What is the surrounding area like?

The immediate neighbourhood won't blow you away, but head across the North Steel Bridge to get to Chinatown and the general downtown area. It's just a quick drive or else a 20-30 minute walk. Here a wealth of restaurants and bars will give the fussy among us a run for their money.

Alternatively, make like a bird in winter and go south. Within a few blocks you'll hit the inner east - once a grubby kind of district, now a cool place to hang out in brew pubs and coffee laboratories.

What are some 'must do' things in the area?

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Nope, it's not just for kids. This museum is full of interactive exhibits for all ages. Journey around six huge halls learning about everything from outerspace and chemistry experiments to insects and ancient Oregon fossils. Entry is $13.50 (or $2 admission on the first Sunday of the month).

Powell's City of Books

You can get lost in a book. Or you can get lost in a giant book shop. Powell's fills up a whole city block so you can properly immerse yourself in new and used paperbacks. There's a coffee shop, too, for that extra kick you'll need to see you through the last chapter.

Eastbank Esplanade

Take a stroll along the riverfront on this 1.5-mile walkway. It's prettiest in the evening when the water glitters before the historic Hawthorne and Steel bridges.

Where are the best places to eat near Moda Center?

Le Pigeon

Seven-course tasting menu? Or maybe you just want to pick from the menu. Either way, your tastebuds will be charmed with some of the best French-inspired cooking in town. The intimate dining room includes a chef's counter with ten seats around the open kitchen, so a lucky few can get a view of the action.  

Nicholas Restaurant

Fresh tabouli, chicken kebab salad, humus spread upon pita straight from the oven. This restaurant has been serving up Lebanese dishes since 1986. The portions are large so a group of you can get stuck in and try a mix of flavors including desserts like baklava and Lebanese-style sweet cream cheesecake.

Tasty n Sons

These guys pride themselves on their innovative menu, be it for brunch, dinner or just a snack. The bacon-wrapped dates are a favorite, as are the patatas bravas over an easy egg. Relax in their open dining room as the chefs work their sorcery in the kitchen behind.

Widmer Brothers Brewery

We have three words for you: beer cheese soup. Tempted? This brewery is famous for the dish, which you can pair with chicken schnitzel, wings and - of course - a worthy selection of beers. Exclusive brews include Marionberry ale and Raspberry stout. If all this is making you curious, maybe book yourself in for a weekend tour.

Hopworks Bike Bar

Swing by this environmentally conscious pub for organic food and beer. The pizzas are made with Shepherd's Grain sustainable flour and the crusts are brushed with garlic olive oil. As for the toppings, the mozzarella is whole milk and premium. Did we mention the bike theme? You can help power the building by jumping on one of the stationary bikes.

Is there anything else visitors might want to know?

Portland is known for its rainy day, so pack your anorak and good shoes for traipsing through those inevitable puddles.

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What's the best way to get to Moda Center?

You can take the MAX Light Rail or the TriMet bus to Rose Quarter Transit Center which is across the street from Moda Center.  A heads up: it'll be cheaper to buy a return-fare rather than two singles. Work out your options using the TriMet travel planner.

How much is food and drink?

Although the options aren't massively cheap, they are tasty. Beers come from the Northwest's finest microbrews (around $9) while wine is similarly local (around $12). If you're wanting that famous Northwest coffee, head to Buzzsaw for a Stumptown brew ($5).

For food, don't fear; there are the classic options: hot dogs, burgers and pretzels alongside a lot more. How about a burger with peanut butter, pickle and bacon ($10.50). Maybe you fancy the Seven Rivers Smokehouse BBQ - nachos with cheddar and barbecue beef ($9.75).

Get snack-planning.

Does the venue have WiFi?

You betcha. Thanks to Toyota, there's free WiFi inside the Moda Center bowl.

What's the parking like?

You'll find four parking garages and two parking lots, with disabled spaces on most levels. We can't tell you an exact price but mostly these range from $8 to $15.

What time do doors normally open?

Doors tend to open 5.30pm for Monday to Saturday games and 4.30pm for Sunday games.

Any other information visitors should know?

Like your historical memorabilia? Of course you do. Look out for the names and faces of Blazers Hall of Fame icons along the concourse.

If worried about your ears (I said, if worried about your ears), you might want to buy a set of earplugs from the North Information booth for a dollar.