PORTLAND, Ore. — This is stacking up to be one big sports weekend in Portland, with the women's NCAA Tournament coming to Moda Center for the first time since 2019, with four Sweet 16 games and two Elite 8 games on the schedule.
The Portland Thorns will also play a home game Saturday at Providence Park.
Whether attending any of the games or not, fans and sports enthusiasts can get in on the game-day experience at these Portland bars and events.
Sweet 16 Watch Party
Portland sports bar Spirit of 77, in collaboration with The Sports Bra, is hosting a college hoops watch party all weekend long with the stars of The Syd & TP Show, WNBA players Theresa Plaisance and Sydney Colson.
Each weekend day will also feature a special appearance by WNBA stars, including Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury (considered one of the greatest WNBA players of all time), Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, Washington Mystics guard/forward Elena Delle Donne and Indiana Fever forward/center Aliyah Boston, who was named 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Address: 500 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Portland
The Sports Bra
When it comes to finding a place in Portland for watching women's sports, heading to the Sports Bra is a no-brainer. The groundbreaking women's sports bar celebrates women athletics and often hosts watch parties for big events. But best to arrive early if looking to grab a seat inside. The bar is known to fill up fast for big games.
Address: 2512 Northeast Broadway, Portland
Game-day event
On Saturday, HER Competitive Advantage is hosting a pregame event near the Moda Center, at Leftbank Annex on North Weidler Street. The event will focus on celebrating women in sports. It'll have games, giveaways, photo ops, a panel of industry-leading experts and an opportunity for athletes to get free headshots.
Address: 101 North Weidler Street, Portland