Memorial Coliseum Final Home Game
A triumphant farewell to the hardwood where legends were made.
The Memorial Coliseum Final Home Game marks the emotional conclusion of the Portland Trail Blazers' twenty-five-year tenure at their original arena. Played on April 19, 1995, this contest served as a farewell to the historic venue that hosted the franchise's inception and its sole NBA Championship victory in 1977. It stands as a pivotal moment in club history, bridging the gap between the classic era of the Coliseum and the modern facility known today as the Moda Center. This event is celebrated by fans not just for the result, but for what it represented: the end of an intimate chapter where the team and city grew together. The game featured a victory against the Utah Jazz, providing a triumphant send-off before the franchise relocated to the Rose Garden for the 1995-96 season.
- Date
- April 19, 1995
- Opponent
- Utah Jazz
- Top Scorer
- Terry Porter (34 points)
- Head Coach
- P.J. Carlesimo
- Venue Tenure
- 1970 - 1995
Lore & Background
The Memorial Coliseum was more than a building; it was the heartbeat of Portland basketball for a quarter-century. From the first franchise game in 1970 to this final night, the venue witnessed the rise of the 'Town Team.' The atmosphere on April 19th was heavy with nostalgia as fans filled every seat one last time. The arena's unique acoustics and proximity of the stands to the court created an intensity that defined the Blazers' identity during their championship run. The decision to move was driven by economic necessity, but the final game ensured the Coliseum retired on a high note. Terry Porter's performance honored the legacy of those who played before him, from Lenny Wilkens to Clyde Drexler. As the players left the court for the last time at this address, they carried with them the spirit of a city that never forgot its roots in the coliseum.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed softly over the worn hardwood as Terry Porter wiped sweat from his brow. The crowd's roar was different tonight—not just excitement, but gratitude. He looked up at the rafters where banners hung silent witnesses to twenty-five years of history. As he walked toward the tunnel, the noise faded into a respectful hush. This floor had held his weight through playoffs and regular seasons alike; tonight, it was simply saying goodbye.
Reader's Guide
The Memorial Coliseum stood as the Trail Blazers' spiritual home from their inception in 1970 until the spring of 1995, spanning twenty-five seasons of NBA history. This era began with the franchise's arrival, establishing a unique identity defined by passionate fans and tight budgets that fostered deep community connection. The defining turning point arrived in June 1977 under coach Jack Ramsay when the team captured their only NBA Championship on this very hardwood, cementing the venue's legacy forever in basketball lore. Following the championship glory, the Coliseum hosted various coaching tenures including Rick Adelman and P.J. Carlesimo, transforming Portland into a perennial contender throughout the late eighties and early nineties with stars like Clyde Drexler. Despite growing pains and financial constraints that eventually necessitated a new arena to meet modern demands, the atmosphere remained electric with loyal supporters until the final whistle. The transition to the Rose Garden marked the end of an intimate chapter, yet the memories forged in the Coliseum remain the bedrock of Blazers history for generations.
Did You Know?
- The Memorial Coliseum was the site of the Trail Blazers' only NBA Championship victory in 1977.
- Terry Porter scored a game-high 34 points during the final home game at the venue.
- The team played over 2,000 regular season and playoff games at the Memorial Coliseum before moving.
- This farewell match occurred just months before the Rose Garden opened for the 1995-96 season.