Timbers open new training complex - KPTV - FOX 12

The Portland Timbers got down to business today while unveiling a new, state-of-the-art training center in Beaverton.

SLIDESHOW: Tour the complex

The Adidas Timbers Training Center was built as part of a 10-year partnership with Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.  And for the first time Thursday, the Timbers got to practice on the field there.

It cost $6 million to build and will be the main on-field training center for the Timbers.

The training center, located on THPRD property in Beaverton, approximately 10 minutes from JELD-WEN Field, includes a new natural-grass field to be used exclusively by the Timbers and a synthetic FieldTurf field designated for public use.

The center also has a 6,000-square-foot indoor facility that includes locker rooms for the Timbers first team and development teams, fully equipped training and fitness areas, offices and a lounge/common area for Timbers players.

"It is vital to have a top-notch training center to complement our excellent facilities at JELD-WEN Field," said Merritt Paulson, president of the Timbers. "From the beginning, it was a top priority for us to build a training facility befitting our goals as an organization, and this substantial investment reflects our long-term commitment to winning and top-to-bottom success."

"Our partnership with the Timbers is a win-win-win for our community, the team, and the Park District," said Doug Menke, THPRD general manager. "The team gets a beautiful new training facility, and starting in May, young athletes from around the Beaverton area get a new synthetic turf field they can use to hone their skills. We thank the Timbers for collaborating with us to improve quality of life in our area."

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