The NBA Playoffs are underway, and the Portland Trail Blazers had a less-than-stellar performance against the New Orleans Pelicans in the opening game of the series. Despite the outcome, the city was buzzing with enthusiasm from the Rip City faithful. Here is a chronicle of what I saw and heard from my vantage point in the 300 level.
Packed Pregame
Like most Blazers outings, I started my night crammed inside the electric confines of Spirit of 77. It was already shoulder to shoulder two hours before tip off, but our small group was able to nab a few open spots with vulture-like accuracy.