It struck me while on the way to the Pistons game.   Blazer fans are missing it by being nearly invisible.   I'm driving down the freeway, and I can't tell what portion of the traffic around me is also heading toward the game.  Once off the freeway, I still can't tell which vehicles are going to the convention center or commuting home, and which are going to the Blazer game.  Even on the street with the two parking structures, only blinking turn signals indicate the Blazer fans.  Now, this wasn't an absolute, but it was the norm overwhelmingly.  It would be interesting to count the cars as they come into the parking structures with a quick glance to count how many appear to be obvious Blazer fans and how many do not.  

I know some Raiders fans who love the ride to the Raider's games.  There is something about being a part of something bigger than themselves, and yet it is more.  It is beyond the traffic of joining with thousands of other fans.  It is joining your expression of your fandom with the expressions of others nearby.  It is the nods and the thumbs up of approval and admiration of the decked out appearance of each other's vehicles.  And then it grows with the convergence toward the arena building in excitement and intensity as the cars of the fandom get closer.  This excitement prepares the crowd for the intensity and excitement needed to be useful to the players during the first quarter.    

I have one Blazer car flag which is mostly black.  I wish there were more to choose from, like maybe a shiny red one.  I think they should be flown on game day whether you get to go to the game or not, regardless of how close to the game you live.  I've flown them while on the way home from work with the game on the radio.  I don't buy into the argument that if you were a true fan, you'd be at the game.  NBA seasons are long and sometimes games are often.  There is room for the fans who can't afford to go to every game whether it be because of the monetary commitment or the time commitment.  But, they can support with car flags.  House flags are great also.  The Blazer banner is really a cool one.  Flying it on game days, whether a home or an away game, is a visible way to support our team.   Even putting out pompoms in the back windowsill or a decal in the window can do so much.

And why aren't more fans wearing the Trail Blazer clothing?  We are not ashamed to be Blazer fans.  We should be willing to support our team with the apparel.  It is something we fans can do to contribute to the success of our team.  I don't buy into the argument that fans wearing more than one article such as a shirt with a hat, or a shirt with a coat etc have the appearance of wanting to pose as a coach or some other staffer.  I think team clothing for fans should be encouraged instead of focusing on what is too much.  It is easier to tone down a dangerous fanatic than it is to raise someone from apathy.  Women, especially, like to coordinate their outfits.  

Blazers could market a lot more variety of clothing for women.  Women do a lot of clothing shopping.  Even if the main fan of the family is her spouse, she'll buy for them both, so they can be coordinated in their clothing.   And, women's clothing doesn't need to be pink, or glittery, so long as it is cut in a manner attractive for the female form.  How many women are buying kids size large jerseys because Blazers don't market women sizes?  And if you are female and busty?  Forget it.   You'll shopping in the men's section.  Correct me if I'm wrong, please.  Do I just not know where to shop?  Where should I go?    

Wearing Blazer apparel helps bring attention to your team and it supports them monetarily.  I can't tell you how many times a stranger, after noticing my Blazer jacket or hoody or lanyard, has told me they used to follow the Blazers but stopped because of the character of the players.  In return, I share that it is a great time to get back into the Blazers because Kevin Pritchard and Paul Allen have formed a team of dedicated players with honorable character to compete for us.  "Real all-American boy-next-door-type of guys", I tell them.   This team is going places, and now is a wonderful time to enjoy the ride.    We should be doing whatever we each can to call attention to our team in a positive light.  Even people who have never followed the Blazers, seeing so many fans supporting them, may decide to check it out.  Fans can help Blazer fever spread.

The Blazers are trying to "Make It Better."  So can the fans!!  What's on your shopping list?