Moda Center Parking Tips in Portland

The Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA play their home games throughout the season at Moda Center. Knowing where you will park will get your night off to a great start if you’ll be attending an upcoming game or another type of event in this arena. 

This detailed Moda Center parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Moda Center parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Moda Center you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Portland
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Portland Trail Blazers events
• Other valuable Moda Center parking tips to save time and money

Using this guide, you can plan your parking in advance and avoid any unwanted hassles on the event day. We hope it helps!

Official Moda Center Parking Lots

Moda Center is on the property of the Rose Quarter, which also features the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. In total, more than 2500 parking spaces are available here, divided between four garages and one parking lot. 

Main Parking Lots 

The five main official parking locations associated with Moda Center and the Rose Quarter are as follows:

• Garden Garage
• Annex Garage
• West Broadway Garage
• East Broadway Garage
• Benton Surface Lot

Of these five, the Garden Garage is the largest, with more than 1,000 parking spaces available. It also offers the most convenient access to the area, as it is attached to the north side of the building. 

While the price of official parking will vary based on the event, it is often around $30. You can make advance reservations through ParkWhiz, linked directly from the Rose Quarter website. 

EV Parking at Moda Center

Moda Center offers one of the best parking situations in the country for those who would like to charge an EV while attending an event. All four of the garages include at least a few EV chargers, and the charging sessions are included in the price of your parking.

The only downside to this arrangement is that you can’t specifically reserve an EV spot when booking your parking. You must make a parking reservation for the garage of your choice and then arrive early for the best chance of accessing a charger. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

The official parking options at the Rose Quarter include dedicated ADA spaces. None of these locations are far from the arena’s entrances, but for optimal convenience, you may want to try and secure a spot in the Garden Garage attached to the venue. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Moda Center

If you don’t want to use the official parking options, or if they aren’t available for an event you are attending, third-party options are within walking distance of Moda Center. Use the SpotHero widget below to reserve a spot right away.

One of the best options for a great value on your parking spot is the Portland Convention Center Lot at 298 NE Lloyd Blvd. This lot is just a 10-minute walk from the gates of the arena, yet the price is often well under $20.

There are closer lots, such as the Courtyard Marriott Lloyd Center valet, but those options will cost you quite a bit more money. 

Free Parking at Moda Center

It’s not impossible to find free street parking within walking distance of Moda Center, but it’s not a sure thing. The area east of the arena, on the other side of I-5, offers scattered street parking spots.

Some of these spots are metered, but others are not, so driving around might be able to net you a free spot. This is not a surefire strategy, so you’ll want to have a backup plan in mind if you can’t find anywhere that works. 

Public Transportation to Moda Center

TriMet MAX Light Rail

The TriMet MAX Light Rail is one of the most popular and convenient methods to reach Moda Center in Portland. It connects various parts of the city, making it easy to reach the center from different neighborhoods. Three lines – the Blue, Green, and Red lines – all have stops at the Rose Quarter Transit Center, which is located just a short walk from the Moda Center.

Additionally, TriMet increases service during major events, ensuring that attendees can get to and from the venue easily. Do check the schedules ahead of time on the TriMet website or through the TriMet mobile app, as service can vary depending on the time of day and week.

TriMet Buses

In addition to the Light Rail service, TriMet also operates a comprehensive bus network throughout Portland. There are six bus lines that have stops near the Moda Center: the 4 (Fessenden), 8 (Jackson Park/NE 15th), 35 (Macadam/Greeley), 44 (Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest), 77 (Broadway/Halsey), and 85 (Swan Island).

The frequency and operating hours of these buses can vary, so it’s recommended to plan your journey using the TriMet Trip Planner tool available on their website or mobile app.

Portland Streetcar

An alternative means of getting to the Moda Center is by the Portland Streetcar. The A Loop and B Loop lines provide convenient service from various parts of the city to the Lloyd District, where the Moda Center is located. The streetcar stop is about a 10-minute walk from the arena.

Biking, Walking, and Scooters

Portland is known for its bike-friendly streets, and there’s no shortage of bike parking at the Moda Center. You can ride your own bike or use a bike-sharing service like Biketown. There are also several e-scooter sharing services available. If you are in a nearby neighborhood, you might even consider walking to the arena.

Ridesharing to Moda Center

If you use a rideshare service to get to and from Moda Center in Portland, you should know where the driver can meet or let you out. For the best results and the fastest service, you might want to think about being willing to walk a bit away from the arena.

There isn’t a lot of space available in the Rose Quarter, as it is squeezed between I-5 and the river. If you walk to the east under the freeway, you’ll have a much easier time getting in and out without sitting in traffic.  

Moda Center Events

Moda Center is a great place to watch a basketball game, but that’s not the only event found here throughout the year. Check out the table below to explore tickets for plenty of other outings.

Bars and Restaurants near Moda Center 

The options will be limited if you are looking for a drink or a meal before an event at Moda Center. There isn’t a large dining or shopping district within easy walking distance of the arena, so don’t plan on having that type of experience at this venue. 

However, there is a welcoming spot on the property of the Moda Center that tends to draw plenty of action both before and after games. Dr. Jack’s is located in the Rose Quarter and is just a short walk from the entrance to the arena. Check in advance for operating hours on the day you will attend and you could have a great time adding this stop to your agenda. 

Moda Center Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. However, traffic and transportation issues sometimes get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Moda Center.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

Portland can have some challenging traffic conditions throughout certain times of the week, especially when trying to get over the bridges that cross the Willamette River. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Moda Center has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around Moda Center. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attending an NBA game or concert at Moda Center in Portland can be a seamless and enjoyable experience with the right parking strategy. This comprehensive guide provides invaluable insights into optimizing your visit.

From official Moda Center parking lots to third-party options, free parking areas, and accessible solutions, there’s a parking choice for every need. Including EV charging facilities adds to the convenience, though early arrival is recommended to secure an EV spot. Public transportation options like TriMet’s MAX light rail or buses can also enhance your trip.

Following these Moda Center parking tips’ll set the stage for a memorable and stress-free experience at this iconic venue.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Moda Center (FAQs)