As a result of the ongoing construction at Providence Park, the Portland Timbers will not play their 2018 MLS home opener until April 14.
MLS recently announced the home openers for the 2018 regular season, and in the process confirmed that the Timbers will not play their first game in Portland until mid-April. This is to accommodate the ongoing renovation of Providence Park, which is in the midst of phase one of construction for its expansion project. The work focuses on the east side, which is expected to add new seats and other amenities through a vertical expansion.
The Timbers’ first game will be played on the road on March 4, when they visit the LA Galaxy. Their home opener on April 14 will feature a matchup with Minnesota United FC. More from The Oregonian:
Portland’s home opener is set for April 14 due to the construction currently underway at Providence Park as part of phase one of the stadium expansion. As a result of opening the 2018 season on the road due to the construction, the Timbers will also feature in the New York Red Bulls’ home opener, with Portland set to face the Eastern Conference club on Saturday, March 10, at Red Bull Arena.
This is not the only instance of either a stadium construction project or renovation affecting a team’s 2018 MLS home opener. Expansion Los Angeles FC will play its first home game on April 29 to accommodate the construction schedule of Banc of California Stadium, while D.C. United will have to secure an alternate site for its home opener on March 17. In United’s case, the team is awaiting the development of the brand-new Audi Field, which is not expected to open until June.
In addition to continuing their expansion project, the Timbers have announced a partnership with Levy to operate concessions and premium areas at Providence Park.
Renderings courtesy Portland Timbers.
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