Portland Timbers Overview

Fast facts

League: MLS

Head Coach: Miles Joseph

Team Mascot: Timber Joey

Year Opened: 1926

Capacity: 25218

City / State: Portland / OR

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders

Rival Team: Seattle Sounders

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.

Portland Timbers vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Rival Team: Vancouver Whitecaps

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.

Traditions

Facing the Crowd

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.

Providence Park Main Entrance and Marquee

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

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.

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Timbers Pub Partners

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

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.

Things to check out

Timbers Army

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.

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Timber Joey

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.

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Providence Park and Timbers History

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.

Timbers Team Store

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.

Portland Timbers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Ex Novo Brewing

    Ex Novo Brewing

    DRINK BEER. DO GOOD.

    2326 N Flint Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA

    503-894-8251

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Sizzle Pie

    Sizzle Pie

    Part of a local chain of hip pizzerias known for its creative & vegan pies, many beers & loud music.

    624 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, USA

    503-234-PIES (7437)

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  3. Toro Bravo

    Toro Bravo

    Lively, intimate spot featuring inventive, rotating Spanish small plates, wines & a tasting menu.

    Toro Bravo building in Portland, OR, USA, 120 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212, USA

    503-281-4464

    Bar website

    european - $$

  4. People’s Pig

    Taphouse burger Riverfront Bar Grill

    Known for its smoked meat sandwiches, this chill BBQ joint has classic sides, plus beer & cocktails.

    The People\'s Pig Restaurant, 3217 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA

    503-282-2800

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  5. Broder Nord

    Broder Nord

    Serving Nordic brunch and lunch in Portland and beyond since 2007.

    3765 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA

    503-282-5555

    Bar website

    european - $

  6. Piazza Italia

    Piazza Italia

    Traditional, old-world Italian fare in a small, cheery spot with soccer decor on walls & on the TV.

    1129 NW Johnson St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

    503-478-0619

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  7. Ox

    Ox

    Stylish eatery with a bar where Argentinean-inspired NW fare is cooked on a wood-fired grill.

    2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, USA

    503-284-3366

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  8. Pine State Biscuits

    Pine State Biscuits

    Indoor take-away window serving a biscuit-focused menu of breakfast & lunch fare.

    125 NE Schuyler St, Portland, OR 97212, USA

    503-719-5357

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Brix Tavern

    Brix Tavern

    This American restaurant and bar is a go-to for easy drinking, a variety of plates, and overall good times.

    1338 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

    503-943-5995

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Spirit of ‘77

    Spirit of Seventy seven

    Hip, airy sports bar with 1 huge screen, arcade games, upscale bar fare, craft beers & cocktails.

    500 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232, USA

    503-232-9977

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  11. Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

    Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

    Popular, enduring gastropub serving craft beers, sandwiches & eclectic entrees in a laid-back space.

    929 N Russell St, Portland, OR 97227, USA

    503-281-2437

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. 10 Barrel Brewing Co

    Barrel Brewing Co

    Time to get the party started!

    1411 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

    503-224-1700

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Old Town Pizza & Brewing

    Old Town Pizza and Brewing

    Historic, allegedly haunted building housing a rustic pizzeria also serving pasta & salads.

    226 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

    503-222-9999

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  14. PINTS

    PINTS

    Stylish brick-walled cafe & pub offering espressos by day & English-style ale & live music at night.

    412 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA

    503-564-2739

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Low Brow Lounge

    Low Brow Lounge

    Late-night bar with dark UV lighting & saloon-style decor offers fried foods & cocktails.

    1036 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

    503-226-0200

    Bar website

    american - $