Every city has a nickname that tells part of its story. New York is the Big Apple. Chicago is the Windy City. Portland, Oregon, is often called the City of Roses—but if you’re a basketball fan, you’ve probably heard a different moniker: Rip City.
From jerseys to murals to the roar of the crowd inside the Moda Center, “Rip City” is synonymous with the Portland Trail Blazers and the culture that surrounds them. But where did the nickname come from, and what does it mean?
The truth is that Rip City wasn’t carefully crafted by marketers or focus groups. It was born in a spontaneous moment during a basketball broadcast more than 50 years ago, and it has since become one of the most enduring sports nicknames in the NBA. Let’s dive into the full story.
What Does “Rip City” Mean?
Unlike many sports nicknames, “Rip City” doesn’t have an obvious definition. The phrase itself doesn’t appear in standard slang dictionaries, nor was it widely used in 1970s basketball culture.
- In basketball lingo, “rip” can mean to rip the net (a clean shot), to rip through a defense, or even rip the ball away on defense.
- “City” is a common suffix in sports (think “Lob City” for the LA Clippers or “Motor City” for Detroit).
But when the phrase first came out, it didn’t really refer to any of these directly. As even its creator later admitted, it was simply a burst of excitement—words that came out in the heat of the moment.
Today, “Rip City” has taken on a symbolic meaning: passion, resilience, and Portland’s underdog spirit.
The Origin: How Rip City Was Born
The story begins on February 18, 1971, during the Portland Trail Blazers’ very first season in the NBA. The Blazers were hosting the Los Angeles Lakers at the Memorial Coliseum.
- Blazers guard Jim Barnett launched an unexpected, deep long-range shot (well before the three-point line existed).
- Against all odds, the shot went in. The crowd erupted.
- Trail Blazers play-by-play announcer Bill Schonely, calling the game on radio, let loose with an unplanned shout:
“Rip City, baby!”
That was it. No prior meaning, no pre-planned catchphrase—just a spontaneous exclamation.
Years later, Schonely admitted he didn’t know why he said it or what it meant. But the crowd loved it, and the phrase stuck. Fans began repeating it, reporters quoted it, and within weeks, “Rip City” became shorthand for both the team and the energy surrounding them.
Fun fact: This wasn’t just any moment—it happened in the Blazers’ inaugural season, making the nickname part of their identity from the very beginning.
Early Reception and Spread
In the early 1970s, Portland wasn’t a city widely known for professional sports. The Trail Blazers were brand new, and locals were still getting used to having an NBA franchise. “Rip City” gave fans something unique to rally behind.
- Radio audiences picked it up quickly, repeating it at games.
- Local media began to use it in headlines and recaps.
- Merchandise soon followed, with T-shirts and fan banners sporting the nickname.
By the mid-1970s, Rip City wasn’t just an offhand remark anymore—it was the identity of the Blazers’ fan base.
Cultural Significance Over Time
Over the decades, Rip City has become more than just a quirky nickname. It carries weight in Portland’s sports culture.
- Underdog mentality: Portland is one of the NBA’s smaller markets, often overlooked compared to Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York. Rip City became a badge of honor for fans who saw themselves as scrappy, loyal, and resilient.
- Bill Schonely’s legacy: “The Schonz,” as he’s affectionately known, remained the voice of the Trail Blazers for decades, reinforcing the nickname in broadcasts until it became inseparable from the team.
- Fan chants & arena culture: Inside the Moda Center (formerly Rose Garden), “Rip City” chants are common during crucial moments. The phrase is as much a rallying cry as “Defense!” or “Let’s Go Blazers!”
- Pop culture & merch: From jerseys to coffee shops to murals, the nickname appears throughout the city as a point of pride.
What started as an accident evolved into an emotional shorthand for Portland basketball pride.
How Rip City Fits Into Portland’s Other Nicknames
Portland is a city of nicknames:
- Rose City / City of Roses – inspired by the climate and annual Rose Festival.
- Stumptown – a historic reference to the city’s rapid, rough growth in the 1800s.
- Bridge City – nodding to the many bridges spanning the Willamette River.
So where does Rip City fit in? Unlike the others, it isn’t about geography, flora, or history. It’s purely sports-driven and emotional.
Interestingly, Rip City is often used by locals even outside of basketball conversations. You might hear someone say “That’s Rip City” to describe Portland spirit in general, making it one of the few sports nicknames that transcends its original context.
Modern Usage & Branding
Fast forward to today, and “Rip City” is fully embedded in Portland’s identity.
- The Trail Blazers frequently use it in official branding, merchandise, and even jersey designs.
- In 2023, the franchise named its G League affiliate “Rip City Remix”, cementing the phrase as central to team culture.
- The City of Portland has even recognized the term officially. In 2022, the city council passed Proclamation 870-2022 celebrating Rip City and its cultural impact.
From coffee mugs to murals on the east side, Rip City is everywhere. It’s not just a basketball term anymore—it’s part of Portland’s civic pride.
Myths, Misconceptions, and Alternate Stories
Because “Rip City” sounds so distinct, people sometimes assume it has a deeper origin. Here are some common misconceptions:
- Was it planned? No. It wasn’t a marketing slogan or an official decision by the team.
- Was it common slang? Not really. “Rip” had some usage in basketball (as in ripping the net), but there’s no evidence of “Rip City” being used elsewhere before that 1971 game.
- Did Schonely mean something specific? No—he admitted repeatedly that it was a spontaneous outburst.
The mystery of its meaning is part of its charm. In a way, the lack of a definition allowed fans to shape its meaning over time.
Why Rip City Matters to Portland Today
So why does Rip City endure more than 50 years later? Because it represents more than basketball—it represents Portland’s identity.
- Community & unity: In tough seasons and championship runs alike, Rip City is the rallying cry.
- Underdog pride: Portland may not have the largest market or the most championships, but its fans are among the most passionate. Rip City embodies that loyalty.
- Cultural marker: From murals to hashtags, “Rip City” is part of everyday culture in Portland.
When newcomers ask why Portland is called Rip City, they’re not just asking about sports—they’re learning about the city’s spirit.
Key Moments: A Rip City Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1970 | Trail Blazers join the NBA as an expansion team |
| Feb. 18, 1971 | Bill Schonely first says “Rip City” after Jim Barnett’s long shot vs. Lakers |
| 1970s | Fans, media, and merch embrace nickname |
| 1990s | “Rip City” becomes official marketing slogan in Blazers campaigns |
| 2010s | Widespread cultural adoption; murals, merchandise, hashtags |
| 2022 | Portland City Council passes Proclamation 870-2022 recognizing “Rip City” |
| 2023 | G League team launched as “Rip City Remix” |
Final Thoughts
“Rip City” wasn’t crafted in a boardroom. It wasn’t carefully chosen by city leaders. It was shouted in excitement by a broadcaster during a long-shot basket in a brand-new franchise’s first season.
Yet that spontaneous outburst captured something real: the energy of Portland fans, the joy of basketball, and the pride of a city. More than 50 years later, Rip City is more than just a nickname—it’s a way of life for Blazers fans and a cultural marker for Portland itself.
So the next time you hear the Moda Center crowd chant “Rip City,” you’ll know it’s more than a catchy slogan. It’s the sound of history, loyalty, and the heartbeat of Portland.
