PORTLAND, Ore. – Post Malone and Jelly Roll are about to drop more than just bars at Providence Park Saturday night — they’re dropping crowds, chaos, and a rare dose of economic adrenaline straight into Portland’s pulse.
From bustling hotel lobbies to jam-packed brunch spots, the Rose City is gearing up for a full-blown spectacle. Across the street from the stadium, Benji Browne at HunnyMilk café says the team is ready for whatever the night brings. “We’re braced, we’re ready and we’re prepared,” he said, as if announcing a storm warning — except this one’s soundtracked by chart-topping hits and fueled by high-proof cocktails.
“It’s positive chaos,” Browne added with a grin. “Good people, good energy. Honestly, we’re here for it.”
And they’re not alone. The Wildwood Saloon, still riding the high of last summer’s Foo Fighters frenzy, expects another record-breaking night. “It was crazy for sure,” said bartender Morgan Chase. “But the kind of crazy that fills the tip jar and reminds you why you love working in a bar.”
Nearby, Hotel deLuxe is sold out — along with nearly every other hotel within stumbling distance of the venue. “The concert’s timing is perfect,” said general manager Matthew Skelton in a written statement, pointing to both the show and Portland’s largest convention in history, the NEA citywide, arriving this weekend. “It’s time to show that Portland is what we make it.”
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Between the booming hospitality surge and the upcoming Portland Parkway event in September, local businesses say they’re finally seeing light at the end of the post-pandemic tunnel.
“We need nights like this,” said Browne. “Big names. Big crowds. Big energy. That’s how we move the needle and get Portland back to where it belongs.”
Meanwhile, Jelly Roll — whose heart is as big as his voice — may be planning a visit to a local prison during his time in town. Known for his commitment to prison reform, he’s no stranger to performing behind bars and has brought hope to incarcerated fans across the country, including a powerful set at the Oregon State Penitentiary.
Stay tuned — Portland’s not just getting a show this weekend. It’s getting a second chance at center stage.
