Portland Rose Garden: Home of the Hoop Summit (2004-2012)
Remember those epic high school basketball games? The ones with future NBA stars battling it out in front of a packed house? Well, for eight years, the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon was the place to be for those epic showdowns. It was the home of the McDonald's All-American Game, a game where the best high school basketball players in the country faced off in a battle of athleticism, skill, and pure passion for the game.
The Hoop Summit was more than just a basketball game, though. It was a celebration of the global talent pool, featuring the best high school players from the US against a team of international all-stars. This event brought the world of basketball together, showcasing the future of the game in all its glory.
The Rose Garden, known today as the Moda Center, was the perfect venue for this event. The energy in the arena was electric, with fans roaring for their favorite players and the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. From Kevin Durant to Derrick Rose, the Hoop Summit saw some of the biggest names in basketball pass through its doors. It wasn't just about the star players though, it was about witnessing the raw talent and potential of future legends, and seeing the game evolve right before your eyes.
Sadly, the Hoop Summit left Portland after 2012 and has been played in different locations since. While the event is still a highlight of the basketball calendar, for those of us who lived through those eight years, the Rose Garden will always hold a special place in our hearts as the home of the Hoop Summit.
So next time you're in Portland, make sure you check out the Moda Center, and remember the electrifying nights of high school basketball greatness that were played in this iconic arena.