The fans of the Portland Trail Blazers are a tight knit community. The fandom consists of a bunch of individuals with a lot of hope, pride, patience, and optimism. Whether you're from Portland or not, being a Blazers fan is something you take a lot of pride in, no matter what.
I've lived in Vancouver, Washington for 19 years. Being just across from Portland, Oregon, I was naturally a Blazers fan. Being a part of RipCity is an exciting experience. A crowd of people, some Portland natives and others traveling fans, cheering on their favorite players in the beloved Rose Garden (now Moda Center) is just unbeatable. Walking into that stadium and seeing that massive pinwheel on the court sends immediate chills and excitement through the body. Watching the seats fill up with fans sporting red, white, or black, or even a player's name on their back assures you that you're in for an exciting game no matter the score. Whether you were there during the Walton era, Drexler era, Roy era, or even the present day Lillard era, the lights dimming and the music invigorating the crowd makes you excited for all of the players to come out.
Unfortunately, it can be a tough job being a Blazers fan. The last time they've won an NBA Championship was 1977, and it's their only title. The Blazers have been in three finals, their last appearance having been in 1992. They have had some tremendous runs, but have also suffered from some unfortunate downfalls. Having a track record for some heartbreaking injuries, losing key players, Blazers fans have gone through a lot.
"The hardest part about being a blazers fan is that all their players get injured. Since the beginning the blazers always had bad luck with injuries with Geoff Petrie and Bill Walton having their careers ruined by injuries in the 70’s."
- Jeff Anderson, Vancouver, WA
"The hardest part is that The Blazers have been hurt with injuries at times, like what happened with Brandon Roy and Greg Oden."
-Blake Brunsch, Pullman, WA
Aside from the hard times, there have been some glory moments for the Blazers. Though they lost that pivotal Game 7 in 2000 to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, every Blazer fan was on their toes after those exciting wins to get them to that game. But, there is, of course, one recent memory that every fan holds in their heart.
"Probably Watching Damian Lillard's game winner in the playoffs to send us to the second round. I remember being home alone and after he hit that shot I literally fell to the ground and was screaming from excitement."
-Jake Thompson, Chicago, IL
"Damian Lillard hitting the series clinching shot against the Rockets"
-Blake Brunsch, Pullman, WA
"The Dame shot against the Rockets in the 2014 playoffs was obviously really memorable. I was at the game and it was incredible to see live, when he hit the shot I hugged this random old lady who was next to me."
-Jeff Anderson, Vancouver, WA
"Of course Damian Lillard’s shot, no explanation needed there."
-Spencer Corno, Seattle, WA
Though the Portland Trail Blazers have experienced their fair share of ups and downs, their fans are always here for them. Being a Blazers fan myself, I cannot imagine turning my back on my team. When asked if they would ever turn their backs on Rip City, these life-long fans were unanimous in their answers.
"Never."
-Spencer Corno, Seattle, WA
"I will never turn against the Blazers"
-Blake Brunsch, Pullman, WA
"No."
-Jeff Anderson, Vancouver, WA
Blazers fans always have been and always will be, Blazers fans.
