Adam Silver Praises Progress On Trail Blazers Arena Renovation

Adam Silver says discussions surrounding renovations to the Moda Center appear to be moving in a positive direction.

Speaking during a visit to Portland this week, Silver said he has been encouraged by the early efforts to secure public funding for upgrades to the arena that houses the Trail Blazers.

“I’ve had great conversations with the governor and the mayor, and it’s been a bipartisan effort,” Silver said, via the Associated Press.

Silver noted that the building’s importance goes well beyond basketball. The arena is also expected to serve as the home venue for the Portland Fire, which will begin play this season.

But Silver said facilities such as the Moda Center are vital to cities for a number of reasons.

“These arenas are multi-use facilities,” he said. “Whether it’s conventions, trade shows, concerts or graduations, they’re part of the lifeblood of communities.”

Silver added that maintaining a modern arena is important not only for the Trail Blazers and the Fire, but for Portland as a whole.

“You need a state-of-the-art arena here,” he said.