As far as hockey support, the Portland Winterhawks have a very supportive fan base. And hockey culture seems to be strong here historically. Last winter the local historical society held an exhibit on 100 years of hockey history in Portland. There are still fond memories of the old Portland Buckaroos. None of that, though, translates directly into support. But in a good venue, and in a city that is known (at least with the Timbers and Blazers) to have among the more devout fan bases, I think it would be as safe a bet as Seattle. Plus, the team may suck inititially, but it's not like the ownership and administration would move with it. If Paul Allen ends up owning the team, my guess is he would appoint Blazers' President Chris McGowan to a new leadership position overseeing both clubs. McGowan held a similar role in Los Angeles with AEG Sports in which he had leadership over both the L.A. Galaxy and the L.A. Kings when the club won its first Stanley Cup.