Veterans Memorial Coliseum

The Veterans Memorial Coliseum is a multipurpose arena in Portland's Lloyd District, known for its glass facade and aluminum cladding. Architects from Skidmore Owings Merrill designed the structure following principles of the International Style, which allows the interior to feel bright and remain visible from outside.

The arena opened in November 1960 and served as home to the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team from 1970 to 1995. The structure remained a central venue for sports and concerts until renovation work began in the 2020s.

The building's name honors war veterans, whose names appear on a memorial roll displayed inside. Today the structure serves as a venue for sporting events, concerts, and public gatherings that draw visitors from across the region throughout the year.

The arena holds more than 12,000 visitors and sits in the Lloyd District, from where other parts of Portland are easy to reach. Major renovation work is currently underway, so checking event schedules ahead of your visit is advisable.

During the 1960s, musicians such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Elvis Presley performed here, turning the venue into a notable chapter in rock history. In 1965, the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four took place inside, an event that drew sports fans from across the country.

Location: Portland

Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Architectural style: International Style

Capacity: 12888

GPS coordinates: 45.53222,-122.66944

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26