Why Is Portland Called ‘Rip City’? The Legendary Origin and Lasting Legacy
Portland’s iconic ‘Rip City’ nickname has a quirky, unforgettable story—from a single NBA call to defining the city’s vibrant identity.
Why Is Portland Called ‘Rip City’?
Among all its nicknames, from Stumptown to Rose City, none capture the spirit of Portland quite like ‘Rip City’. Though the phrase may sound cryptic to outsiders, “Rip City” holds a special place in the hearts of both sports fans and city residents. The story behind its birth is both unique and emblematic of Portland’s quirky identity. This article uncovers the colorful genesis, cultural impact, and enduring significance of one of the most beloved of American sports nicknames.
The Many Nicknames of Portland
Before diving into “Rip City”, it’s worth noting that Portland has long accumulated nicknames, each reflecting facets of its character, history, or community spirit:
- Stumptown: A reference to the city’s rapid 19th-century growth, when tree stumps were left scattered across the landscape.
- Rose City: Celebrating Portland’s ideal climate for roses and its world-famous Rose Festival.
- Beervana: Owing to the city’s prolific craft beer scene, one of the most celebrated in the world.
- PDX: The city’s widely used airport code, now synonymous with the broader Portland identity.
Rip City stands apart, however, for its roots in the world of professional sports and its continued resonance on and off the basketball court.
How ‘Rip City’ Was Born: The Basketball Legend
Unlike many city nicknames with obscure origins, the story of Rip City is as vivid as it is spontaneous. The tale traces back to a fateful NBA game on February 18th, 1971, marking the debut season of the Portland Trail Blazers in the league. The fledgling franchise faced the dominant Los Angeles Lakers, and the game was anything but average.
The Game-Changing Shot
Trailing the Lakers by a significant margin at Memorial Coliseum, the Trail Blazers mounted an unlikely second-half comeback. In a moment charged with tension and hope, Blazers guard Jim Barnett received the ball and, with bravado, launched an exceptionally deep, high-risk shot—a move that could charitably be described as ‘ill-advised’ since the NBA had yet to adopt the three-point line. Remarkably, the shot soared through the air and banked in cleanly, electrifying the crowd and energizing the team.
Bill Schonely: The Man Behind the Phrase
The Trail Blazers’ play-by-play announcer at the time, Bill Schonely, was swept up in the excitement. As the shot landed and the crowd erupted, Schonely blurted out, “Rip City!” over the airwaves. The phrase was spontaneous—so much so that even Schonely, in subsequent interviews, admitted he had no rational explanation for why those particular words leaped to his lips. It wasn’t a planned catchphrase, nor did it reference any prior slang or basketball terminology. It was, to use his own words, simply inspired—an exclamation born of pure enthusiasm and the moment’s magic.
Immediate Aftermath
Though the Blazers would ultimately lose the game 136-114, the moment lived on. Schonely’s “Rip City” call caught the imagination of players, fans, and the city alike. Jim Barnett, the player who made the now-famous shot, reflected with good humor on his role in this slice of Portland history, saying, “Schonely made the call – I just made the shot, but I do take pride in that; it’s a little bit of history.”
What Does ‘Rip City’ Actually Mean?
The enduring appeal of “Rip City” is partly due to its enigmatic nature. Unlike nicknames tied to obvious city attributes, the origins of “Rip City” confound easy explanation:
- It doesn’t reference an official city slogan or prior historical context.
- There is no nautical, shipping, or counter-culture tradition behind it.
- Even the original caller, Schonely, insists he simply felt the phrase fit the energy of the moment.
For fans, “Rip City” quickly came to symbolize resilience, audacity, and the power of passion—qualities that not only exemplified the underdog Trail Blazers but also matched the city’s own spirit.
The Phrase Takes Root: From Sports to City Soul
Far from being a one-time utterance, “Rip City” blossomed into something much bigger:
- Rallying Cry: The phrase began to echo across arenas, print headlines, and the lips of local fans.
- Merchandising: Within a few years, “Rip City” graced team jerseys, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and memorabilia.
- Identity: The nickname became inseparable from the Trail Blazers and Portland itself—signifying a sense of togetherness, perseverance, and community pride.
Schonely went on to dream up other iconic Blazers phrases—”Bingo Bango Bongo” and “You’ve got to make your free throws” among them—but none have endured quite like “Rip City.”
The Impact on Portland Trail Blazers Culture
Today, “Rip City” is more than just a moniker. It has become the unifying slogan for the Blazers community:
- Fans in the Moda Center chant “WE ARE… RIP CITY!” during home games, making the arena thunder with civic pride.
- Local media, merchandise, and social media platforms embrace the name as shorthand for both the team and the city’s resilient heart.
- Players and coaches alike refer to the arena as “Rip City”—a testament to both the Blazers’ heritage and the fidelity of their fan base.
Merchandise and Branding
The phrase appears prominently on Trail Blazers uniforms, fan gear, and within the team’s marketing. Over the years, “Rip City” has even become part of official NBA lexicon—a rare feat for a call originating from a single, unscripted moment.
Modern Use: ‘Rip City’ in Everyday Portland
While its roots are in basketball, Rip City now extends far beyond the arena:
- City Events: Non-basketball events, festivals, and local businesses often invoke “Rip City” to foster local pride.
- Art and Graffiti: Murals and public art installations around Portland frequently use the phrase, affirming it as a symbol of collective identity.
- Pop Culture: Musicians, writers, and artists reference “Rip City” as shorthand for the renegade charm of the Pacific Northwest.
Comparing Portland’s Nicknames
| Nickname | Origin | Current Associations |
|---|---|---|
| Rip City | 1971, Bill Schonely’s play-by-play exclamation during a Trail Blazers game | Trail Blazers basketball, city pride, sports resilience |
| Stumptown | Mid-19th century city growth and leftover tree stumps | Boutiques, coffee culture, historic identity |
| Rose City | Ideal rose-growing climate, Rose Festival tradition | Annual events, public gardens |
| Beervana | Contemporary craft brewing boom | Brewpubs, beer festivals, culinary tourism |
| PDX | Airport code, adopted by institutions and businesses | Travel, tech, city branding |
Myths and Misconceptions About ‘Rip City’
Inevitably, a nickname as catchy as “Rip City” attracts speculation and urban legend. Some common—but incorrect—theories include:
- Styles of Dress: The notion that “Rip City” alluded to Portland’s punk past or the prevalence of ripped jeans in the 1980s and ’90s.
- Nautical History: A belief that the phrase stemmed from shipping or river trade due to Portland’s prominent port.
- Craft Beer Culture: Associating “Rip City” with the craft brewing scene (which is actually linked to the nickname “Beervana”).
The truth is both more specific and serendipitous: “Rip City” was a moment of unscripted brilliance sparked by a basketball play that continues to reverberate across generations.
The Voice That Made It All Possible: Bill Schonely
Bill Schonely, affectionately known as “The Voice of the Blazers,” is revered in Portland lore not simply for his legendary phrase, but for his decades-long tenure narrating the highs and lows of Trail Blazers basketball. Schonely trademarked “Rip City”, but ultimately decided to keep it as a gift to Portland rather than claiming exclusive ownership.
Schonely’s influence reaches far beyond the confines of Moda Center. His distinctive storytelling and sincere connection to the city helped solidify “Rip City” as part of Portland’s identity, a point of communal pride for sports enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When did Portland first become known as ‘Rip City’?
A: The nickname originated on February 18, 1971, during a Trail Blazers vs. Lakers NBA game, thanks to announcer Bill Schonely’s spontaneous call after a dramatic long-range shot by Jim Barnett.
Q: Does ‘Rip City’ have any official or historical meaning before 1971?
A: No. The phrase was unique to that NBA broadcast and did not previously exist as a city slogan, historical term, or regional slang.
Q: Is ‘Rip City’ only associated with basketball?
A: While “Rip City” originated with the Trail Blazers and remains closely linked with basketball, it has become an all-purpose rallying phrase for Portland’s community spirit and is used widely in arts, commerce, and everyday life.
Q: Why do people speculate about alternative origins for ‘Rip City’?
A: The phrase’s catchy simplicity and lack of a literal meaning have fueled speculation, but no credible evidence ties it to fashion, shipping, or other aspects of Portland’s history.
Q: Who else played a role in popularizing ‘Rip City’?
A: Besides Bill Schonely (the announcer) and Jim Barnett (the player who made the shot), generations of Trail Blazers fans, media, and civic leaders have helped the nickname endure.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of ‘Rip City’
“Rip City” is more than a nickname—it is a testament to the power of chance, passion, and the unpredictable joys of sport. In one climactic moment, a spontaneous phrase became a city’s rallying call, symbolizing unity, tenacity, and the singular character that makes Portland unique. Whether chanted from the stands or emblazoned across jerseys and murals, “Rip City” remains a vital thread in the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Rose City.
