Soccer is a fantastic family-friendly sport to enjoy with your kids, and watching a game on TV is often a family event for many – especially for those who support a particular team.

Gathering around the TV, ordering a takeaway, or cooking up some delicious match day dishes is all part of the experience, but watching a soccer game live can be far more enjoyable for kids and adults alike. 

A live soccer game has excitement and a buzzing atmosphere which is unrivaled to watching it on TV. Parents and kids can bond over their shared love of the ‘beautiful game’ while watching a live match together. From the pre-match nerves as spectators arrive to those beloved halftime snacks – there is no greater feeling than cheering your team on from the stands. 

Providence Park, located in the city of Portland, is home to the Portland Timbers soccer team and the Portland Thorns women’s soccer team. Built in 1926, the stadium can hold over 25,000 fans and is within walking distance from central Portland. 

If you are a Timbers or Thorns fan and want to head to Providence Park to introduce your little ones to the beloved game, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible to ensure the day goes smoothly and is enjoyable for all. 

Here are the main things parents should know before taking their kids to a Timbers or Thorns game at Providence Park:

  • Parking is limited – being located in the center of the city, there is limited parking on-site which is restricted on game days. Most supporters arrive via public transport on match days, and this may be something to consider when traveling with little legs. If you need to drive, there is nearby parking in downtown Portland in a SmartPark garage or another parking lot. If you choose to arrive via public transport, be sure to check the times and leave plenty of time to get there. 
  • Outside food is not allowed – the park forbids guests from bringing in outside food though they will make considerations for children and those with dietary restrictions. Contact Providence Park beforehand to ensure you can bring food to the entry gate without an issue. 
  • No nut-free zones – Providence Park does not offer any nut-free zones – those with severe allergies may want to consider visiting or bringing appropriate allergy medication. The park does offer gluten-free and vegan food options for adults and children with those allergies or intolerances. 
  • Sealed water bottles are allowed – completely sealed water bottles and soft-sided juice boxes are allowed to be brought into the stadium, so ensure you have prepared the appropriate drinks for little ones. You can buy drinks and snacks throughout the stadium if you run out. 
  • Water stations available – there are several water stations dotted around the stadium for you to drink and fill up your bottle once inside the park. 
  • Soft cool bags only – hard cool boxes are not allowed inside the stadium, but for those that need to keep baby milk cool or medicine at a specific temperature, soft-sided cool bags are allowed. 
  • Clear bags only – supporters cannot bring in normal backpacks, handbags, and bags. If you need to bring items into the stadium, then you must ensure they are in a specially-sized clear bag to enable security to quickly scan the contents of your bag. If you are visiting with young children, you are allowed to bring diapers in a normal bag however you may want to contact the stadium beforehand. 
  • Children under two go free – children under two years of age can go free as long as they are sat on an adult’s lap. 
  • Baby changing stations available – there are baby changing stations available in all restrooms. No matter where you are seated in the stadium, you will have easy access to a changing station if visiting with a baby. 
  • Cashless venue – the entire stadium is a cashless venue post-COVID, so ensure that you bring cards with you in case the little ones get hungry or need a drink. 
  • First aid – accidents can happen with little ones in tow, and in the unfortunate event that you need to access a first aider, there is a first aid section located in sections 109 and 110. 
  • Lost children – match days can be chaotic and busy, and if you find yourself separated from your children, contact Providence Park Guest Services located near section 104 at the Entry D gate. 
  • It can get loud – on a busy match day, there will be a lot of noise – be that crowd noise, music, and the commentary of the game, so consider ear muffs for little ones who might be affected by the sound. 

Providence Park is one of the best stadiums in Oregon, and you can proudly cheer on the mighty Timbers and the Thorns from the stands. Taking your kids to their first game is one of those memories that will last forever, and being prepared for the day is the best way to ensure that game day goes smoothly and the whole family has a fantastic time.