, which costs $13 -- nearby lots will costs you at least $15.

If taking public transportation is not an option, drive to the game and park in the NE neighborhoods nearby.  I’ve been able to park within a 10-minute walk every time I’ve been to a game.  It takes awhile to find a spot, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.  If you’re thinking about parking in these neighborhoods, look at an online map around the NE 2nd Avenue and NE Schuyler area.

Family Tips: For the ultimate family experience, get a bunch of your friends together and get a suite.  If you can afford this option, it makes the game a pleasure, because younger kids who may not be as interested in the game can just play in the suite!

Kids 2 and younger do not need a ticket, but you’ll need to have that child sit on your lap the whole game.  This might not sound so bad, but the games are at least 2 hours long, so this could become a problem later in the game.  If you have a suite, babies can be carried in a backpack or other child carrier.  However, if you’re sitting out in the crowd, your child carrier will need to be completely collapsible (like a sling, Baby Bjourn or Ergo carrier).

If you have a suite, there will be plenty of options for food -- it’s like having room service in a hotel!  Some options for suites are “all inclusive,” which means food is included in the price of admission.  Certainly, you can bring water and any food for babies.  However, do not plan on carting in your own food, especially if you’re sitting in the arena seats.

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