Where Was Portland Wrestling Held?

Portland Wrestling has a rich history and has been held in various iconic venues throughout the years. Let’s take a closer look at some of these legendary locations.

1. Portland Sports Arena

The most famous and enduring venue for Portland Wrestling was the Portland Sports Arena. Located at 8725 N Chautauqua Blvd, this multi-purpose arena served as the home base for the wrestling promotion from the 1960s until its closure in 1999.

Fun fact: The Portland Sports Arena had a seating capacity of around 4,000 people, making it an intimate and lively setting for wrestling events.

1.1 Unforgettable Moments

The Portland Sports Arena witnessed numerous historic moments in wrestling history. From legendary matches to unforgettable feuds, this venue holds a special place in the hearts of wrestling fans.

• Roddy Piper’s Retirement: On September 2, 1983, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper retired from professional wrestling at the Portland Sports Arena following a brutal Dog Collar Match against Greg “The Hammer” Valentine.
• Billy Jack Haynes’ Hair vs.

  Hair Match: In what is considered one of the most memorable hair vs. hair matches in professional wrestling, Billy Jack Haynes defeated Rip Oliver on November 22, 1985, at the Portland Sports Arena.

• Curt Hennig’s Championship Reign: From February to December of 1980, Curt Hennig (better known as Mr. Perfect) held the Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship for a record-breaking ten months at the Portland Sports Arena.

2. Memorial Coliseum

While the Portland Sports Arena was the spiritual home of Portland Wrestling, there were occasions when events were held at larger venues, such as the Memorial Coliseum.

The Memorial Coliseum, located at 300 N Winning Way, has a seating capacity of around 12,000 and has hosted numerous sporting events, concerts, and yes, even wrestling matches.

2.1 Notable Events

While not as frequent as the Portland Sports Arena, the Memorial Coliseum hosted some significant wrestling events that left a lasting impact on both wrestlers and fans alike.

• Roddy Piper vs. Ric Flair: On January 11, 1986, the Memorial Coliseum witnessed an epic clash between two wrestling legends – Roddy Piper and Ric Flair. The match ended in a time-limit draw but remains etched in the memories of those in attendance.
• Portland Wrestling’s Final Show: On June 11, 1992, Portland Wrestling bid farewell to its loyal fan base with a final show at the Memorial Coliseum. It was an emotional night filled with nostalgia and appreciation for the decades of entertainment provided by this beloved promotion.

3. Other Venues

In addition to the Portland Sports Arena and Memorial Coliseum, Portland Wrestling occasionally held events at other venues throughout its existence. These include high school gyms, armories, and even outdoor arenas during summer months.

3.1 Community Connection

The decision to hold events in various venues allowed Portland Wrestling to connect with different communities throughout the region. By bringing wrestling directly to local neighborhoods and towns, it created an intimate experience for fans who may not have had easy access to larger stadiums.

These smaller, community-based events were often packed with passionate fans who reveled in the opportunity to see their favorite wrestlers up close and personal.

In conclusion, Portland Wrestling has left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry, and its choice of venues only added to its charm. Whether it was the iconic Portland Sports Arena, the larger Memorial Coliseum, or smaller community venues, each location provided a unique setting for countless memorable moments in wrestling history.