the University of Oregon is Oregon State’s fiercest rival as the proximity between the two campuses means many make the trip from Eugene to Corvallis and vice versa. The rivalry is also one of the oldest in college football as the teams have met 114 times since 1894. The winner of each year's matchup takes home the Platypus Trophy, which was lost for 40 years until it was found in 2005. Oregon holds a 60-46-2 series lead and has won the last seven meetings.
The rivalry between Washington and Oregon is one of the most played rivalries in college football having begun in 1900. The rivalry got more heated in 1948 when Washington persuaded the University of Montana to vote for Cal as conference champions over Oregon. Over the years there have been many incidents between the fans with one of the most famous happening in 1962 when Washington fans ran onto the field and tackled Oregon’s Larry Hill to prevent a game-tying touchdown on the last play of the game.
Ducks Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Oregon’s recent success means that the fans show up early and in substantial numbers to tailgate here in Eugene. You’ll see plenty of people coming over four hours before kickoff to get the best spot and get their pre-game parties started early. The Ducks have sold out the last 100+ games, and it shows when attending an Oregon tailgate as you’ll find the parking lots packed to the brim with fans drinking and eating some of the most delicious food and beer you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest.
The parking lots outside of Autzen Stadium are a sea of green and yellow. If you want to fit in and make friends quickly, then the best way to do so is by donning the green and yellow yourself. The love for the Ducks bonds everyone together at Oregon games creating a great feeling of community. If you’re a fan of the visiting team though you may not feel this camaraderie as Ducks fans, while mostly friendly may throw a few friendly jeers your way.
If you want to get in the Duck spirit head on down to the March to Victory where you’ll be able to cheer on the players, coaches, cheerleaders, band, and the Duck himself as they march to the Oregon locker room. This tradition occurs two hours before kickoff, so join in and get your Ducks game day started off on the right foot.
Before the 2013 season the outside of the north end of the stadium got a makeover that features 474 LED light fixtures, 306 large trees, five giant pyramids, and six miles of irrigation drainage. The pyramid panels each feature a prominent player from Oregon football history, and the pyramids collectively look like a studded dog collar around the stadium. The display even has a line of poles that represent each game played at Autzen; the yellow ones symbolize wins, and the losses are painted with the color of the rival who defeated the Ducks. Check out this great homage to Ducks football before you enter the stadium.
Located on the second floor of the Casanova Center, the Hall of Champions showcases the University of Oregon’s greatest athletes, team achievements, and sports moments. The display can be viewed for free and is open four hours before the start of every home football game.
The Ed Moshofsky Sports Center opens three hours before kickoff on game day to allow fans the opportunity to take in live radio broadcasts, music, and dance performances. You can also find a wide variety of food, beer, and wine at the Mo Center, so stop by for a drink before entering the stadium.
Opening up four hours before kickoff Essig Field serves as a food court and beer garden on Ducks game days. Admission is free to everyone, so stop by to grab a few drinks or catch up on all the action going on around college football.
Mo Tailgate CenterThe Ed Moshofsky Sports Center opens three hours before kickoff on game day to allow fans the opportunity to take in live radio broadcasts, music, and dance performances. You can also find a wide variety of food, beer, and wine at the Mo Center, so stop by for a drink before entering the stadium.
Essig FieldOpening up four hours before kickoff Essig Field serves as a food court and beer garden on Ducks game days. Admission is free to everyone, so stop by to grab a few drinks or catch up on all the action going on around college football.
East Stadium LotIf you’re looking to set up a tailgate party for your friends and family then the stadium lots around Autzen Stadium provide an excellent place to be. You’ll be able to mingle with a lot of other fans, and there is plenty of space to set up shop.
Ducks Stadium Guide
In Game
Autzen Stadium has a reputation for being one of the loudest stadiums in the country and even earned the nickname the Autzen Zoo. The stadium can get so loud in fact that it has recorded noise levels higher than those of a jet engine. When going to a Ducks game be prepared to get loud since to fit in with the crowd you’ll need to bring your vocal chords to the game. Ducks fans love their team, which can be seen by the fact Oregon has a sellout streak that spans over 100 games. When attending your next Oregon football game not only will you be part of the fantastic crowd atmosphere, but you’ll also be part of history as the Ducks look to extend this incredible streak.
The stadium’s steep seats mean that no matter where you sit, you’ll not only be close to the field, but you’ll also have a spectacular view. The sightlines are also great no matter where you’re sitting, so you won’t have to worry about an obstructed view. The design of the stadium also aids in trapping in noise, which helps create one of the loudest and craziest atmospheres in college football. The incredible fan atmosphere along with the great views provided by Autzen Stadium make it a must see for college football fans everywhere.
Affectionately known as Puddles, the Oregon Duck goes all out to entertain the crowd. Puddles get things off with a bang by leading to the Ducks onto the field on a motorcycle. The fun doesn’t stop there though as after each and every score he does a pushup for each point the Ducks have scored. Look for Puddles to put on a great show of his own at a Ducks game.
A great way to show your support for Oregon is by showing off the “O” gesture. This gesture is created by pressing your forefinger and thumb together to form the shape of an O. The gesture originated as a band cue; however, it has become a popular gesture among fans since a picture of Joey Harrington making the gesture appeared on the front page of the Oregonian in 2001.
Don Essig has been claiming it never rains at Autzen since 1990 (well after he became the PA announcer in 1968). After giving the weather forecast, Essig and the fans give the “real” forecast together in unison. On the off chance it is raining, Essig calls it a “light drizzle” or “liquid sunshine.” Join in on this great tradition to feel a part of the Autzen crowd.
Stepping onto the third floor of the Downtown Athletic Club, patrons of the Ax Billy Grill are greeted by a family friendly dining room and a popular sports bar.
6th Street is THE PLACE where everyone can come and meet, eat and drink whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, sporting events, entertaining out-of-town guests, or celebrating special occasions.
Choose from a wide selection of healthy, always-delicious choices. You can be assured that each recipe is tried-and-tested. Be adventurous and try something new.
The menu features over 30 signature sub sandwiches, as well as a variety of Rice Krispy treats, salads and munchies. Most locations also offer craft beer bars that feature local beers from neighborhood breweries.
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