Review: Providence Park

Tell us about this stadium?
Home to the Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns, and Portland State Vikings, this historic stadium, built in 1893, has seen a lot in its day—from cricket matches and ski jumping competitions to a hysteria-inducing 1957 Elvis concert. If you’re in town on a Timbers game day, don’t be surprised to stumble into a sea of green-and-gold scarf–wrapped residents marching resolutely toward Providence Park—team spirit runs high for Portland’s beloved Major League Soccer team, and their impassioned fan group, the Timbers Army, is famous throughout the league for its undying devotion. As such, the Army’s signature acronym is RCTID (Rose City ‘Til I Die).

How are the seats?
With a few exceptions, it’s hard to find a bad seat here, you may want to avoid the uncovered front seats if you forgot your green poncho though. But for many, especially the non-soccer-savvy, the best seats are less about sight lines and more about proximity to the Timbers Army, which makes for a very good time on game day, whoever wins or loses. Originally based in section 107, the group now takes over the stadium’s north end (specifically sections 101-108 and 202-208), so book accordingly; adult language flies during matches and things can get pretty rowdy. The whole affair is best summed up by one of the Army’s favorite chants; “We are Timbers Army; We are mental and we’re barmy; True supporters forevermore.”

We're here for the game, but how are the concessions?
As far as ballpark food goes, Providence Park scores pretty high. The concession stands sell local craft beer and cider; The Double Post Bar, near section 109, and the 36-tap The Axe and Rose, near section 119, have the best selection. You can get a cheeseburger made with grass-fed beef and Tillamook cheddar, and the Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance brings in popular food carts like Koi Fusion, Bokie Dokie, and Kim Jong Grillin'.