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TIMBER!

Official Review by Tim Keeney, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

I thought I was being smart. I planned to arrive at JELD-WEN Field for the Portland Timbers-Seattle Sounders game about two hours early. I could get my place early in line, and be able to take a nice walk around the stadium before it was too crowded.

I was wrong.

I hopped off the MAX light rail, only to discover that there were approximately 5,000 Timber fans already waiting "" and singing...and yelling"¦and waving flags "" in a line that wrapped all the way around two sides of the large stadium.

That turned out to be a precursor for the amazing atmosphere that I would experience at JELD-WEN.

Food & Beverage    3

JELD-WEN wasn't lacking in options, but there also wasn't anything that set the food options over the top.

They have the usuals: hot dogs ($6), cheeseburgers ($6), nachos ($4.50), pizza ($5) and other assortments of chips, pretzels and candy. They also had a few non-usual, but pricy items: pulled pork sandwich ($6), tacos ($6-8), meatball sub ($6) and chicken strips and fries ($7.50).

If you're thirsty you will find the normal beer selection and soda options for a typical range of between $5-$9. There also are bars scattered throughout the stadium where you could purchase mixed drinks or wine.

Overall, you'll find something to eat, but there's nothing to write home about.

Atmosphere    4

Soccer has fully caught on in America, but being at this game felt, I can only imagine, like what a game in a soccer-rich nation like England would feel like. I was lucky enough to catch a game between growing rivals, and I'm sure the fact that Portland is in their first season in the MLS had a lot to do with it, but there was a certain buzz flowing throughout the stadium that you just don't get at baseball and football stadiums.

It's hard to describe in words. It's something that I have only felt while at CenturyLink Field watching the Sounders, and JELD-WEN does the same. It's a place you have to see.

Fans were excited, the seats in most places give you a good view of the game, the jumbo-tron and scoreboard give you all the information you need to know and really, there wasn't more to ask for as far as the atmosphere.

However, if you don't want to stand throughout the whole game, you better get a ticket in one of the sections near midfield.

Neighborhood    5

Less than a block from the stadium in each direction, and you can find four bars.

First, there is the Cheerful Bullpen, located across the street from the southeast corner of the stadium. The general reviews seem to point towards friendly, but poor service. Good food and good drinks.

Then, you've got the Matador, which is directly north of the stadium. Like the Cheerful Bullpen, it is more of a dive bar, and has pool, a juke box, pinball, good, cheap food and plenty of drinks.
Third is the Kingston Bar & Grill, which is northwest of the stadium. Fourth, you'll find the Commodore Lounge, which is east of the stadium.

If you aren't looking for a bar, there are plenty of restaurants around, both fast food and sit down.

Fans    5

You really couldn't ask for more from the fans.

There is a general admission section that probably sits about 5,000 behind one goal, and by the time I got inside the stadium (an hour-and-a-half before start time), that section was full with fans singing and chanting and waving flags.

Those same fans had probably five or six different songs that they would chant throughout the game. They had rituals. They had everything. It was beautiful.

As for the rest of the stadium, it was completely sold out, and the fans, from what I could tell, seemed attentive and knowledgeable. Soccer is alive and well in the northwest, that much is clear.

Access    5

It's all about the MAX light rail system.

If you are driving, it is recommended that you park at SmartPark or any other parking lot near one of the many MAX stops. Purchasing an all-day ticket for the MAX was only $4.50, and it dropped me off right in front of the stadium.

Since most people use this method, it can get a little crowded, but in my mind, it beats paying a million dollars for parking.

Return on Investment    5

Because the game I attended was a popular rivalry game that was being televised on ESPN, the ticket price got pretty high.

However, for any other game, you will be able to find a ticket, on average, for around $20-$30. For the type of atmosphere that I can only describe as "electric," the price is absolutely worth it. It felt like an NFL playoff game, really.

Extras    1

Every time Portland scored a goal, the local celebrity/mascot, Timber Joey, would pull out his chainsaw and cut off a piece of a huge log that sat in front of the general admission section. He would then carry that piece around, taking pictures and talking with the fans.

Extras?

Why just one star? What you write sounds positive so I'm a little confused.

by smorris793 | Aug 13, 2011 01:33 PM

Soccer is King in the Northwest

This place seems awesome. It's amazing how European-like the Pacific Northwest is with their soccer passion. Looking forward to many Seattle-Portland derbies in the future

by shamus170 | Aug 16, 2011 07:44 AM

A slight reccomendation...

You know, I heartily recommend going to Voodoo Doughnut before, or after a game. They really love their Timbers there. :D

by garfieldelric | Sep 13, 2011 08:15 PM

What is this guy talking about?!?!

So, you arrive at Jeld-Wen and encounter singing, a long line around the building with flags waving that you describe as an "amazing atmosphere" yet you give Atmosphere a 4 star rating?? Portland has the best futbol fans in the United States....Period.

And for the record, matches between Portland and Seattle are NOT a "growing rivalry"..The rivalry has been going on for decades and long before the inception of the MLS and more than likely before you were born. PTFC 107

by JULES107 | Feb 03, 2012 10:47 AM

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