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Return to blog listing -> Rose Garden Viewing Party Rocks Despite Trail Blazers Loss
sarahhecht

Apr 16

Rose Garden Viewing Party Rocks Despite Trail Blazers Loss

By sarahhecht Posted in: playoffs, viewingparty
There’s something different about the playoffs. The players are different. The fans are different. The energy is different.

But the most striking difference is the true emergence of the Rip City mentality. It seems like everyone you see is wearing Trail Blazers gear. You high-five random strangers in the grocery store because you notice their sporting the pinwheel. And most of all the camaraderie of Rip City is in the rain-filled air we breathe as we all start to really believe.

I’ve been feeling it for a few days now, but Rip City: Playoff Style really hit me tonight in the Rose Garden.

The Official Trail Blazers Viewing Party was incredible. Over 3000 Blazermaniacs showed up decked out in their red and black. Blaze the Trail Cat, the BlazerDancers, the Stunt Team and "Mercy Mercy" Jerome Kersey were all in attendance.

The original plan was to have only the West Club Level open to fans. Within five minutes of opening the doors the West Lower Bowl and South Lower Bowl had to be opened. Not long after that the 100 level of the west side of the arena filled up too. We packed the place.

This “viewing party” was far more than simple viewing. Like any other game in the Rose Garden, the crowd was roaring. I can try to put into words what I mean, but instead I want you to watch this video. It will give you goosebumps I can only hope to cause.

While you’re watching, keep in mind the game is in Dallas and this crowd is watching the jumbotron like a giant TV. I filmed this as the Trail Blazers took the lead in the 4th quarter. Needless to say, I had chills.



What did I tell you? Amazing.

Rip City fans are one of the reasons I’m not worried about this series. I’m confident we’ll get a win on their floor and I know Dallas doesn’t stand a chance when they play in the Rose Garden on Thursday and Saturday. A crowd like ours in playoff mode will be the x-factor.

For me the viewing party was to true start to the post-season. I soaked up the playoff energy from everyone in the building. An energy I’ll pass on to all those I come in contact with. The energy that makes us all Rip City.

Uprise.

4 Comments

  1. Sarah:
    You have already passed on the energy, or at least I have it. I took time off my work to watch the game then had to go immediately after the game to finish up, so I missed the Blazer TV post show, but nevertheless, I was so pumped up for the performance our team showed that I couldn't hardly work.
    As you know, I don't usually make predictions, but I agree fully with you, the PTB is the better team and I am confident that given an equal opportunity to play our game we will survive game one. The amazing Blazer fan base is the big reason for that, our team knows how much we support them and they play to please us.

    Good blog Sarah, a great game and I hope, win or lose, we stay focused like we did last night.

    One question, I know it is hypothetical, but do you think the team was just to uptight and energized to make their shots?

    by Hg on 4/17/2011 6:00 AM

  2. @Hg, It looked to me like nerves played a part in this one. Wallace has become a huge part of how we play. His style infects the other guys and usually that's a good thing. Last night he came out tight, which is not common for him, and the rest of the team was feeling it. I'm sure it won't last. You could see how frustrated GW was, and I doubt he'll let that performance repeat itself.

    by sarahhecht on 4/17/2011 11:33 AM

  3. Sarah:

    My thoughts exactly, that is why I went to work with a good feeling. I felt we played a poor game offensively and still had a chance to win. I won't complain about the home court referring, because I think if we make our shots we will beat them regardless of the home team bias. Although we had best get the same treatment in the RG, or the the RG crowd will be swarming the refs LOL.

    by Hg on 4/17/2011 11:59 AM

  4. Last season GW got better in each playoff game. The 4th one was 25 points and 16 rebounds (I think). And he has a huge distaste for Tyson Chandler (GW usually doesn't hold grudges, but he effectively called Chandler 'lazy' last season). Can't wait to see game 2. GW will be ready, the Blazers, the Fans, the UPrise will all be ready. Hopefully the officials won't be ready to repeat their performance, but honestly, I don't even think that will work in Game 2.

    by BlockParty aka Teamship on 4/17/2011 5:51 PM
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