You’re sitting in the Moda Center. The lights dim. The bass from the speakers thumps against your ribcage. Suddenly, a giant, fuzzy creature with a massive nose and a relentless motor comes barreling out of the tunnel. It’s not a cat. It’s definitely not a bird. It’s Douglas Fur, the official Portland Trail Blazers mascot, and he might be one of the most misunderstood figures in the NBA.
For decades, the Blazers were one of the few teams in the league that didn't have a traditional mascot. We had the Blaze the Trail Cat era—more on him in a second—but for a long time, the franchise leaned more into the grit of the game than the fluff of a costume. Then came 2023. The organization decided it was time to lean into the Pacific Northwest identity in a way that felt authentic to Oregon. They didn't go for a generic lion or a standard bear. They went with a Sasquatch.
The Bigfoot in the Room: Who is Douglas Fur?
Douglas Fur is a "hipster" Bigfoot. That’s the easiest way to describe him. He wears a beanie. He has a vest. He looks like he’s about to ask you for your favorite microbrew recommendation or explain why vinyl sounds better than Spotify.
Actually, the backstory is pretty specific. The Blazers introduced him as a creature who lived in the shadows of the Cascade Mountains for years before finally deciding to join the Rip City community. It’s a bit of a quirky move, but if you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning at the Portland Saturday Market, you know Douglas fits right in. He isn't just a guy in a suit; he’s a representation of the "Keep Portland Weird" mantra that defines the city.
He’s huge. He’s hairy. He’s surprisingly agile for someone who supposedly spent the last century hiding behind Douglas fir trees.
Why a Sasquatch?
Oregon is the epicenter of Bigfoot lore. It makes sense. If any NBA team was going to claim the legendary cryptid as their own, it had to be Portland. But Douglas Fur isn't scary. He’s approachable. He represents the outdoorsy, rugged spirit of the Northwest while maintaining that goofy, high-energy persona required to get 19,000 fans screaming for a T-shirt toss.
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The Blaze the Trail Cat Legacy
We can't talk about Douglas without acknowledging Blaze. For roughly two decades, Blaze the Trail Cat was the face of the franchise. He was a two-toned silver mountain lion. He was cool. He did backflips. He was reliable.
Blaze didn't just disappear into thin air when Douglas arrived. He’s still around, often seen as a mentor or a "legacy" character. But the shift from a cat to a Sasquatch signaled a change in how the Blazers wanted to market themselves. A mountain lion is a standard sports trope. A Sasquatch in a beanie? That’s uniquely Portland.
Honestly, some fans were skeptical at first. People get attached to what they know. But as the 2023-2024 season progressed, you started seeing more Douglas Fur jerseys. The kids loved him. The "hipster" aesthetic, which felt a little on-the-nose at first, actually worked because it felt self-aware.
What a Mascot Actually Does for the Blazers
Mascots aren't just for kids. They are a massive part of the business of basketball. When the Blazers are down by 15 in the third quarter and the energy in the arena starts to sag, Douglas Fur is the one tasked with reviving it.
- Community Outreach: You’ll find him at hospitals, schools, and charity runs.
- Brand Identity: He’s a walking billboard for the team’s PNW-centric branding.
- In-Game Entertainment: From dancing with the Rip City Crew to the classic trampoline dunks, his job is 48 minutes of cardio.
The physical toll is real. People underestimate how hard it is to perform in a heavy, fur-covered suit under arena lights. It’s essentially high-intensity interval training for two hours straight.
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The Design Details Most People Miss
Look closely at Douglas Fur. His outfit isn't random. The vest he wears is a nod to the rugged lumberjack history of the region. The name "Douglas Fur" is, of course, a pun on the Douglas fir tree, which is the state tree of Oregon. It’s clever without being too corny.
He also has a distinct personality compared to other mascots. He’s a bit more laid back—until the music starts. While some mascots like Benny the Bull in Chicago are known for being pranksters, Douglas feels more like a fan who just happened to be eight feet tall and covered in hair. He’s one of us.
How He Compares to the Rest of the NBA
The NBA mascot landscape is competitive. You have legends like The Coyote in San Antonio and the aforementioned Benny the Bull. Entering that space as a "new" mascot is tough. You’re fighting against decades of nostalgia.
Douglas Fur succeeds because he doesn't try to be those guys. He doesn't need to be a hyper-aggressive prankster. He leans into the Northwest vibe. He’s the guy you’d see hiking Silver Falls, just... much hairier.
The Evolution of Rip City Identity
The Trail Blazers have always had a weird, wonderful relationship with their fans. From the "Blazermania" of 1977 to the "Lillard Time" era, the connection is deep. Douglas Fur is the latest chapter in that. He represents a modern Portland—one that embraces its weirdness and its connection to nature.
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Some critics argued that a Sasquatch was too "minor league." They were wrong. In a league where branding often feels sanitized and corporate, having a mascot that looks like he just walked out of a local coffee shop is refreshing. It’s authentic. And in a city like Portland, authenticity is the only currency that matters.
Behind the Scenes: The Life of a Sasquatch
What’s it actually like being Douglas Fur? The person inside the suit remains anonymous, which is part of the "mascot code." But we know the requirements. You have to be an elite athlete. You have to have a background in dance or gymnastics. You have to be able to read a room without saying a single word.
The mascot is the only person in the building who can interact with every single fan, from the front-row season ticket holders to the folks in the 300 level. Douglas Fur spends a lot of time roaming the concourse. He’s a master of the "no-look high five" and the "accidental" photobomb.
Making the Most of Your Next Blazers Game
If you're heading to the Moda Center, catching a glimpse of Douglas Fur is a must. He usually makes his rounds during the first and second quarters. If you want a photo, the best time is often near the entrance of the 100-level sections during timeouts.
Don't just watch the game. Watch the sidelines. Half the fun of a Blazers game is the chaos that Douglas and the Rip City Crew bring during the breaks.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Follow the Fun: Douglas Fur has his own social media presence. If you want to see his latest antics or find out where he’ll be appearing in the community, check the official Blazers' social channels or the dedicated mascot pages.
- Get the Gear: If you're a fan of the new look, the team store at the Moda Center has specific Douglas Fur merch that isn't always available online, including those iconic beanies.
- Plan Your Photos: Mascots usually follow a strict schedule during the game. To increase your chances of a selfie, arrive at your seat at least 20 minutes before tip-off; that's when he's most active near the court.
- Book an Appearance: Did you know you can hire the mascot for private events? Whether it’s a birthday or a corporate function, having a Sasquatch show up is a guaranteed way to make things memorable. Check the "Mascot Appearances" section on the official Trail Blazers website for rates and availability.
Douglas Fur might be a newcomer, but he’s already woven himself into the fabric of Rip City. He’s a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of professional basketball, there’s always room for a little bit of Northwest weirdness.