Portland-Northwest Soccer

Official Review by Alex Shoemaker, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

Jeld-Wen Field (formerly known as PGE Park) located in Portland, Ore. is the current home of the MLS Portland Timbers soccer franchise and the Portland State Vikings football team.

Previously a baseball park, a $31 million renovation in 2010 turned Jeld-Wen into one of coolest stadiums in MLS soccer. At around 22,000 max capacity, fan attendance is lively and nearly always a sell out. With the configuration of the stadium, fans are right on top of the action. One columnist even went as far as to say it was like watching soccer in a phone booth.

Food & Beverage    3

Stadium food is stadium food. You're not going to find anything too exciting or cheap that you can't find at a local restaurant. Fortunately, Portland has plenty of great spots nearby.

Atmosphere    5

There is no better atmosphere in American soccer than a Timbers home game. The list of things that make Jeld-Wen so amazing could go on for days, but let's take a look at a few.

One of the most popular traditions at Timbers games is the cutting of a log by the Timbers' lumberjack mascot. A section of log is chopped off after each goal, and Timber Joey marches around the stadium hoisting it over his head.

Another popular moment, that went viral was the singing of the national anthem before the game...by the entire crowd. You don't see that every day.

But nothing tops the Timbers Army. Like the black hole at Raiders home games, the Timbers Army section is always loud and rocking. They chant throughout the game and never let a bad call go without a little booing.

Neighborhood    3

The surrounding area offers plenty of places to get some grub before the game.

I'd be remiss if I did not include Voodoo Doughnuts, one of the most popular and unique pastry shops in the Pacific Northwest. At Voodoo you can choose from doughnuts covered in fruit loops, ones with assorted fruit, and my personal favorite: the bacon maple (a maple doughnut with a slice of bacon on top) that is one of the top sellers. Make sure to cover the little one's eyes from some of the other doughnuts, though. Like the ones of the male anatomy.

There are a lot of food carts scattered throughout Portland, and many just outside the stadium. You can get a hot dog, burger, maybe some Chinese.

Also, Hotlips Pizza is right across the street and a great place to grab a slice to go or sit down and take everything in. Point is, drive down Burnside street and you'll have plenty of options.

Parking is iffy, though, and I've heard horror stories of people losing pennants and decals on their cars. It's advised to put all magnets inside the car when you leave.

Fans    5

As mentioned earlier, Timbers fans are the loudest, rowdiest, and most passionate in the MLS. That is of course, just an opinion.

The Timbers' Army in the GA section are always chanting and keeping their content fresh and original.

Seat marshals also often have printouts of the lyrics to all the chants so new fans can join in. And when printouts aren't available, fans can use their smartphone or bring them from home.

Access    4

Jeld-Wen is just off of I-405, and is right next to a Max Light Rail transit station.

For those of you unfamiliar with Portland, the Rose City is one of the best public transportation cities in the world, and features a constantly running rail transit system known as the Max.

Parking is a bit of an issue, and nearby stores usually charge ridiculous prices to park there. If you're fine with parking a little ways away and taking public transit, you can save a lot of money.

Return on Investment    5

There is no better place to watch a soccer game, that I've found, than at Jeld-Wen to see the Timbers. It gets better every time, and the fans are amazing. Unless you're a Sounders fan, of course. Be careful what colors you're wearing that day. Green and white means something completely different than neon green and blue.

If you're a soccer fan, I highly recommend catching a Timbers game. Even if you just want a fun afternoon with the kids, stop by Jeld-Wen and check out all the excitement.

Make sure to get your tickets well in advance, because prices increase a lot the closer the game gets.

Extras    5

The concession stands have great memorabilia, and are relatively inexpensive. You can get a nice shirt or hat for less than $20.

Seat location is easy, and ushers can guide you to where you need to go. They also often have printouts of the chants so those new to the stadium can sing along. Also, bathrooms and food stands were really clean.

There is also a lot of history at Jeld-Wen. For instance, former soccer great Pele played his final official soccer game on the old grounds.