Where Moda Center Is and How to Get There

Moda Center sits at 1 N Center Court Street in Portland, Oregon, right in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood along the Willamette River. The building is a short walk from downtown Portland's main streets and is accessible by car, public transit, and on foot depending on where you're coming from.

If you're driving, the arena has its own parking garage and surface lots nearby. Street parking is also available in the surrounding blocks, though it fills up quickly on game days. TriMet, Portland's public transit system, runs the MAX light rail and bus lines directly to the arena — the Red and Blue MAX lines stop at the Old Town/Chinatown station, which is a five-minute walk away.

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate in Portland and will drop you at the arena's main entrance. Bike parking is available outside the building if you prefer to cycle. The arena itself is fully accessible for people with mobility needs, with elevators, accessible seating, and accessible restrooms throughout.

Key Takeaways

  • Moda Center is located at 1 N Center Court Street in Old Town Chinatown, reachable by car, MAX light rail, bus, or ride-share.
  • The arena has its own parking garage plus nearby surface lots and street parking, though game-day parking fills quickly.
  • Trail Blazers tickets are sold through the team's official website, Ticketmaster, and resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek.
  • Arrive at least 90 minutes before tipoff on game day to allow time for parking, entry lines, and finding your seat.
  • The arena prohibits outside food and drink but has concessions throughout, including local Portland vendors alongside standard arena fare.

Getting Tickets and Checking the Schedule

The Portland Trail Blazers play an 82-game regular season from October through April, plus playoff games in April and May if the team makes the postseason. You can find the full schedule on the Trail Blazers' official website, nba.com/blazers, which lists every home and away game with dates and times.

Tickets are sold through three main channels: the Trail Blazers' official website, Ticketmaster, and resale platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats. Prices vary widely depending on the opponent, day of the week, and how close the game is to tipoff. Weekend games and matchups against popular teams like the Los Angeles Lakers cost more than weeknight games against less-watched opponents. Tickets typically go on sale weeks in advance, and prices often drop in the final days before a game if seats remain unsold.

The Trail Blazers also offer season ticket packages, mini-plans (10 to 20 games), and single-game tickets. If you plan to attend multiple games, a mini-plan can be cheaper per game than buying single tickets separately.

What to Bring and What the Arena Allows

Moda Center has a clear bag policy: you may bring one clear bag (12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or smaller) per person, plus one small clutch or wallet. Exceptions are made for medical bags and diaper bags. Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the arena, though you can eat and drink in the plaza outside before entering.

You will need a valid photo ID to purchase alcohol at the concessions stands. Cameras and recording devices are allowed for personal use, but professional equipment and tripods are not. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, are prohibited. Pets are not allowed except for certified service animals.

Dress for the season — the arena is air-conditioned and can feel cold, especially in the upper bowl. Comfortable shoes are essential since you'll be walking from parking or transit and standing or sitting for two to three hours.

Parking, Arrival Time, and Entry

Moda Center's parking garage is attached to the building and is the most convenient option, though it fills quickly on game days. Arrive at least two hours before tipoff if you're parking in the garage. Surface lots nearby offer additional parking and may have availability longer into the evening, though they're a 10 to 15-minute walk from the arena.

Street parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends in much of Old Town, but spots are scarce on game nights. If you use street parking, plan to arrive very early or be prepared to circle for a while.

Plan to arrive at the arena itself at least 90 minutes before tipoff. This gives you time to park, walk to the entrance, pass through security screening, find your seat, and grab food or drinks if you want them. Security lines move faster earlier in the evening. Gates typically open 90 minutes before the game starts.

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

Moda Center has concession stands throughout the building selling standard arena fare — hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. Prices are typical for an NBA arena and are higher than outside restaurants. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available at bars and concession stands.

The arena also features local Portland vendors, so you may find regional food options alongside national chains. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask at any concession stand — staff can tell you what ingredients are in items or point you to suitable alternatives.

You cannot bring outside food or drink into the arena, but you can eat in the plaza outside before entering. Some nearby restaurants in Old Town Chinatown are within walking distance if you want to eat before or after the game.

Seating Sections and Sightlines

Moda Center has a capacity of about 19,400 for basketball. Seats are divided into lower bowl (sections 101–130, closest to the court), club level (sections 201–230, with premium amenities), and upper bowl (sections 301–330, farthest from the court). Corner seats and baseline seats offer different angles — corner seats give you a wider view of the court, while baseline seats put you directly behind one end.

The lower bowl is the most expensive and offers the best sightlines and atmosphere. Club level seats include access to premium lounges and wider seats. Upper bowl seats are the most affordable and still offer a clear view of the game, though you're farther away. Obstructed-view seats (where a pillar or railing partially blocks your view) are marked as such and are priced lower.

If you have mobility concerns, accessible seating is available throughout the arena, and companion seating is provided. Contact the Trail Blazers' box office directly if you need accessible seating — they can help you find the best option for your needs.

Game Day Experience and What to Expect

NBA games typically last about two hours and 15 minutes from tipoff to final buzzer, though the actual clock time is longer because of timeouts, fouls, and halftime. Halftime is about 15 minutes long and features entertainment — sometimes a local band, sometimes a dance team, sometimes a shooting contest or other fan activity.

The crowd at Trail Blazers games is energetic and knowledgeable about basketball. Fans are generally welcoming to opposing team supporters, though wearing the other team's jersey may draw some good-natured ribbing. The arena plays music between plays, shows highlights on the scoreboard, and runs contests and giveaways throughout the game to keep the crowd engaged.

Restrooms and concession lines get busy during halftime, so plan accordingly. If you need to leave your seat, go early in the quarter rather than waiting until the end. Cell service can be spotty inside the arena, so don't rely on your phone for directions or communication once you're inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a child or infant to a Trail Blazers game?

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome. Infants can sit in your lap or in a car seat if you bring one. Some families bring a stroller and check it at the coat check, though space is limited. The arena is loud and bright, so very young children may find it overwhelming.

What if I need to leave early or come late?

You can enter and exit the arena at any time during the game. If you arrive after tipoff, you'll still be able to find your seat, though the aisles are darker once the game has started. Leaving early means missing the end of the game, but you can do it without penalty.

Are there ATMs inside Moda Center?

Yes, ATMs are located throughout the arena. However, they charge a fee above the standard ATM fee, so it's cheaper to withdraw cash before you arrive. Most concession stands and vendors accept credit and debit cards.

What happens if a game is cancelled or postponed?

If a game is cancelled or postponed due to weather, illness, or other reasons, the Trail Blazers will contact ticket holders via email and explain your options — usually a refund or a credit toward a future game. Check your email and the team's website for updates if severe weather is forecast.

Can I take photos or video during the game?

Yes, personal photography and video recording are allowed. Professional equipment, tripods, and commercial recording are not. Keep your phone or camera out of the way of other fans' sightlines, and be mindful of people sitting behind you.