Blazers Increase Capacity, Open Vaccinated Sections For Home Playoff Games

The Trail Blazers announced on Monday that they'll be welcoming more fans to Moda Center for playoff games.

The magic was back at Madison Square Garden, yielding an instant-classic playoff moment from Trae Young. The Phoenix Suns' raucous fans drove them to decisive victory over the defending champions. The Memphis Grizzlies hushed 13,000 fans in their series-opening win over the Utah Jazz.

After a regular season played mostly in front of empty arenas and cardboard cutouts, home crowds were a major factor during a wild weekend of playoff Game 1s. Not for the Trail Blazers, who beat the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Saturday despite playing in front of nearly 8,000 fans.

Portland, of course, won't have the benefit of playing at altitude when this series shifts back to Rip City. But as of Monday morning, the Blazers are bound to enjoy nearly as big a home-court advantage as the Nuggets regardless.

The team announced increased fan capacity for playoff games at Moda Center, including vaccinated sections, beginning with Thursday's crucial Game 3 against Denver.

We’re opening vaccinated sections to increase capacity for upcoming home playoffs games at @ModaCenter.

🔗: https://t.co/pbwU3gz2W0

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) May 24, 2021

“We are thrilled to partner with the Governor and Oregon Health Authority as the first indoor sports venue in Oregon with Vaccinated Sections,” Blazers team president Chris McGowan said in a statement. “Rip City has shown us such tremendous support throughout the season, and I am confident their in-arena energy will fuel the team as we fight to bring the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to Portland.” 

Vaccinated sections will be available to vaccinated fans aged 16 or older who are at least two weeks out from their last shot. Fans will be required to show proof of full vaccination with a CDC-issued vaccination card or digital/printed proof of their card. Children 15 or younger who are unvaccinated will be permitted to sit in vaccinated sections with their parent or guardian.

Socially-distanced sections will also be available for unvaccinated fans. Existing Rose Quarter health and safety protocols regarding mask-wearing will remain in place. 

The Blazers will also host 500 first responders, healthcare works and community partners for Game 3 as a show of appreciation for their hard work and dedication during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Portland had previously welcomed approximately 2,000 fans to Moda Center for the last four games of the regular season, all of which the team won.

In partnership with the Blazers, Oregon Governor Kate Brown released a statement encouraging Oregonians to get vaccinated to cheer on the home team at Moda Center.

"Vaccines are the key to our return to normal life. It is a testament to the way Oregonians have united to battle this virus and get vaccinated in large numbers that, this week, the Rip City faithful can return to give our Trail Blazers the legendary home court advantage they deserve," Brown said. "If you haven’t gotten around to getting vaccinated yet, go do so today. Don’t miss your shot to cheer on the Blazers as they make a run at a championship."

Portland and Denver tipoff Game 2 of their first-round series from Ball Arena at 7:00 p.m. (PST) on Monday.

READ MORE: Blazers Could Allow More Fans With 'Vaccinated Sections'