Rip City

Rip City: Born from a long shot and a spontaneous shout.

The nickname Rip City is usually used in the context of the city's NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers.

Quick Facts

Origin: Local Portland newspaper headline
Adoption era: Early 1970s
Primary association: Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)
Key venue: The Moda Center (formerly The Arena, Rose Garden)
Historic achievement: 1977 NBA Championship
Fan identity: Unwavering loyalty and community spirit

Lore & Background

The term was coined by the team's play-by-play announcer Bill Schonely during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 18, 1971, the Blazers' first season. In the days prior to the three-point field goal, Blazers guard Jim Barnett took an ill-advised long-distance shot that nonetheless went in, giving the new team hope for a victory against the powerful Lakers. Excited, Schonely exclaimed 'Rip City Baby!' Schonely admits that he has no idea how he came up with the expression, but it became synonymous with the team and the city of Portland.