Exciting news for sports fans in Portland! The Portland Thorns of the NWSL are set to get a brand-new training center, and it’s going to be shared with the city’s new WNBA team. This unique dual-sport facility is designed specifically for female athletes.
RAJ Sports, the company behind both teams, is committed to building a center that meets the needs of these athletes. Lisa Bhathal Merage, from the Bhathal family, shared their vision: “We want to create the best environment for our players in soccer and basketball, which we believe will change the game for women’s sports. Our goal is to build a welcoming and inclusive space for all.”
The new performance center will cover 12 acres and feature a 63,000-square-foot training space. It will have a practice gym with two full basketball courts and two full-sized soccer pitches. There’s even an outdoor training zone and a state-of-the-art strength training facility equipped with advanced gear.
Key features include:
- Dedicated locker rooms designed with female athletes in mind
- A nutrition-focused dining area with a full-time chef
- Recovery lounges with hyperbaric therapy and active recovery pools
- Private spaces for players’ families and team meetings
The center aims to encourage collaboration between the Thorns and the WNBA team. Sherri Privitera from Populous, the firm designing the facility, emphasized the importance of catering to women’s sports: “We are focused on helping female athletes optimize their performance with spaces designed for their needs.”
While dedicated facilities for women’s teams are rare, other teams are making strides as well. For example, the Seattle Storm will be opening their own training facility soon.
Thorns player Sophia Wilson expressed excitement about the new center: “This will enhance our training and help us grow as athletes. It’s a big advantage for us.”
The site, located in Hillsboro, was previously an office complex. The overall project involves a $150 million investment, with the first phase focusing on the $75 million training center.
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