The rivalry between the Timbers and Sounders is one of the best in MLS. The Timbers-Sounders rivalry dates back to the original North American Soccer League making it one of the oldest rivalries in the league as well. The two teams have played in many memorable clashes over the years, and in 2004 the Cascadia Cup was added to the fray increasing the bragging rights on the line between these two. If you can only make it to one Timbers match a year, then make sure to be in attendance when the Timbers and Sounders square off.
After the Sounders, the Whitecaps are the Timbers next biggest rivals. The Whitecaps compete with the Timbers and Sounders for the Cascadia Cup, and while there may not be quite as much animosity between Portland and Vancouver, there is still a lot at stake when these two meet.
Portland Timbers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Providence Park is located in downtown Portland so that you won’t find any tailgating here. However, there are lots of great bars to grab a drink at before the game. The bars surrounding Providence Park are packed to the gills with Timbers fans on game days, so arrive early and join in the festivities.
The streets of downtown Portland are a sea of green and gold on match days, and just about everyone in the area has Timbers fever. The Timbers have become arguably the most popular team in the Portland following their ascension to Major League Soccer and everywhere you go you’ll find friendly and knowledgeable fans.
After grabbing a drink at one of the bars, make sure to see Michael Stutz’s Facing the Crowd outside of the stadium. The sculptures are a must-see for anyone visiting Portland and offer excellent photo opportunities as well.
The lively atmosphere and the love Portland has for the Timbers go a long way in ensuring you’ll have a fantastic time pregaming before a Timbers match.
Michael Stutz’s Facing the Crowd consists of two sculptures outside Providence Park. The faces depict a laughing man and a smiling boy and are a must-see for anyone attending a match at Providence Park. See both sculptures and snap a picture with them to commemorate your trip to Portland.
Before entering Providence Park, stop by and check out the marquee at the main entrance. The old-fashioned marquee features today’s matchup as well as the team’s upcoming schedule.
The Cheerful Bullpen offers one of the best sports bar experiences in the Portland area and is a great place to grab a drink before attending a Timbers match. You’ll find lots of Timbers fans here on game days, so stop by and have a drink with your fellow supporters.
Whether it's attending a watch party when the team is playing away from Providence Park or grabbing a beer before the match, you can’t beat the Timbers Pub Partners. These pubs offer excellent places to meet up with fellow Timbers fans before the game, so stop by one before the match.
Where to tailgate
The Cheerful BullpenThe Cheerful Bullpen offers one of the best sports bar experiences in the Portland area and is a great place to grab a drink before attending a Timbers match. You’ll find lots of Timbers fans here on game days, so stop by and have a drink with your fellow supporters.
Marathon TavernaMarathon Taverna is located within five minutes of Providence Park and offers an excellent spot to grab some drinks before the match. The pub is home to a fantastic atmosphere on match days, so stop in and have a drink.
Thirsty LionThe Thirsty Lion is a favorite spot among Timbers fans, and hosts watch parties for every Timbers away game. The Timbers are fully entrenched in the culture of this bar, so you know you’ll see lots of fellow fans here on match days.
Timbers Pub PartnersWhether it's attending a watch party when the team is playing away from Providence Park or grabbing a beer before the match, you can’t beat the Timbers Pub Partners. These pubs offer excellent places to meet up with fellow Timbers fans before the game, so stop by one before the match.
Portland Timbers Stadium Guide
In Game
Providence Park is the oldest stadium in Major League Soccer, having opened in 1926. As a result of its age, Providence Park offers a unique atmosphere that is unlike anything else found in Major League Soccer. The place has an aura unlike any other MLS venue and oozes history.
History isn’t the only thing you’ll feel when attending a match at Providence Park, the city of Portland’s love for their team can be felt the minute you step off the plane. Just about everyone in Portland is Timbers mad and unlike a lot of MLS team’s it can be argued that the Timbers are Portland’s number one team. The pride Portland has for its team carries into the stadium and helps make a Timbers game one of the best experiences in Major League Soccer.
A trip to Portland is a must for any MLS fan as a Timbers match offers one of the best matchday experiences in the league.
Timbers Army is one of the most passionate and dedicated supporter groups in Major League Soccer. At Timbers game, this comes to light as they put on incredible displays that alone are worth the price of admission. If you want to get the full Timbers game day experience, then join the Timbers Army.
After every Timbers goal, Timber Joey celebrates the occasion by slicing off a piece of log infront of the crowd. The celebration is one of the most famous traditions in Major League Soccer and something every MLS fan needs to witness live at least once.
Providence Park is the oldest stadium in Major League Soccer, and the Timbers are one of the oldest teams in the league, so check out the historical displays around the concourse. They do an incredible job of showcasing the history of both the club and the venue, so enter the stadium early and take them all in.
If you want to pick up a souvenir from your trip to Portland, then stop by the Timbers team store. The team store offers a variety of Timbers gear including jerseys, pennants, shirts, caps, and much more, so no matter what you're looking for you’ll find it here.
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