Team to Host Bill Walton Tribute Night on March 9 vs. Detroit
PORTLAND, Ore. (September 26, 2024) – The Portland Trail Blazers will honor late Rip City legend Bill Walton with a band on their jerseys throughout the 2024-25 season. Walton passed away on May 27 at the age of 71. All of Portland’s jerseys will feature a uniquely Walton tie-dye band along the top of the left side with his “32” number in white. Fans can purchase tickets to the Bill Walton Tribute Night game HERE.
A legend as vibrant and memorable as Walton deserves a fitting band, and the unique band that will don Trail Blazers jerseys this season accomplishes just that.
The organization will host a special Bill Walton Tribute Night on March 9 when the Detroit Pistons visit Moda Center. The night will feature special elements throughout to honor Walton and all his contributions to Rip City and the game of basketball. All fans in attendance are encouraged to wear tie-dye and will receive a special tie-dye headband so they can rock Bill’s classic style. In-game tribute videos will be showcased along with more in-game and in-person activations, which will be announced at a later date.
As a Trail Blazer, Walton was a two-time NBA All-Star (1977 and 1978) and led the Blazers to the NBA Finals during the historic championship run in 1977. During his career, Walton earned the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1978, was selected All-NBA First Team that same year and All-NBA Second Team in 1977. He was named to the All-Defensive Team in back-to-back seasons (1977 and 1978) and was awarded the NBA Finals MVP in 1977 for the Trail Blazers.
Inducted as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, Walton was also named to the Top 50 and Top 75 Anniversary Teams. His number 32 jersey was retired by the Trail Blazers in 1989.
As a broadcaster, he brought the game to life with rich and lively commentary that connected fans to the game in exciting and memorable ways. Off the court, Walton was a friend, father, husband and community leader.
ABOUT THE PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 and purchased by the late Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 37 playoff appearances, three trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service and sustainability. The Trail Blazers are dedicated to positively impacting underserved kids and their families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington where they live, learn and play. Portland is the first and only professional sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate and community service. The Trail Blazers home arena, Moda Center, is the first existing arena to earn LEED Platinum Certification in 2019 after receiving LEED Gold Recertification in 2015 and becoming the first existing professional sports venue in the world to receive LEED Gold status in 2010. The team is also one of the founding members of the Green Sports Alliance. For more information, visit trailblazers.com.
