It's a buyer's market for Portland Trail Blazers fans, with ticket prices hitting rock bottom amid a tumultuous season. You can catch the NBA action live for the price of a subway ride, with seats going for as little as $2, according to a report by Willamette Week. This steep discount reflects a tough phase for the team, which faces a roster shaken by injuries and the loss of star player Damian Lillard.

Rubbing elbows in the once sparsely populated cheap seats, real fans and bargain hunters alike are now flocking to the Moda Center's nosebleeds, ostensibly to watch basketball, but also to engage in the surprisingly robust community of die-hards and characters, reported by Willamette Week. Braving the upper echelon of the stadium often compared to mountaineering, are a blend of individuals each with their own story to share, unified by the love of the game and discounted access to it.

“On any given night in this city, you can watch some of the most skilled basketball players on the planet compete on the Moda Center hardwood, and the ticket will set you back as little as $2,” according to Willamette Week's latest scoop. These rates are a far cry from the Blazers' more victorious days, placing them second only to the Memphis Grizzlies in the affordability stakes. With the team's performance leaving much to be desired, fan attendance has taken a hit, but with every loss comes an opportunity for die-hard supporters and those curious enough to experience professional basketball at a steal.

Despite the Blazers' hopes being dunked this season by a slew of unsavory game outcomes, Willamette Week has highlighted how low ticket costs are a silver lining—not just for the wallet but also for the spirit. Meeting individuals in the cheap seats becomes a narrative of its own, creating an alliance of fans who still root for their team and find camaraderie amid the struggles. Drinking beers and cheering on, regardless of the standings, they're the ones redefining loyalty, as season ticket holders watch the values of their investments deflate like a poorly handled basketball.

As the Blazers learn to pivot and rebound in the league, the fans ride out the ebb and flow of fortunes through thick, thin, and thinner wallets. While the action remains, so does the spirit. So if you've got a couple of bucks to spare and want to share an experience with fellow enthusiasts, you might just want to grab your coat and head on over to the Moda Center, as suggested by KATU's news partners. One thing's for sure: disappointed or not, meeting fellow Blazers' supporters is a game in itself – one that promises to be every bit as engaging as the on-court action.