Damian Lillard Joins Ownership Group for Luxury Sports Lounge
- Portland Observer
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Honorable Mention opens inside The Benson Hotel in downtown Portland
Urban Restaurant Group, in partnership with Portland icon Damian Lillard and local business leaders JR Duperrier, Dr. William Johnson, David Lucas, and Mark Byrum, has announced the opening of Honorable Mention, Portland’s first true luxury sports lounge. The highly anticipated venue will officially open Friday, March 6, inside the historic The Benson Hotel, occupying the former London Grill space at 309 SW Broadway in downtown Portland. Honorable Mention will operate Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, offering an upscale yet welcoming destination for sports fans, visitors, and locals alike.
Developed with the vision of elevating Portland’s sports and hospitality scene, Honorable Mention blends the energy of a sports bar with the sophistication of a luxury lounge. The space has been thoughtfully designed to reflect Portland’s growth as a world-class sports city, pairing Victorian-inspired elegance with a modern, open-concept layout. Guests will find curated local artwork, premium sightlines to catch every major game, and intimate seating areas designed for everything from lively watch parties to relaxed, upscale evenings. Rich textures, warm lighting, and refined finishes create an environment that celebrates both the city’s historic charm and its contemporary culture.
“Portland is my home,” said Lillard. “When I think about helping build this city back up to what made me and many others fall in love with it, I know that starts with presenting people who come here with an experience we can all share—fellowship, fun, good food, and safety. I look forward to building on this as we continue to lift Portland back to what it once was.”
The culinary program at Honorable Mention is led by Chef Bobby Brown and centers on elevated, shareable plates designed to bring people together. The menu features refined interpretations of classic sports lounge favorites alongside bold, dynamic flavors and premium group offerings ideal for gatherings and celebrations. Complementing the food is a carefully curated beverage program featuring signature craft cocktails, premium spirits, and select pours that reinforce the lounge’s commitment to a high-end sports entertainment experience.
“Honorable Mention shines a light on the city’s deep love for sport while honoring its historical roots,” said JR Duperrier. “This space is for the community, and it’s a win for Portland.”
Beyond its design and menu, Honorable Mention carries a deeper cultural purpose. The concept celebrates athletic excellence across race, gender, and culture, honoring pioneers, barrier-breakers, and global icons whose achievements have shaped the history of sports. Through storytelling, design elements, and curated displays, the lounge highlights figures whose perseverance and impact opened doors for future generations of athletes.
The name itself also pays tribute to the first Black athletes who attended Ivy League institutions. Despite facing significant social and institutional barriers, these athletes helped transform collegiate athletics through their presence, talent, and determination. Their contributions expanded opportunities for athletes of color and helped pave the way for the diverse landscape of sports seen today.
By combining sports, culture, and hospitality in one sophisticated setting, Honorable Mention aims to become more than just a place to watch games. The venue aspires to serve as a gathering place where community, celebration, and shared experiences come together—reflecting both Portland’s rich past and its promising future. The location is at 309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 inside The Benson Hotel.
