PORTLAND, Ore.— The Portland Timbers and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) today announced a 10-year partnership that is highlighted by the construction of a comprehensive training facility – the adidas Timbers Training Center – for the Major League Soccer club in Beaverton, Ore.
The facility, located on THPRD property off 112th Ave. near Highway 217, will include a new natural-grass field to be used exclusively by the Timbers and a synthetic turf field designated for public use.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to do more for our public,” said Doug Menke, THPRD general manager. “This partnership with the Timbers will benefit the local economy, and it will help address current and future demand from our affiliated youth soccer groups for additional field space.”
The adidas Timbers Training Center will feature a 6,000-square-foot indoor facility that will include locker rooms, training areas and office space for the MLS club.
“It is important to have a top-notch training center to complement our renovated home at PGE Park,” said Merritt Paulson, president of the Timbers. “Thanks to our partner Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation and our sponsor adidas, Timbers players will have facilities that are among the best in the league.”
"Proper training and preparation is one of the most important elements of a team's success," said Patrik Nilsson, president of adidas America, which is based in Portland. "Supporting the new adidas Timbers Training Center is something special we can do for our hometown team and community. Working with the Timbers, we are proud to support a facility for both the team's elite training needs as well as local community events."
As part of the public/private partnership with THPRD, the Timbers will make an annual donation to the Tualatin Hills Park Foundation and will conduct a series of annual youth soccer camps and coaches’ clinics at the new training center.
Initial construction of the adidas Timbers Training Center is anticipated to commence in the coming weeks with completion expected as early as this summer. Once completed, the Timbers will train at both the Beaverton facility and PGE Park.
“We are delighted that the Timbers have chosen Beaverton for their home practice facility,” said Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle. “This not only brings a national professional team to the City, it opens up the potential for soccer mentoring, exhibition and training to the Westside community. We literally have thousands of school-aged players and dozens of coaches and teams who will be inspired and motivated by this connection with the Timbers.”
The Timbers open their inaugural MLS season Saturday, March 19, as they travel to face the defending MLS Cup-champion Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Portland opens its home schedule by playing host to the Chicago Fire at PGE Park on Thursday, April 14.
Remaining season tickets are currently available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For additional information about season ticket options available for the inaugural 2011 MLS season, go to www.portlandtimbers.com.
About Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving more than 200,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational and educational opportunities for people of all ages. Offerings include a broad range of classes and more than 200 park sites, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,300 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call (503) 645-6433.
About adidas
adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that includes brands such as Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport.
