Rip City Remix: A Nod to Tradition with Eyes on Tomorrow
Portland’s rich basketball history is set to evolve as the Portland G League team, the official NBA G League affiliate of the Portland Trail Blazers, ushers in a new era. The franchise unveiled its team name, logo, and branding as ‘Rip City Remix’ at a community event at the University of Portland. The branding encapsulates Portland’s community spirit, innovation, and cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant past.
Dewayne Hankins, Portland Trail Blazers President of Business Operations, spoke eloquently about the significance of this launch. “This is an exciting day for Rip City and the next chapter in Trail Blazers basketball,” he said, highlighting the goal to offer fun, family-friendly, and accessible games.
The name Rip City Remix is not a decision made in haste. It is a tribute to the vintage era of the Portland Trail Blazers, particularly the 1970s, which marked the genesis of the Trail Blazers. The name is a nod to the community and fans – creators, crafters, DIY’ers, makers, and trailblazers themselves – for it is they who embody the essence of reinvention and creativity.
The team intends to be inventive by taking what already exists and reimagining it. The philosophy aligns with the G League’s mission, which focuses on mixing a plethora of young and upcoming players from diverse backgrounds and playing styles, fostering development and advancement to the NBA.
Further enhancing the fan experience, Rip City Remix announced its official ticketing partner, Tixr, as an innovative ally in redefining how sports organizations operate. Tixr’s digitally-driven platform will streamline the ticket purchasing process and provide fans with unique opportunities via a community give-back initiative and a courtside seat upgrade program. Ticket information is available at RipCityRemix.com.
The team, led by head coach Jim Moran, will play its inaugural season at the Chiles Center on the University of Portland’s campus in North Portland this fall. Not only will the games offer an entertaining experience for families, but they will also be a window into the burgeoning talent in the NBA. The NBA G League, renowned for its role in developing NBA talent and acting as a testing ground for innovative rules, boasts that over half of the players on NBA rosters have G League experience.
In a brief divergence to the past, let’s not forget the significant innovations that the G League has contributed, such as the Coach’s challenge and the 14-second shot-clock rule, which are now integral to NBA gameplay.
Rip City Remix is poised to not only entertain but to also serve as a bridge between the past and future, carving a niche that is deeply rooted in the community. It is here that fans, young and old, can come together to revel in the shared heritage and future promise that Rip City Remix represents.
This movement is more than just basketball; it’s an invitation to be part of something greater. It’s a call to embrace the remix – the blending of eras, the innovation, and the celebration of community. Join Rip City Remix in this historic endeavor, and witness the evolution of a legacy.
Join the dialogue as Rip City Remix redefines Portland’s basketball tapestry. Follow @coolbruthas, be a part of the electrifying movement, and as always, Stay Fresh, Stay True.
