Portlanders love a good alternative sport and Providence Park, formerly known as Jeld-Wen Field, is no exception. While soccer is a major sport in other parts of the world, in the U.S. it tends to take a backseat. Everywhere but Portland that is, where Portland Timbers MLS soccer team and Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League play at Providence Park, right in the heart of downtown.
Providence Park Parking
Providence Park doesn't have a dedicated lot for events. Instead, visitors to the stadium must find parking in the surrounding area. Visitors are encouraged to take the TriMet to games or park in a downtown paid parking lot and walk or bus to the stadium. Those that park in the Fox Tower lot and use the Max to get to the Timbers game get half of their parking. The neighborhoods surrounding Providence Park are permit parking only and those that park in nearby commercial centers will likely be towed.
Hotels Near Providence Park
Despite its posh name, The Hotel deLuxe, directly near Providence Park, often has great deals on hotel rooms (and also offers game day parking). Throughout the downtown area, you will find hotels that offer convenient ways to get to Providence Park, including major chains like the Westin and Hilton, where you can save money by using your guest points.
Seating at Providence Park
Before buying tickets, take a look at the specific seating chart that the stadium provides. If you're not into enthusiastic fans, or have small kids with sensitive ears, then stay away from The Timbers Army, a section devoted to the Timbers fans that root at every game. The best-priced seats are the "value terrace," which is also furthest away from the field.
Food at Providence Park
Concessions at Providence Park are provided by Centerplate, which brings some of the city's signature foods into the venue. You will find offerings from local charcuterie Olympia (formerly Olympic) provisions as well a Tillamook Cheese Grilled Cheese Station and a rotating selection of the city's famous food carts in addition to Portlandian takes on classic stadium fare using local purveyors and ingredients.
Beer at Providence Park
Legal mandates don't allow you to bring your own alcohol into the stadium, but the concession stands include the local microbrews the city is known for as well as imports and domestics.
Parking Alternatives at Providence Park
The stadium encourages people to take the city's public transportation system to Providence Park or use one of the select bike parking spots that are available at Timbers games.
What to Bring to Providence Park
The outdoor stadium allows umbrellas inside the stadium but they cannot be opened in areas where they might block others' views. In cold weather, bundle up and wear a waterproof jacket with a hood and on sunny days, bring along some sunscreen. Hard coolers are not allowed, but soft ones are allowed to keep certain items cold.
Insider Tip for Providence Park
Locals avoid difficult parking situations and prices by taking multiple forms of public transportation, including the TriMet and Max to get to the stadium. Although the food has improved, many locals eat exclusively at the stands.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
