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The newly revitalized Portland Fire team will play half its games at home, meaning 22 games at Portland’s Moda Center next year.
That translates to thousands of people who could spend money on more than just parking and a snack inside.
Some businesses in the Lloyd District by the Moda Center told KOIN 6 News that plenty of people park in that area and walk over to the event center.
Businesses would like to find ways to partner with some of the organizations that draw spectators to the Moda Center. The aim is to direct those guests to the services offered in the nearby neighborhood and attract those customers to local businesses before and after an event.
Joel Stenberg is the owner of Greenbridge Coffee and he is also on the Board of the Lloyd Community Association
“I feel like myself and my baristas are Portland’s biggest advocates for the food and beverage scene in the area. And so oftentimes we’re guiding people,” Stenberg said.
The coffee shop owner said that customers often ask him questions like where the good places are to grab dinner or a cocktail, “which leads me to think that maybe they aren’t getting guided directly from their events,” he said.
Others told KOIN 6 an increase in foot traffic will provide more exposure to their businesses, especially needed at a time when many of the office buildings in the area, like in downtown Portland, are empty, post-pandemic. The inner east side is facing a similar challenge with small businesses missing nearby workers patronizing their businesses.
Business owners said they are also hoping they can get some help in connecting with the WNBA crowds, as there have been a record-breaking 11,000 people who have already bought their season tickets.
“It’s a great thing. I mean, any positive news, any movement in the neighborhood bringing people from outside the neighborhood into the neighborhood? Those people are customers,” Stenberg said.
Meanwhile, the square outside the Moda Center was already packed with WNBA fans Tuesday afternoon, thanks to the Portland Fire kick-off event, serving as a preview for the foot traffic to come during actual games.
“I’m really glad that we’re getting a ‘W’ team. And I get a lot of dirty looks when I wear my Seattle Storm stuff, I want to be able to rep Portland,” said Malia Cagampang at the event.
Portland was awarded the WNBA team last fall and it’s run by the same owners as the Portland Thorns.
“It’s not just women supporting women sports, you see men supporting women sports, and I’m a Thorns season ticket holder and I just love a women’s game, there’s a family atmosphere,” said Holly Ng, another fan.
Portland Fire is set to begin its first season next year.
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