November 17, 2004

Trail Blazers Owner Paul G. Allen spent the day in Portland on November 16 watching the Trail Blazers practice, meeting with media, hosting a book reading at a local elementary school and jamming with his band at a special event for Trail Blazers partners.

The visit started with Allen arriving at the Trail Blazers practice facility to meet with General Manager John Nash, Team President Steve Patterson and Head Coach Maurice Cheeks. Allen then watched the end of practice, chatted with players and met with media.

After answering questions from the media, Allen did exclusive interviews with a local radio station and television station. He then went into the locker room to talk with players and invite them to the party he hosted that evening.

Allen left the practice facility and headed to King Elementary School in Northeast Portland to promote reading. Allen hosted a SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) timeout while reading the book "Dogs in Space."

After the reading program, Allen went to Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) where he hosted a party for Trail Blazers sponsors, partners and local business leaders.

The party stems from Allen's interest in exploring new frontiers that led to the launch of the first-ever piloted commercial vehicle into space. As a result, the ground-breaking efforts of the SpaceShipOne team, the project was recently awarded the coveted AnsariX Prize.

While at the event, Allen mingled with partygoers and offered attendees the chance to be among the first to experience OMSI's newly-opened Tech Hall, "Innovation Station."

Part way through the evening, Allen surprised guests when he and his rock band took the stage for an impromptu performance.

Paul Allen Talks