If you’ve ever driven across the Steel Bridge toward the Eastside, you’ve seen it. That massive, shimmering glass box sitting right on the river. It’s the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Portland, and honestly, it’s one of the most misunderstood buildings in the Pacific Northwest. People see the sleek, modern Moda Center next door and assume the "old" building is just a relic waiting for a wrecking ball. They're wrong.
It’s actually a structural marvel.
When it opened back in 1960, there wasn't anything else like it on the planet. Think about it: a massive arena sitting inside a literal "curtain wall" of glass. Four pillars hold up the entire roof. That’s it. Just four. Because the walls don't support the weight, the architects—the legendary Skidmore, Owings & Merrill—could make the exterior almost entirely transparent. It’s the only International Style arena of its kind left.
The Glass Palace and the Blazers’ Glory Days
Locals call it the "Glass Palace" for a reason. If you stand inside the concourse during a clear day, you can see the downtown skyline and the Willamette River through the walls. It’s airy. It’s bright. It’s the polar opposite of the windowless concrete bunkers most cities built for sports in the sixties and seventies.
But for most Portlanders, the building is less about architecture and more about the noise.
The Portland Trail Blazers started here. This is where Bill Walton led the team to the 1977 NBA Championship. If you talk to anyone who was in the building during that era, they’ll tell you the acoustics were terrifyingly loud. The sound just bounces off that glass and concrete in a way that makes 12,000 people sound like 50,000. It’s intimate. There isn't a bad seat in the house because the bowl is so steep. You’re basically on top of the action.
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Even though the Blazers moved next door to the Rose Garden (now the Moda Center) in 1995, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Portland never really went away. It found a second life. The Portland Winterhawks of the WHL made it their primary home, and if you haven’t seen a hockey game in a glass arena while the sun is setting, you’re missing out on something uniquely Portland.
A Living Memorial That Almost Vanished
We have to talk about the name. It isn't just a catchy title for a stadium. The venue was dedicated as a memorial to the veterans of all wars, particularly those from Multnomah County. In the sunken courtyard near the entrance, there are two large black granite walls inscribed with the names of those who gave their lives. It’s a somber, quiet spot that contrasts sharply with the roar of the crowds inside.
About fifteen years ago, things got sketchy.
There was a serious push to tear the place down. Developers and city officials looked at the maintenance costs and the competition from newer venues and thought, maybe we just turn this into a parking lot or a smaller park. The preservationist community went nuclear. They argued—correctly—that you can't just replace a building that holds the city’s collective memory.
In 2009, the National Trust for Historic Preservation put it on its list of "America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places." That was the turning point. It forced the city to reckon with what they had. They realized that while the Moda Center is great for massive concerts and NBA games, the Coliseum is perfect for mid-sized events, high school graduations, and the Phil Knight Invitational.
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It’s about scale. Sometimes you don't want a 20,000-seat arena. Sometimes 12,000 feels just right.
Why the Architecture Actually Matters for Your Visit
Most people don't care about "International Style" when they’re buying a hot dog, but the design of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Portland affects your experience in ways you might not notice.
The "bowl" of the arena is completely detached from the exterior glass walls. This creates a 360-degree concourse where you can walk all the way around and never lose sight of the city outside. It’s also surprisingly fast to navigate. Unlike the Moda Center, where you feel like you’re walking through a subterranean mall, the Coliseum feels connected to the world.
What to Look for When You’re There:
- The Roof Structure: Look up. The roof is a massive steel space-frame that covers over three acres. It’s supported by those four concrete columns I mentioned earlier. No interior walls are load-bearing.
- The Original Scoreboard Style: While the tech has been updated, the layout remains focused on the game, not just the jumbo-screen advertisements.
- The Memorial Walls: Take five minutes before you enter the gates to walk through the memorial. It’s a powerful reminder of why the building exists.
The Battle Over Renovation
Is it perfect? No. Honestly, it’s a bit rough around the edges. The seats are original (or at least feel like it), and the seismic stability of a giant glass box is always a point of debate in a city sitting on a fault line.
There have been endless proposals for a massive "refresh." Some want to strip it down to the studs and modernize everything. Others want to keep it exactly as it was in 1960. The current reality is a middle ground—incremental upgrades to the lighting, the ice-making floor for the Winterhawks, and the HVAC systems.
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The tension here is real. If you modernize it too much, you lose the soul of the Glass Palace. If you don't modernize it at all, it becomes a liability. But for now, it remains one of the most active venues in the city, hosting everything from the Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade (the floats literally drive through the building) to massive political rallies.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you’re heading to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Portland, don't be that person who pays $40 for parking in the primary garage. The Rose Quarter is one of the most transit-accessible spots in Oregon.
The MAX light rail (Red, Blue, and Yellow lines) drops you off right at the front door. If you’re coming from downtown, it’s a five-minute ride. If you must drive, look for street parking across Broadway in the Lloyd District, though you’ll want to check the signs carefully. Portland meter maids don't play.
Also, eat before you go. The food inside is your standard arena fare—pretzels, beer, popcorn. It’s fine, but you’re literally blocks away from some of the best food in the city. Head over to Broadway or down to the Central Eastside for actual Portland cuisine before you settle into your seat.
Key Takeaways for the Modern Visitor:
- Check the Winterhawks Schedule: Even if you aren't a hockey fan, seeing a game here is the best way to experience the building’s unique "vibe."
- Architecture Tours: Occasionally, the city or local preservation groups host tours that go into the guts of the building. If you see one, grab a ticket.
- The View: If you’re at an event during the day, spend your halftime or intermission on the west side of the concourse. The view of the Fremont Bridge and the river is world-class.
The Veterans Memorial Coliseum Portland isn't a museum piece. It’s a working, breathing part of the city that happens to be an architectural masterpiece. It’s survived demolition threats, the departure of its main tenant, and the passing of decades. It stands as a glass-and-steel bridge between the Portland of the mid-century and the Portland of today.
Your next steps for exploring the Rose Quarter:
- Check the official Rose Quarter website for the most current schedule of events at the Coliseum, as it often hosts smaller gems that don't get the big Moda Center billing.
- Visit the Oregon Historical Society downtown if you want to see the original architectural models and photos from the 1960 construction phase.
- Walk the Eastbank Esplanade nearby after your event; it offers the best exterior views of the Coliseum reflected in the Willamette River at night.