In 1974, Gerald Ford became the first president of the United States to attend an NBA game. On November 1 at Memorial Coliseum, he arrived in the third quarter and watched the Trail Blazers defeat the Buffalo Braves, 113–106.
Construction began on the nearby Rose Garden Arena (now Moda Center) soon after the 1992 NBA Finals, and it became the team's home arena when it opened in 1995.
As part of the team's 40th anniversary celebration, the Blazers played a pre-season game at Memorial Coliseum on October 14, 2009, against the Phoenix Suns. Team founder Harry Glickman, former players Jerome Kersey, Terry Porter, and Bob Gross, as well as broadcaster Bill Schonely attended the game. The Suns defeated the Blazers, 110–104, with 11,740 tickets sold.
In 2019, the Portland Trail Blazers celebrated their 50th season anniversary of becoming an NBA franchise. The organization played their first preseason game of the 2019–2020 season at the Memorial Coliseum on October 8, against the Denver Nuggets as a tribute to the stadium that the Trail Blazers called home for 25 years.
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On May 2, 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers faced the Denver Nuggets in Game 6...
1977 NBA Semi-Finals Game 6 - Portland vs Denver - Radio Broadcast / On May 2, 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers faced the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the NBA Semi-Finals, a pivotal moment in what was becoming an increasingly competitive series. The Trail Blazers, led by Bill Walton, were in the midst of a season that would ultimately see them capture their first NBA Championship. This particular game took place against a backdrop of high expectations and intense playoff atmosphere, with the Trail Blazers seeking to capitalize on their home court advantage to close out the series. Denver, featuring key players like David Thompson and Dan Issel, aimed to extend their playoff run by forcing a seventh game. The matchup was not just a test of talent but of strategies and resilience, as both teams were known for their strong defensive play and efficient scoring.
The game unfolded with a series of runs by both teams, reflecting the tight competition that had characterized their previous encounters that season. Portland's ability to control the tempo and leverage Walton’s inside presence was crucial, while Denver relied on their fast-paced offense to keep the pressure on. This game was indicative of the evolving NBA, where a more dynamic and physically demanding style of play was beginning to take center stage, setting the tone for future developments in the league.