Moda Center Ceremonial Bill Signing Remarks

April 27, 2026

Good morning! Today we’re celebrating something big that will benefit Oregonians for decades to come. 

Moda Center is more than an arena – it's where families create memories. It’s where artists and athletes perform at the highest level. It’s where Oregonians gather. Moda Center is a publicly-owned economic anchor for Portland and for our entire state. Simply put: Moda Center is Oregon’s Arena. 

Right now, Oregon’s Arena hosts events more than 240 days a year – from Blazers games, concerts, festivals, comedy shows, college basketball, and other amazing entertainment. It draws 1.6 million visitors annually and generates an estimated $670 million in regional economic impact, including $113 million in visitor spending. Nearly 4,500 jobs are supported through arena operations and tourism.  

This moment in Portland’s economic growth is especially critical because of the transformation happening around Moda Center. Major redevelopment is underway in the Rose Quarter and Lower Albina, including the Albina Vision Trust’s work to reconnect and reinvest in a historically displaced community. The 1803 Fund is developing 10 acres along the Willamette River. All of this represents billions of dollars in investment and a once in a generation opportunity to rebuild community wealth and health.  

The Portland Trail Blazers have been the anchor tenant – they bring at least 41 home games a year – and this year we’re lucky to get more! They bring national visibility, economic activity, and community pride. Right now, cities across the country are competing aggressively for professional sports teams, but the Blazers belong in Portland – and we’re proving that here today! 

And, as we’re celebrating growth and opportunity today, let’s also talk about the Portland Fire! They are ready to light up this arena at their home opener next month. Women’s sports are having a growth moment nationally, but Portland has always been a city that shows up for women’s sports. I’m so excited to have the WNBA back in town. And if you didn’t know, I was an All-County point guard on my high school team back in Pennsylvania – so just give me a call if you need me to tap in. 

Sports are in Oregon’s DNA, and this bill is a proof point of our commitment to its future in Oregon. Thank you to the legislators who made this possible and thank you to the Blazers organization and everyone who has fought to keep professional sports thriving in Oregon.  

To the fans who show up to games, the families that see their favorite artist in concert, the kids who dream of playing here one day, and all the Oregonians who pack this arena 240 days a year – this bill is about charting a future for an arena that belongs to all of us.  

Oregon needs and deserves an arena that can meet the demands of current and future economic activity. Every generation of Oregonians has invested in building community spaces that bring people together. Senate Bill 1501 was our opportunity to secure Portland’s future and strengthen Oregon’s economic competitiveness – and we took it. 

Together, we’re building an Oregon that invests in community, that creates spaces where people can come together, and that believes our best days are ahead of us.  

Thank you.