In one of the sadder posts of the week, we regret to inform basketball purists that the Portland Trail Blazers have renamed the Rose Garden to “Moda Center at the Rose Quarter.” It was eventually bound to happen, but when it does finally go down it takes a minute to set in.
“The Moda Center at the Rose Quarter” just doesn’t have the same ring to it…
According to the Blazers official news release:
Two of Oregon’s most dynamic and innovative companies are banding together in a 10-year agreement that will energize Portland’s hub for sports and entertainment, creating an urban showcase for healthy, active living. The Portland Trail Blazers and Moda Health have unveiled a community partnership that changes the name of the Rose Garden to the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, effective immediately.
The agreement was jointly announced during a press conference today in the center’s South Atrium. At the request of Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen, the new logo for the Moda Center, when unveiled at a later date, will incorporate a rose as a salute to the city of Portland.
“These are the types of large-scale partnerships that are going to take our organization to the next level,” said Trail Blazers President & CEO Chris McGowan. “This agreement enables us to reinvest in the company and the team at levels that impact every aspect of the fan experience, including the facilities, amenities, events and even the product on the court.”
And there you have it.
