Portland: Where Playoff Ticket Refugee Camps Happen
by Ben. on Apr 16, 2009 3:40 AM PDT
65 comments
It's about 3:30AM as I type this. A little more than an hour ago, I checked the ole twitter to see what the insomniacs were up to. Lo and behold, BE reader Pete sent word that he was roughly 260 people deep in a line outside the Rose Quarter for playoff tickets.
Inspired by Pete's Blazermania, I drove back down to the Rose Garden to scope the scene for myself.
It was a big, giant, disgusting, beautiful mess. "I Got Five On It" boomed from a stereo; 2 dozen young men engaged in a pavement football game; a lot of people slept; card tables were set up; mostly people looked bored. Because, you know, it was almost 3 o'clock in the freaking morning.
Click through for more incredibly powerful pictures.
The kicker: playoff tickets don't actually go on sale until noon. And tickets might run out before many of the people pictured here even have the chance to buy them. Those in line planned to buy the tickets for personal use and also to re-sell. One man quipped, "I'd trade these tickets for a job, know what I mean." Indeed, rumor circulated earlier that night that the first squatters appeared outside the Rose Quarter office more than 24 hours before the tickets actually went on sale.
... before wrapping around and doubling back.
This is Pete, the BE reading twitter hero...
... and here are some of the very earliest arrivals.
This wasn't planted (by me, anyway).
I might never have felt greater pride as a Portlander than I do right now as I type this.
Every single person in that line deserves a standing ovation.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)
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I seriously want to go
I wish money grew on trees.
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 16, 2009 3:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome reporting Ben!
love it…
Now Paul Allen should send a Vulcan down to Plaid Pantry with $1,000 and buy those boys some 40’s!!
by tominrehab on Apr 16, 2009 4:07 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec
now totally off you topic of 40’s (I’m for ’em).
I camped out at GI Joes when I was a freshman in HS, 1992. We were 5th in line and by the time we bought tickets, the Bulls game was sold out. What a letdown. But it was fun camping out with about 500 people in front of the Gresham GI Joes.
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
by iDea on Apr 16, 2009 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The NBA - where Blazer fans disguising as Dukies happens
Greg Oden = Robert Parish (HOF, 4x NBA champion, 9x NBA All-Star). The only other rookie with more than 500 points, 400 rebounds, and 65 blocks in under 1400 minutes played. Since 1946.
by Norsktroll on Apr 16, 2009 4:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
simply beautiful
I live on the other side of the world, and I can feel the Blazermania very strong in my heart. I watched the game this morning from my computer while at work, and I was lucky that nobody was around as the butt whooping took place. I was pumping my fist with every Rudy 3… yelling a silent “hell yeah!” with every slice and dice of the horrid Denver defense.
I’ve been buzzin’ all day with the playoff excitement… along with another Blazer fan who works with me. I’ve never wanted to be back in Portland more than I do right now. But at the same time… I don’t feel very far.
Go Portland!
by mcmillion on Apr 16, 2009 4:42 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Your last sentence is right on the mark
I have been away from Portland too long and this makes me long for home.
"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.
by blazermaniac32 on Apr 16, 2009 6:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know what you mean
I’m only a couple of states away but I’ve had a little extra skip in my step and shouting at my computer monitor and cheering.
I took a break after the first quarter of the season because I was so frustrated with the team, and the team I’m watching now… I think they’re a finals contender. they’re so… damn… good!
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 16, 2009 7:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The rest of the NBA doesn't get it
The video they show at the start of the games is right (even if not the best intro video in the world)…THIS IS OUR TEAM!
Proud member of Duck nation!
by skywaker9 on Apr 16, 2009 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW
Unbelievable – truly incredible – these pictures belong at minimum inside the Portland Art Gallery
by hotstuffdb22 on Apr 16, 2009 5:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm worried when I come up to Portland,
how the hell am I going to get any tickets. Maybe some 300 level seats won’t be soo bad…
Brandon "The Royal" Roy or "Royal 7". What ever sticks.
by dpnim on Apr 16, 2009 6:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
300 level seats in the RG for playoffs wouldn't be bad
it’d be frickin’ gold dude!!!
.-*
Take it to the Hole!!
by galacticlove on Apr 16, 2009 6:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Called me spoiled but if I go to a game I like trying to get 100 level seats.
But thats because I tend to go rarely since I live in LA now. Wonder what tickets are going for after resale. 2-3x retail?
Brandon "The Royal" Roy or "Royal 7". What ever sticks.
by dpnim on Apr 16, 2009 6:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you might get lucky and do better than that
And I also think that you would have an easier time finding marked up 100 level seats than 300 level seats (I’m actually spoiled too!!)
It seems like 300 level tickets are actually harder to get these days because people like good values. You should have a decent shot at a 100,200 level seat on the ticket resale center.. and maybe as little as .5 markup!!
Take it to the Hole!!
by galacticlove on Apr 16, 2009 7:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, mine are on sale
but yeah, they’re expensive.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 16, 2009 7:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
jump on stubhub and buy some
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
by iDea on Apr 16, 2009 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Prices are insane there!
Wow.
Brandon "The Royal" Roy or "Royal 7". What ever sticks.
by dpnim on Apr 16, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it is cold
Four news trucks, people doing backflips to get on tv, screaming loudly. I am sitting here with the informal sign up sheet at 308 when it passed by. The sun has risen and it’s a beautiful day to listen to music and study for my mcat. I just wish it was 30 degrees warmer. The line is at least 350-375. It made another loop.
Interesting sights and sounds:
-reporters scolding fans, saying they cant air something intelligible with so many people yelling at once.
-pastries given out from where i suspect was the box office. One guy went along the line offering them, others walked trying to charge a dollar.
-a dude drumming ona trash can.
-an ugly usc sweatshirt. They’re all ugly to me.
Go blazers! Go people who are only buying one ticket!
by jayzien on Apr 16, 2009 6:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And I hope
The guys paying homeless folks to purchase more tickets than the four allowed get caught…
Proud member of Duck nation!
by skywaker9 on Apr 16, 2009 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
so... people should dress as homeless guys
and then walk off with the tickets.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 16, 2009 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I probably would
But there’s no way I’d accept $50 to stand in line for someone (have to be more)…
Proud member of Duck nation!
by skywaker9 on Apr 16, 2009 8:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Skeets has given us some pub, too
"Respect everyone, fear no one." -TP
by Arby on Apr 16, 2009 7:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
(copy and paste link)
"Respect everyone, fear no one." -TP
by Arby on Apr 16, 2009 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ahhhh yes...
Reminds me of the old days of waiting for Van Halen tickets and the lotteries for playoff tixx in the early 90s and the 2 almost-championship runs.
Congrats to those who get playoff tickets this time around…I’ve never been happier to be a season ticket holder… :b
by raggmopp on Apr 16, 2009 8:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
More than just a team
The Blazers are us, they are Portland!
Proud member of Duck nation!
by skywaker9 on Apr 16, 2009 8:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, that's a small-market mentality in action.
As someone’s who’s a part of a mid-level market, I’m in awe here.
by AK1984 on Apr 16, 2009 8:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No, it's not just that
It’s Portland, this city had a sellout streak to rival the Knicks for a while. This team is so much of a part of our city, you can’t separate them…
Proud member of Duck nation!
by skywaker9 on Apr 16, 2009 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd contend that such a relationship is unhealthy, but my life as a whole is unhealthy; thus, I can't ...
hate on anyone in such a way. Nonetheless, I will assume that I’m a more intelligent basketball fan than those who waited outside patiently for playoff tickets. Yes, that makes me sleep well during the day — as I’m usually awake at night — no matter how much of a jerk that makes me.
by AK1984 on Apr 16, 2009 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too..
I’m paying scalper prices to get in. I’m still employed and want to stay that way….
Proud member of Duck nation!
by skywaker9 on Apr 16, 2009 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Nonetheless, I will assume that I’m a more intelligent basketball fan than those who waited outside patiently for playoff tickets."
Assume all you want.
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 16, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's funny stuff
Especially considering AK doesn’t, can’t and hasn’t played organized basketball.
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
by iDea on Apr 16, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You couldn't sound like more of a pompous jackass if you tried.
"Respect everyone, fear no one." -TP
by Arby on Apr 16, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh no
people can always surprise you.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 16, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Small-market mentality? I get a good chuckle whenever I hear that term used.
The size of a certain market really doesn’t have much to do with how passionate the fanbase can be and people camping out for tickets is a phenomenon that can occur anywhere and not just for sports events.
"Kobe you empty headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!" - Nicolas Batum
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on Apr 16, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Camping out
and sharing your enthusiasm is just fun. I’d probably do it and i already HAVE tickets. it’d just be fun hanging out with other passionate blazer fans.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 16, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
NOT A LIKE THE HAWKS
GO Blazers !
Sad to say Atlanta has had a banner ad for weeks on BE trying to get people to buy play-off tickets…Not anything the Blazers will ever have to do.
I slept out for Timber Playoff tickets in 1975 get memories :-D
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
by NOWINE on Apr 16, 2009 8:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Extra Tickets
If any of my true fellow blazer fans want to part with extra tickets, please email me, Em willing to pay over face value, but I am poor like every other struggling portlander in this recession. Thanks for all the help guys, go blazers! shaneevenhus@yahoo.com
by hoose5286 on Apr 16, 2009 8:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
tons of people parting on craigslist.
The most hated Blazer is like the least hottest supermodel - Sabonis4Ever
by Philthyanimal on Apr 16, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's where I got mine
Sec.326
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Apr 16, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the 5-10th people in line were homeless people i think
standing in line for someone else.
The most hated Blazer is like the least hottest supermodel - Sabonis4Ever
by Philthyanimal on Apr 16, 2009 9:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was there, for 15 hours, and it was one of the most incredible experiences, ever, and one I will never forget. The people I meet as strangers at the beginning of the night, (9pm-wednesday), ended up being friends that hugged and yelled together when we all finally got our tickets,(12:10 pm-thursday). Good times. I’d do it all over again. Proud to be a Blazer fan!
by Nora R on Apr 16, 2009 1:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice!
How did the process go? Did everyone get tickets? Were they expensive?
I hope I can get a bunch of championships, like 15. " - Greg Oden
by mxpx5678 on Apr 16, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couple of places
The blazers resale site
https://www.ticketmrktplace.com/ex/loginFrame.action?team=Blazers
Stubhub
Craigs list.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 16, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As far as I could see, everything went pretty well and it sounds like most everyone got tickets, as they limited each customer to a total of 4 for game 1 and 2. Tickets were regular season prices for the 1st round. It was all good!
by Nora R on Apr 16, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
where abouts were you in line?
by Peteyhasnohead on Apr 16, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
94th
They did a couple of counts through out the night. At one point they had everyone sign a list, trying to keep people from cutting into the line, (didn’t work), and I was 94 on that list. All of our ‘neighbors’ were awesome. Good times! Can’t wait for tomorrows game!
by Nora R on Apr 17, 2009 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tickets!?
Does anyone have 2 or 3 extra upper bowl tickets?? I don’t care where the seats are, me and two of my friends just REALLY want to go to the first or second round game. I don’t have very much money though and wouldn’t be able to pay more than about 30 dollars per ticket. Can anyone help??
by jdawgg190 on Apr 16, 2009 5:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
forgot to put my email, its jdawgg190@ymail.com
by jdawgg190 on Apr 16, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man long and fun night
Experience was pretty good, although whenever the TV crews came out people got pretty annoying, but overall a great experience and one that I can share for the rest of my life.
I see my chair in one of those pics but im not in it, I wonder where I was
by Peteyhasnohead on Apr 16, 2009 5:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good Luck Blazers!
As a Suns fan (insert joke here), I come here to support your team fully through what will hopefully be a long run through the playoffs. Suns fans are now Blazers fans and we will cheer for you with vigor as many of you did during our previous run. So, even though we may not be as valuable as Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez, Robert Sarver is now trading us Suns fans to you, if only for a few months, and we will only ask for entertainment and joy in return!
by ArizonaCactus on Apr 16, 2009 6:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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