September 10, 2003

Blazers president Steve Patterson announced the return of Bill Schonely to the Blazers organization. Schonely was the play-by-play voice of the Blazers from 1970 until 1997, staying with the team as a broadcaster until 2000.

“We are thrilled to have Bill rejoin the Blazers family in a meaningful way,” said Patterson. “Earlier this summer, the team made a commitment to the fans to reconnect with our heritage, and this is just one piece of us following through with the pledge.”

Schonely will appear on the Blazers radio and television broadcasts as the host of two segments, “Memorable Moments” on television and “Blazers Flashback” during the Blazers radio pre-game broadcasts. In addition, Schonely will voice radio spots, act as an ambassador at charity and community events, host pre-game functions and in arena elements. The Blazers will honor Schonely and his many contributions to the franchise at the November 3 game vs. the 76ers.

“I’m excited to be re-joining an organization I’ve held dear for many years,” said Schonley. “I’m back and will be doing my level best to help the organization with what it has going on with fans. I’m very pleased with the new direction of the franchise and have the utmost confidence that the new leadership team will take the organization to where it needs to be – Rip City again.”

Bill Schonely was the Blazers first play-by-play voice of the Blazers, starting with the team in 1970. He coined phrases that became synonymous with Blazermania in Oregon, including ‘Rip City’ and ‘Bingo Bango Bongo’ and ‘You’ve got to make your free throws.’ Schonely called the play-by-play on 2,522 Blazers radio and television broadcasts, from Portland’s very first preseason outing (September 24, 1970) to their final match up in the 1998 NBA Playoffs (April 30, 1998).

Click here for an interview with Bill Schonely