Honoring Tradition: The Blessing of the Victory Log

Apr 28, 2025 | Discovery Museum, Evergreen

World Forestry Center proudly hosted the annual Blessing of the Victory Log in February to kick off the Portland Timbers Football Club’s 50th anniversary and the 15th MLS season. This time-honored tradition continues to thrive, thanks to new partnerships between the Timbers, the Timbers Army, Hampton Lumber, and World Forestry Center—uniting fans and the community in celebrating the deep-rooted connection between soccer and the Pacific Northwest’s forests.

Timber Joey and Timber Jim led the ceremony, joined by head coach Phil Neville, Timbers Army representative Patch, and David and Jamey Hampton of Hampton Lumber, which generously provided the log. Attendees were invited to participate in the ritual, which concluded with an Irish blessing and an opportunity for everyone to bless the log before it took its place in Providence Park for the season ahead.

Thanks to Hampton Lumber’s sponsorship, more than 450 visitors enjoyed free admission to the Discovery Museum. The event highlighted the power of tradition, teamwork, and the deep connection between our forests and the Timbers community.

“May your home be strong of beam, firm of wall and rafter, built with timbers from a dream, girded well with laughter. May your home have a winding stair with a lovers landing, windows to let in fresh air with the light of understanding. May your home have a roof of faith for every change of weather and love upon your hearth to warm your years forever. Go Timbers.”

– The Blessing of the Log

About the Victory Log

After each goal scored or clean sheet earned by the Timbers at Providence Park, a slice is cut with a chainsaw from the Victory Log and celebrated in a cloud of sawdust and a wave of cheers. The log slab is presented to the goal scorer in a post-game ceremony. This has been a tradition of the Portland Timbers since the late 1970s.