Portland’s Friday Night Lights: Thorns Soccer and WWE SmackDown Headline Today's Schedule

Providence Park: Thorns Kick Off Preseason

Portland’s sports landscape is buzzing today, Friday, March 6, 2026, as two major professional events prepare to draw crowds to the city's premier venues. At Providence Park, the Portland Thorns FC are set to host C.F. Monterrey Femenil in a highly anticipated preseason friendly. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM, providing fans with one of their first opportunities to see the 2026 squad under the direction of new head coach Robert Vilahamn. This international clash is a vital part of the Thorns' preparation for the upcoming NWSL regular season, which officially begins later this month.

Supporters heading to Providence Park can expect to see a mix of established stars and rising talent. Key players to watch include Canadian international Jessie Fleming, along with dynamic attackers Pietra Tordin and Reilyn Turner, who are all returning to the roster this year. The team also features Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who remains a focal point of the defense. This match marks a significant homecoming for the club as they look to build chemistry in front of the "Rose City Riveters" and maintain their status as one of the premier organizations in professional women’s soccer.

Moda Center: WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Just a short trip across the Willamette River, the Moda Center will host a packed house for WWE Friday Night SmackDown. The event begins at 4:30 PM and serves as a critical stop on the "Road to WrestleMania." The evening's headlining match features a massive showdown for the Undisputed WWE Championship, with the "American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes defending his title against Drew McIntyre. This championship battle is expected to be a physical and emotional highlight for the Portland crowd.

Beyond the main event, the card features several of the most prominent names in the industry, including Jade Cargill, Sami Zayn, and Charlotte Flair. Fans can also look forward to appearances by Carmelo Hayes and Shinsuke Nakamura. With the high-energy production values of a live television broadcast and championship gold on the line, the Moda Center is set to provide an electric atmosphere for wrestling enthusiasts of all ages.

Rip City on the Road

While the Thorns and WWE superstars command the local spotlight today, other Portland teams are active elsewhere. The Portland Trail Blazers are currently in Houston for a 5:00 PM PT matchup against the Rockets, while the Portland Timbers are putting the finishing touches on their preparations for their own home engagement tomorrow against the Vancouver Whitecaps. For those looking for live professional action in the city tonight, the combination of international soccer at Providence Park and title-fight wrestling at the Moda Center makes Portland the place to be this Friday night.