The Chant

Lore & Background

The 'Rip City' chant was born in the 1970s, spontaneously coined by legendary Trail Blazers broadcaster Bill Schonely during a game. It quickly became the rallying cry of Portland fans, echoing through Memorial Coliseum and later the Moda Center. Unlike a band, this chant has no formal members—it belongs to the entire Trail Blazers fanbase, who have passed it down through generations as a symbol of team pride.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed to a deep crimson, casting long shadows across the polished hardwood where the Timberwolves' point guard nervously dribbled. The air inside was thick with anticipation, smelling faintly of popcorn and floor wax. Suddenly, the noise didn't just start; it erupted from the floor seats like a tidal wave, a unified 'RI-P CITY!' that vibrated through the soles of the players' shoes. It wasn't just sound; it was pressure. The opposing team's huddle broke apart under the weight of thousands of voices demanding excellence, a sonic wall that had stood guard over this court for decades.

Reader's Guide

The Chant released Three Sheets to the Wind in 1985 on Safety Net Records. Their album Two Car Mirage was released in 1989, produced by The Chant, John Keane and James Klotz, with Bill Ashton as executive producer, recorded at Atlanta's Channel One Studios, on Safety Net Records (cutter NET 12). It is also available in CD format, which includes their debut album Three Sheets to the Wind sans one track. They released a Christmas single We Three Kings in 1990 (b/w Charlie Pickett's Bullshit).

Did You Know?

• The 'Rip City' chant was accidentally coined by broadcaster Bill Schonely during a 1970s game when he blurted out 'Rip City!' after a long shot.
• Unlike a band, the chant has no fixed lineup—it's performed by thousands of fans at every Trail Blazers home game.
• The chant predates the Moda Center, having first echoed through the Memorial Coliseum in the 1970s.