Let's be real: watching the NBA live shouldn't require a second mortgage. If you’ve ever tried to grab tickets for a Saturday night game against the Lakers at the Moda Center, you’ve probably seen prices that made your eyes water.
But here’s the thing. Trail blazers tickets cheap isn't just a hopeful search term; it’s actually a doable reality if you know where the system breaks.
I’ve spent way too much time staring at seating charts and refreshing resale apps. What I've found is that Portland is one of those rare NBA markets where the "get-in" price fluctuates wildly based on the most random factors. Whether you’re a die-hard Rip City veteran or just someone looking for a fun night out without blowing $200, there are specific, non-obvious ways to save.
The Mid-Week Magic and The "Small Market" Discount
If you want to save money, stop looking at Friday and Saturday games. Seriously.
The price delta between a Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets and a Friday night against the Warriors is staggering. For example, looking at the January 2026 schedule, you can find entry-level seats for mid-week matchups like the Miami Heat (Thursday, Jan 22) or the Toronto Raptors (Friday, Jan 23) starting as low as $15 to $18. Compare that to a Lakers matchup where the "cheap" seats jump instantly to over $100.
Basically, if the opponent doesn't have a superstar whose name is on a shoe, you win.
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Why Tuesday is your best friend
Most people are tired on Tuesdays. They’re working. They’re staying home. This is when season ticket holders who can’t make the drive from Beaverton or Vancouver start dumping their seats on the secondary market for pennies on the dollar. I’ve seen 300-level seats go for the price of a fancy burrito ($13-$14) just a few hours before tip-off on a school night.
The Costco Hack and Hidden Vouchers
Kinda weird, right? Buying basketball tickets where you buy bulk toilet paper?
Honestly, the Costco Trail Blazers eVoucher is one of the best-kept secrets in Oregon sports. For the 2025-26 season, Costco has been offering a deal that includes two 100-level tickets plus a $25 concession credit. If you do the math, you’re often getting lower-bowl seats for about 40% less than the Ticketmaster "Platinum" pricing.
- Sections included: Often 105, 108, 116, and 119.
- The Catch: You have to redeem them through a specific FEVO link, and they aren't valid for "Tier 1" games (think LeBron or Steph Curry).
- Pro Tip: Use that $25 credit for a Killer Burger or some Sizzle Pie inside the arena. It basically covers your dinner.
Where to Sit for the Best Value (300-Level Truths)
Everyone wants to be in the 100s, but the Moda Center (or the Rose Garden, if you’re a purist) was designed well. There really isn't a "bad" seat, but there are definitely "smarter" seats.
The 300-Level Sideline
Don't just buy the cheapest ticket available. Often, the cheapest ticket is behind the basket in the 300s. For $5 more, you can usually snag a seat in Sections 301, 316, 317, or 332. These are center-court views. You can see the plays develop, you can see the spacing, and you aren’t straining your neck.
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The "Top of the 200s" Strategy
If you have a little more wiggle room in the budget, look for the very top row of the 200 level. These are often cheaper than the front row of the 300 level but offer a much more "intimate" feel. Plus, as some local fans point out on Reddit, sitting in the back row means you can stand up and cheer whenever you want without some guy behind you telling you to sit down.
Student Passes and Last-Minute Drops
If you have a .edu email address, you are leaving money on the table if you aren't signed up for the Trail Blazers Student Pass.
The team sends out text alerts for "last-minute" inventory they haven't moved. We're talking $10-$20 tickets for games that were $50 the day before. You usually don't find out your exact seat until a few hours before the game, but it’s almost always a better deal than the public resale market.
The 2-Hour Rule
Timing is everything. If you’re willing to gamble, wait until about 90 minutes before tip-off. This is when professional brokers get desperate. They’d rather get $10 for a seat than $0. Use apps like SeatGeek or TickPick (which has no hidden fees) and watch the prices tumble while you’re grabbing a pre-game drink at a bar near the Lloyd Center.
Avoid the "Fee" Trap
Nothing kills a deal like seeing a $20 ticket turn into a $38 ticket at the final checkout screen.
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- TickPick: They show the "All-In" price from the start. No surprises.
- Facebook Groups: There are several "Blazers Tickets - Face Value Only" groups. You're buying directly from fans. Just be careful with scammers—always use PayPal Goods & Services or meet in person if you're sketched out.
- The Box Office: If you’re already downtown, go to the Moda Center box office in person. You skip most of the "convenience" fees that online platforms charge. It’s old school, but it works.
Summary of Actionable Steps
To get trail blazers tickets cheap, you need a plan, not just luck. Start by targeting Monday through Thursday games against Eastern Conference teams or lower-tier Western Conference opponents like the Jazz or Rockets. Sign up for the Student Pass if eligible, or check your local Costco for the 100-level voucher packs.
Always compare the "all-in" price across SeatGeek and TickPick before hitting buy. If you’re feeling brave, wait until an hour before the game to buy on your phone while standing outside the North Entry. Most importantly, look for seats in the 300-level sidelines (Sections 301 or 316) to get the best view-to-dollar ratio in the building.
The savings you find on the tickets will easily cover a round of local craft brews at the game.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current Blazers schedule for the next "Value Game" (usually a Tuesday or Wednesday). Then, head over to TickPick or the Student Pass portal to see if the "get-in" price is currently under $20. If it's a "Tier 1" opponent, consider looking at the Costco vouchers instead to cap your spending on 100-level seats.