While the roar of the crowd has thundered in Providence Park for years playing witness to numerous events, soccer, baseball, football, concerts and more, few know that not too far under the surface, a piece of Portland history literally runs underneath: Tanner Creek.
Nick Firchau, Senior Editor at MLSsoccer.com, dives deep into the creek--history that is--to explore how it has evolved over time and the secret world that few know about it:
Only a limited number of people actually know for sure what Tanner Creek is anymore. Some say they can hear it rush freely under a manhole near the Providence Park light rail station, others think it’s a sewer. Some say the water is only deep enough to cover your bootlaces, but others still walk around Portland today with t-shirts telling the world they kayak’d Tanner Creek, remnants from a DIY approach to cheap thrills in the 1970’s.
“It looks a like something you’d see out of old London down there,” says Timbers executive Ken Puckett, the man in charge of Portland’s stadium since 2000. “It’s Jack the Ripper kind of stuff.”
It's a fantastic read about the long history of Providence Park ahead of Wednesday's AT&T MLS All-Star Game (6:30pm PT, ESPN2).
Club
All-Star: MLSsoccer.com's Nick Firchau takes a look at unique history of Tanner Creek underneath Providence Park


Soccer Celebration | June 12-15 in Pioneer Courthouse Square
The Timbers Soccer Celebration will be at Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square this June.! With supporting partners adidas and McDonald’s, the Soccer Celebration will feature interactive activities, local food carts, merchandise stands, fan giveaways as well as live viewings of select FIFA World Cup 26™ matches, all taking place in “Portland’s living room” from June 12-June 15. The events are free to attend for fans of all ages.

Soccer Celebration 2 Pack - As low as $99
Get tickets to the July 22 match against FC Dallas, the Aug. 19 game against San Diego FC + get a Club & Country Scarf!
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On The World Stage: How to watch Finn Surman and New Zealand
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Photos | Diego Chara leads Rose Festival Grand Floral Starlight Parade as Grand Marshal
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World Cup Notebook | In final tournament tune-up, Finn Surman and New Zealand with strong performance in close 1-0 loss to England
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Timbers name Jack Cassidy interim head coach
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World Cup Notebook | Finn Surman, New Zealand begin tournament prep with friendly against Haiti
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Score a scarf and tickets with a Soccer Celebration 2 Pack and cheer for Club and Country
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Leagues Cup launches new Gaming Hub with $1 million Bracket Challenge presented by Coors Light


