Timbers Army: Supporters of the Portland Timbers

Culture and identifiers

Members commonly identify themselves with green-and-white scarves that read "Timbers Army" on one side and "No Pity" on the other; newer designs incorporate a rose and crossed axes with the number 107, referencing the original supporters' section. Typical match-day features include percussion, sustained chanting, organized tifo (large banners or choreographed displays), and an emphasis on continuous vocal support rather than silent observation. The group's informal membership ethos—"if you want to be Timbers Army, you already are"—reflects its open, participatory spirit.

Organization and history

While the Timbers Army began as a grassroots congregation of fans in a specific stand, it later developed an organizational arm known as the 107 Independent Supporters Trust. That body manages formal membership, fundraising and coordination; it reported a paid membership on the order of a few thousand. The "107" number denotes the section at the stadium where the Army first organized, and the group's identity has grown alongside the modern Portland Timbers franchise and the broader revival of soccer fandom in the United States.

Match-day activity and travel

Match days for the Timbers Army are highly choreographed social events. Supporters arrive early to build momentum, lead songs and display flags or banners. Away travel is a significant part of the culture: for regional rivalry fixtures—most notably matches in the Cascadia Cup against Seattle and Vancouver—thousands of fans will travel to support the team. For example, an estimated 1,500 members traveled north for a Cascadia Cup game in 2012, demonstrating the group's commitment to away support.

Charitable work and community impact

Beyond cheering, the Timbers Army is active in philanthropy and volunteer work. In 2011 members collectively donated more than $40,000 to community causes and volunteered with organizations such as Friends of Trees, Habitat for Humanity and the Oregon Food Bank. The group has also undertaken targeted fundraising campaigns—such as efforts to support inclusive playground projects—to direct money and labor toward local needs. The 107 Independent Supporters Trust often provides the administrative framework for these initiatives.

Notable distinctions and context

The Timbers Army is notable for combining intense stadium support with organized civic engagement. It sits within a broader North American supporters' movement that emphasizes culture, continuity and community outreach. Regional rivalries like the Cascadia contests help define the group's public identity, while internal traditions—the scarf, the drumlines and coordinated chants—offer accessible points of entry for new fans. For more on the club and local rivalries see resources about the team and the region: Portland Timbers, Portland, Oregon, and some partner charities such as Habitat for Humanity.

• Primary colors and symbols: green, white, rose motif, crossed axes, "107".
• Organizational body: 107 Independent Supporters Trust (membership and coordination).
• Community role: fundraising, volunteer projects, support for local nonprofits.

Together, these elements make the Timbers Army a distinct example of how sports fandom can blend passionate support for a team with organized civic engagement and a recognizable cultural identity.