PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - It’s not every day the commissioner of the NBA shows up at a Trail Blazers game, but he did on Friday, and the crowd noticed—with many hoping that it’s positive for the Rose City.
The Trail Blazers left it all on the court Friday night as they took on the Utah Jazz, but this time in front of not only the fans, but also NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Silver is making a rare visit to the Rose City, and fans hope it’s a good sign.
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Adam Silver's visit comes a week after Oregon lawmakers approved hundreds of millions of dollars to renovate the decades-old Moda Center.
“Hopefully, to reaffirm that the NBA wants to keep the team here because I feel like the city really needs it, and we really appreciate having the team here and having a sports team on any major level. Portland is a sports city, and I think the fans show it every time they have a home game. No matter how good or bad they are doing, we still show out,” said fan James Kitchin.
Silver spent his night next to Oregon Senator Ron Wyden. His visit comes a week after Oregon lawmakers agreed to move forward with a more than $300 million funding package to renovate the Trailblazers’ more than 30-year-old arena.
“It’s showing some wear and tear, in you know, facilities, restrooms,” said a fan.
The state would invest $365 million into the arena, paired with the city of Portland and Multnomah County contributing a combined $208 million, if the Blazers commit to signing a 20-year lease to stay at Moda.
“I only know this Moda Center it’s fine for me, but I get what they’re saying, and if we want to stay, and we want to compete, and we’re the oldest stadium around, then yes, changes need to be made,” said fan Linda Kitchin.
“I don’t live in Portland, and yet they are still an identity for the whole state, I believe, and fans all over,” said fan Randy James.
The funding package to renovate the arena has yet to be signed by Governor Tina Kotek, but fans said Silver’s appearance is promising, though they remain fearful of losing the team since the deal still isn’t done.
“That’s going to hurt, that’s going to hurt Portland, and Oregon as a whole, we need the NBA here,” said a fan.
“I just love the Blazers, I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, they’re the heart of the city and we hope they stay here, they’re the heart of the city and this is where they belong,” said fan Levi James.
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