Handball World Championships at MAC in 2009

Multnomah Athletic Club

For more information about
The Multnomah Athletic Club,
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The Multnomah Athletic Club’s mission is to enrich lives, foster friendships and build upon our traditions of excellence in athletic, social and educational programs.

Formed in 1891 by 26 football players, the Multnomah Athletic Club means as much to families as it does to athletes. A complete club with first-rate facilities, superb cuisine and fun social activities, MAC is a second home to many members.

When the club was founded, it set the standards for amateur athletics in the Pacific Northwest. MAC brought the first track meet to Portland, introduced hockey to the city and hosted the first state tennis championship.

Along the way, it helped create sports legends like Dan Kelly, who set world records in the 100-yard dash; Nancy Merki, who set the 1500-meter freestyle swim record; and Jim Grelle, who ran a sub four-minute mile.

Today the club maintains its amateur roots with national champions in synchronized swimming, gymnastics and handball. MAC’s outstanding facilities and world-class coaches provide guidance, training and encouragement to athletes age 6 to 96.

But, the club is more than athletics. MAC welcomes business leaders with excellent banquet facilities and superb cuisine. Members and their guests enjoy a variety of tastes with four restaurants, including our child-friendly Seasons and our exciting Sports Pub.

With nearly 20,000 members, providing social activities is as important as athletics. Through the years, MAC has held popular social activities, from dances to plays. The club continues this tradition with elegant social gatherings and insightful classes involving local artists, politicians and the city’s movers and shakers. Family activities such as the popular Family Fridays and children’s holiday parties keep the club young.

For generations of MAC members, the Multnomah Athletic Club continues to meet our mission and enrich lives, foster friendships and build upon our traditions of excellence in athletic, social and educational programs.

The Multnomah Athletic Club is a private not-for-profit club in Portland, Oregon.
MAC members may access the club’s member-only web site by clicking on this link.


The game has come a long way since these guys played ... and so has the Multnomah Athletic Club

Come Play at Our House! The Multnomah Athletic Club has made handball number one for nearly a century. Handball at the club predates even the U.S. Handball Association; in 1911, before the USHA standardized the court size, handball started at MAC. And, since Handball players enjoy such long, healthy lives, there are more than a few folks around who remember the good old days. The Multnomah Athletic Club will quite literally be the center of the handball world in October, 2009, as one of the United States' most beautiful and well-appointed athletic facilities hosts the best players on earth. More than 800 players of all ages and abilities will participate. Dozens of dedicated MAC players and supporters are the reason the United States chose Portland to host the 2009 World Championships. MAC players have won more than 80 national and world titles throughout the years. This is a tremendous accomplishment for one club, let alone for athletes from just one special sport.