III 

116TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. CON. RES. 28 

Congratulating the Portland Trail Blazers on the 50th anniversary of their 

inaugural season. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

OCTOBER 23, 2019 

Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. MERKLEY), submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, 

Science, and Transportation 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Congratulating the Portland Trail Blazers on the 50th 

anniversary of their inaugural season. 

Whereas the Portland Trail Blazers have proudly and energetically represented Oregon’s pioneering spirit on the 

national basketball stage since 1970; 

Whereas the signature phrase ‘‘Rip City’’, coined by longtime announcer Bill Schonely, has come to represent the 

city of Portland and Trail Blazers fans throughout Oregon; 

Whereas dedicated administrators Harry Glickman and Larry 

Weinberg worked behind the scenes to establish a sustainable and beloved franchise; 

Whereas the Blazers, as they are known, won their first National Basketball Association title in 1977; 


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SCON 28 IS 

Whereas Bill Walton, colorful personality and backbone of 

the franchise, was named the Most Valuable Player for 

the NBA Finals that year, and won the NBA League 

MVP Award in 1978; 

Whereas the Blazers and their fans own the longest ever 

streak of consecutive sold-out NBA games, at 814 games; 

Whereas history-making players including Geoff Petrie, Clyde 

Drexler, Terry Porter, and Arvydas Sabonis powered the 

Blazers through the first quarter century of their existence; 

Whereas 21 consecutive playoff appearances (1983 to 2003) 

by the Blazers ranks 2nd all-time in NBA history; 

Whereas Blazers Brandon Roy and Rasheed Wallace represented Oregon nationally as All-Stars in 2008 and 

2001, respectively, demonstrating that the talent of the 

Blazers had not waned; 

Whereas Damian Lillard and Brandon Roy blazed into their 

NBA careers with Rookie of the Year honors in 2012 and 

2006, respectively, representing Portland as a hub for 

dedicated basketball stars; 

Whereas Damian Lillard and his outstanding teammates have 

lifted this franchise back into the realm of deep playoff 

runs, including last year’s strong showing in the Western 

Conference Finals; 

Whereas the owner and benefactor of the Blazers for 30 

years, Paul Allen, is deeply missed after his death on October 18, 2018; and 

Whereas the Portland Trail Blazers have brought Oregonians 

together for 50 years, each year generating as much excitement, hope, and promise as the first year: Now, therefore, be it 


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SCON 28 IS 

1 Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 

2 concurring), That Congress— 

3 (1) recognizes the Portland Trail Blazers for 

4 embarking upon their 50th season; 

5 (2) congratulates all players, administrators, 

6 and fans of the Portland Trail Blazers for half a 

7 century of dedication to the sport and franchise; 

8 (3) joins Oregonians and Blazers fans every9 where to celebrate Rip City’s 50th anniversary; and 

10 (4) directs the Clerk of the Senate to produce 

11 copies of this resolution for the Portland Trail Blaz12 ers team members, staff, and management. 

Æ 


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