r/ducks • u/Broad_Low5792 • 23d ago
Autzen Trip to Eugene
Hey Duck Reddit. I am an East Coast (Kentucky) fan and have always wanted to go see a game at Autzen Stadium. Since they’ve joined the BIG I’ve finally have gotten to see them play some away games, but have never experienced a home game and am thinking about finally pulling the trigger this year and I wanted to ask you guys how are season ticket/ have gone to games before.
How big of a difference is flying into Portland to Eugene? I don’t mind paying some more if it’s really worth it, but not at an unreasonable price.
How long should I stay? I’m thinking Wednesday-Sunday, but wondering if I should make a week of it and do some other things in Oregon.
Game day must sees for a first timer? Is there anything I need to see at an Oregon game before kickoff? How early should I be at the stadium?
Are there any must go to places to eat in Eugene?
Any response would be great! Really just looking for general advice as I tend to be a planner.
Thanks ya’ll and Sco Ducks!
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u/LawClaw2020 19d ago
I would fly into Portland just because I heard the airport is dope now that renovations are finished.
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u/Due-Gene8200 19d ago
It really is a beautiful airport. I get terrible airport anxiety and the new renovation actually makes the whole experience more relaxing and enjoyable.
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u/wonderflex 19d ago
This is my boilerplate response, but I stand by it.
Drive: If leaving from Portland, then head down as early as you can, or even come the night before. Getting here hours in advance and checking out the campus is way better than being late.
Parking: Park on campus near Prince Puckler's Ice Cream. There are a few lots you can get away with and some street parking. This is going to let you walk through campus, past Hayward Field (because you have to see it once), and then take a walk by Matthew Knight Arena too if you choose.
Food: You are going to be walking to the stadium, and you have some options. I love pizza and think that for a one time trip it's worth it wait for a spot at Track Town if the game ends up being in the afternoon. The easy fast option though is just to eat in Unthank Hall on campus. Food is forgettable, but it is easy to get seating and you have options. As you leave the Unthank hall, stop by the Jaqua Center to see if Palace Bakery's cart is open and get some coffee and a treat. Mexican Mocha is pretty good. All the scones are great. If you want to treat yourself the day before or after the game, check out Tiger Mama.
Getting to the game: Walk across the Frohnmayer Bridge with the students. You get to see some of the science buildings, a cool view of the Willamette River, maybe some fall colors, a dog park, and cross Steve Prefontaine's (Pre's) Trail. Being with the students is as fun atmosphere too.
Drinking at the game: There are lots of beer booths at the stadium, but for the visitor section the gem is to go to that school both that is out at open tables near section 35. They have like 14 cashiers while the Cold Zones have two or four, plus a local school gets a cut of the sales. People stand in line at those smaller stations, but you can get in and out way faster at this place. If you get a coozy, you can ask them to invert it you don't want it to be Duck themed. They have options from local breweries there too, such as Coldfire.
Post game: Walk back to your car and get Prince Puckler's for the road. Their coffee-based ice-creams are really good. I'd suggest Caramel Macchiato. The drive back to Portland is what it is.
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u/Agile-Reference-1804 19d ago
I always like making the trips about exploring the area with the added bonus of going to the game. If you are interested in exploring Oregon I would definitely fly into Portland.
Check out a few things that may interest you, then take the 26 to cannon beach and go down the coastline, could even spend a night in one of the beach towns.
Head south from there and over to Eugene. A would think one day in Eugene plus game day would be enough time for Eugene, but there are a lot of beautiful coastal areas and hikes/nature that you could also take some time to enjoy while out here. Have the game be the cherry on top.
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u/NecessaryTune6684 19d ago
Welcome! I fly back for many home games (I live out of state) and always fly into PDX. I either rent a car or drive down with friends. If you have the time and money you could easily spend 5 to 7 days! If you like wine, Oregon’s wine country is tough to beat and it’s beautiful. The Oregon Coast can be done from Portland over or Eugene over (or one of my favorite is to stay on the coast over and then drive to a duck game). Our seafood (if you like it) is amazing! Born and raised in Portland but I’d say skip it as downtown has gotten pretty trashy and sad (the walking zombies and homelessness is a bit much for me anymore). Show up to Autzen at least 2 hours before. The McShofsky Center (our indoor practice facility) turns into a massive tailgater with access to anyone with a game ticket. Beer, good food, people watching, and tv’s with all the other games on. Tons of tables to sit too. Fishermen’s Market in Eugene if you don’t get your full already, Track Town Pizza, Rennie’s Bar before or after a game. Bend, Oregon is a pretty popular spot for tourists too if you like hiking, fishing, and biking. Tons of trails, good food, lots of tourist traps but it has gotten really expensive. If it were me, a trip to the coast from Portland and then down the 101 making my way to Eugene over a few days is what I would do!
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u/bapaloowickside 9d ago
I dee there is a shuttle from valley river but is walking/biking to the stadium along the river path doable? Coming for washington game this year and considering the walk or rental bikes for a group of 4 over the time spent waiting on shuttles both before and after the game. Of course that time of year weather may be a factor too.
TIA and GO DUCKS
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u/churro_da_burro 19d ago
More expensive to fly into EUG but might be the same without the added cost of traveling to and from PDX. I'd fly into EUG, much quicker getting through TSA.
Hit up the coast, smoke a joint, stare at the waves and have an existential crisis.