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Autzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Big Ten Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions. The official seating capacity is presently 54,000 to 60,000 (with SRO); however, the actual attendance regularly exceeds that figure.[12]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Prior to 1967, the Ducks' on-campus stadium was Hayward Field, which they shared with the track and field team. However, by the late 1950s, it had become apparent that Hayward Field was no longer suitable for the football team. It seated only 22,500 people, making it one of the smallest in the University Division (now Division I), and only 9,000 seats were available to the general public. While nearly every seat was protected from the elements, it had little else going for it. The stadium was in such poor condition that coaches deliberately kept prospective recruits from seeing it. As a result, the Ducks only played three home games per year on campus in most years; with the exception of the annual rivalry game with Oregon State, games that were likely to draw big crowds (against schools like Washington and USC) were played 110 miles (180 km) north in Portland at the larger Multnomah Stadium. With the recognition that the football team had outgrown the campus facility and with popular support to play the entire home schedule in Eugene for the first time in school history, Oregon athletic director Leo Harris led a campaign to build a new stadium on 90 acres (0.36 km2) on the north bank of the Williamette River that the school had acquired for the purpose in the 1950s on his recommendation.[13][14][15][16]

School president Arthur Flemming was initially skeptical of the project, and asked Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to evaluate whether it was feasible to build a stadium on the north bank site, renovate Hayward Field, or build a new stadium on the Hayward footprint. The need for a new or expanded stadium had become acute with the implosion of the Pacific Coast Conference in 1959. Oregon had been left out of its successor, the Athletic Association of Western Universities (direct ancestor of the Pacific-12 Conference), and there was almost no chance of getting an invitation as long as the Ducks still played at Hayward Field. SOM concluded that the north bank site was the only feasible place to build a 40,000-seat stadium—thought to be the bare minimum to justify moving the entire home slate to Eugene. Hayward Field had not been built to code, which would have ruled out any possible expansion. Its footprint was too small for a new stadium, and in any case the surrounding streets could not handle larger crowds.[15]

Designed by SOM,[7] the stadium was built within an artificial landfill (over the refuse) to eliminate the need for multilevel ramps. As a result, construction took just nine months and cost approximately $2.3 million.[7] $250,000 was contributed by the Autzen Foundation, headed by Thomas E. Autzen (class of 1943), son of Portland lumberman and philanthropist Thomas J. Autzen (1888–1958), for whom the stadium was named.[7][17][18] The elder Autzen was ironically an alumnus of Oregon archrival Oregon State University.

In 1967, Oregon hosted Colorado in Autzen Stadium's inaugural game, a 17–13 loss before 27,500 on September 23.[5] Four weeks later on October 21, 16,000 saw Oregon's first win in the new facility; the 31–6 victory over Idaho was the only home win of the season.[19]

The stadium alternates with Oregon State's Reser Stadium as host of the annual rivalry game with the Beavers.

Autzen hosted the inaugural Pac-12 Conference Championship game on December 2, 2011, as the Pac-12 North champion Ducks defeated the Pac-12 South champion UCLA Bruins.

Playing surface

[edit]
View of the field taken in 2013 after surface renovation

Opened with natural grass in 1967, the field was switched to AstroTurf and lights were added for its third season in 1969.[20][21][22] After seven years, it was replaced with new AstroTurf in 1976.[23][24] Sand-based OmniTurf was installed in 1984 and 1991,[25][26][27][28][29] and infilled NeXturf in 2001.[30] The NeXturf was found to be overly slick when wet and lasted only one season,[31] and was transferred to an intramural field.[32] FieldTurf made its debut in Autzen in 2002,[31][33] and was replaced in 2010.[34]

With up to 8 feet (2.4 m) of gravel fill underneath the field, the original crown of the natural grass field was moderate, with the center of the field approximately one foot (0.30 m) higher than the sidelines.[9] The crown was removed in 2010, and the surface is now flat.[34]

Renovations

[edit]

In 1982, a $650,000 meeting room complex, the Donald Barker Stadium Club, was opened on the east rim above the end zone. It gave the stadium its first meeting facilities,[12] and was dedicated at the home opener in September.[35]

A proposal to enclose the stadium within a dome was given serious consideration in 1985.[36][37][38] New tax laws on contributions altered the feasibility, and the overall project was scaled back.[39] In 1988, a $2.3 million renovation built a new press box on the south side of the stadium and converted the original north side press box to luxury suites.[39] The renovation was designed by architecture firm Ellerbe Becket.[12]

In 1995, the field was named Rich Brooks Field, after the Ducks' coach from 1977 to 1994. Brooks led Oregon to its first outright Pac-10 championship, and its first Rose Bowl appearance in 37 years, in his last season. Brooks left Oregon after the 1994 season to become head coach of the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League.

In 2002, a $90 million facelift and expansion added seating and luxury boxes to the south sideline, bringing the stadium seating capacity up to its current level.[12]

Exterior of the stadium in October 2007 displaying the large yellow "O"

In 2007, the large yellow "O" was added onto the south end of the stadium exterior when ESPN's College GameDay was on location. That season, "Gameday" originated two of its Saturday shows from Eugene.

The digital scoreboard in the east end-zone in 2014

In 2008, a new, 33-by-85-foot (10 by 26 m) high-definition LED scoreboard and replay screen—known as DuckVision or "Duckvision 2.0"—was installed; it replaced the original video screen installed prior to the 1998–1999 football season. It is the 39th largest video screen in the NCAA.

In 2010, the field was replaced with new FieldTurf that featured the new Pac-12 logo (even before the logo was officially revealed to the public). During the process, the crown was removed to make the field flat.[34] In addition, new paneling was added to the walls surrounding the field.[citation needed]

In 2014, the east end-zone scoreboard was updated to include a digital screen, the addition of 150 flat screen monitors throughout the concessions areas, additional culinary options in the form of food trucks on the north side of the stadium, increased cell phone repeaters and an upgrade to the sound system. Additionally, the sideline wall graphics were updated from the new panels installed in the 2010 season.[40]

In 2020 the east end-zone scoreboard was replaced with a new 186’ x 66’ video screen on the east end of the stadium, making it the largest video board in college football. The video board will also house a smaller outward-facing 47’ x 26’ video board visible to fans arriving to the stadium.[41]

Stadium records

[edit]

The highest attendance at Autzen was 60,129 on October 12, 2024, when the Ducks beat Ohio State, 32–31.[42] This stands as the second largest crowd for a sporting event in the state of Oregon, with the largest being the CART Portland 200 IndyCar event in 1993, which claimed an estimated attendance of 63,000.[43][44]

From 1997 to 2001, the Ducks had a 24-game home winning streak at Autzen Stadium, which ended with a 49–42 loss to Stanford.[12]

In 2011, the USC Trojans defeated the Ducks 38–35, ending a 21-game home winning streak as the Trojans handed Chip Kelly his first loss at Autzen as head coach.

Taking the field against USC before 59,277 in 2007
Opponent Attendance Rank Date Outcome Note Reference
1 #2 Ohio State 60,129 3 October 12, 2024 W 32–31 ESPN College Gameday [42]
2 #18 Arizona State 60,055 9 October 15, 2011 W 41–27 ESPN College Gameday [45]
3 Washington 60,017 1 November 6, 2010 W 53–16 Oregon–Washington football rivalry [46]
4 #21 Arizona 59,990 1 November 26, 2010 W 48–29   [47]
5 #16 Oregon State 59,987 4 November 24, 2023 W 31–7 [48]
6 #9 UCLA 59,962 10 October 22, 2022 W 45–30 ESPN College Gameday [49]
7 USC 59,957 6 November 11, 2023 W 36–27 [50]
8 #18 USC 59,933 4 November 19, 2011 L 35–38 [51]
9 #19 Colorado 59,889 4 September 23, 2023 W 42–6 [52]
10 #20 Illinois 59,830 1 October 26, 2024 W 38–9 [53]

Attendance

[edit]
Year Head Coach Capacity Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 Game 8 Average % of Capacity
1987 Rich Brooks 41,097 31,573 SDSU 25-20 44,421 #16 UW 29-22 39,587 USC 34-27 37,500 CAL 20-6 43,157 OSU 44-0 39,248 95.50%
1988 Rich Brooks 41,698 29,238 LBSU 49-0 39,089 STAN 7-3 28,015 IDST 52-7 45,978 #17 UW 17-14 34,588 ASU 21-20 42,509 UCLA 16-6 36,570 87.70%
1989 Rich Brooks 41,698 35,854 CAL 30-7 39,631 UA 16-10 44,963 WSU 51-38 31,381 LBSU 52-10 46,087 OSU 30-21 39,583 94.93%
1990 Rich Brooks 41,698 35,118 SDSU 42-21 29,637 ID 55-23 45,022 #4 BYU 32-16 32,554 USU 52-7 35,685 ASU 22-7 37,559 STAN 31-0 45,905 UCLA 28-24 37,354 89.58%
1991 Rich Brooks 41,698 42,995 WSU 40-14 45,948 USC 30-14 34,536 NMSU 29-6 41,949 STAN 33-13 42,141 OSU 14-3 41,514 99.59%
1992 Rich Brooks 41,698 32,560 HAW 24-21 28,361 TTU 16-13 29,287 UNLV 59-6 30,121 ASU30-20 47,612 UW 24-3 34,651 CAL 37-17 33,771 UCLA 9-6 33,766 80.98%
1993 Rich Brooks 41,698 28,361 MONT 35-30 40,935 USC 24-13 35,846 WSU 46-23 31,214 STAN 38-34 42,267 OSU 15-12 35,725 85.68%
1994 Rich Brooks 41,698 30,505 PSU 58-16 25,358 UTAH 34-16 29,287 IOWA 40-18 30,678 CAL 23-7 44,134 #9 UW 31-20 36,968 #11 UA 10-9 41,693 ASU 34-10 34,088 81.75%
1995 Mike Bellotti 41,698 44,201 ILL 34-31 45,237 STAN 28-21 38,736 PAC 45-7 46,109 WSU 26-7 44,772 ASU 35-24 46,114 OSU 12-10 44,195 105.99%
1996 Mike Bellotti 41,698 39,312 FSU 30-27 OT 41,606 NEV 44-30 39,605 COL.ST 35-28 45,779 UCLA 41-22 46,226 UW 33-14 40,721 UA 49-31 37,833 CAL 40-23 41,583 99.72%
1997 Mike Bellotti 41,698 38,035 UA 16-9 38,288 FSU 43-40 43,516 WSU 24-13 42,314 UCLA 39-31 39,389 UTAH 31-13 45,735 OSU 48-30 41,213 98.84%
1998 Mike Bellotti 41,698 43,634 #23 MICH.ST 48-14 41,868 SJSU 58-3 43,948 STAN 63-28 45,807 USC 17-13 46,031 UW 27-22 43,723 ASU 51-19 44,169 105.93%
1999 Mike Bellotti 41,698 40,938 UTEP 47-28 41,374 NEV 72-10 45,660 #16 USC 33-30 3OT 45,445 ASU 20-17 44,090 WSU 52-10 46,115 OSU 25-14 43,937 105.37%
2000 Mike Bellotti 41,698 43,371 NEV 36-7 43,770 ID 42-13 45,470 #6 UCLA3 29-10 46,153 #6 UW 23-16 45,950 UA 14-10 45,845 CAL 25-17 45,093 108.14%
2001 Mike Bellotti 41,698 45,919 #22 WIS 31-28 45,712 UTAH 24-10 45,765 USC 24-22 45,258 UA 63-28 46,021 STAN 49-42 46,064 ASU 24-17 46,075 OSU 17-14 45,830 109.91%
2002 Mike Bellotti 54,000 56,386 MISS.ST 36-13 56,357 FSU 28-24 55,187 ID 58-21 56,066 PSU 41-0 56,432 ASU 45-42 56,754 USC 44-33 56,436 STAN 41-14 57,112 UW 42-14 56,341 104.34%
2003 Mike Bellotti 54,000 56,471 NEV 31-23 59,023 #3 MICH 31-27 57,473 WSU 55-16 57,627 STAN 35-0 57,511 CAL 21-17 58,102 OSU 34-20 57,701 106.85%
2004 Mike Bellotti 54,000 57,550 IU 30-24 57,912 ID 48-10 58,208 ASU 28-13 58,237 UA 28-14 58,101 UW 31-6 58,344 UCLA 34-26 58,058 107.51%
2005 Mike Bellotti 54,000 58,169 MONT 47-14 58,201 #23 FSU 37-34 59,129 USC 45-13 58,269 UW 45-21 58,309 #23 CAL 27-20 OT 58,525 OSU 56-14 58,433 108.21%
2006 Mike Bellotti 54,000 58,450 STAN 48-10 59,269 #11 OU 34-33 58,618 UCLA 30-20 57,493 PSU 55-12 58,408 UW 34-14 58,029 UA 37-10 58,377 108.11%
2007 Mike Bellotti 54,000 57,662 HOU 48–27 58,525 FSU 52–21 59,273 #6 CAL3 24–31 58,749 WSU 53–7 59,277 #9 USC 24–17 59,379 #6 ASU3 35–23 59,050 OSU 31–382OT 58,845 108.97%
2008 Mike Bellotti 54,000 58,778 UW 44–10 58,060 USU 66–24 58,713 BSU 32–37 58,728 UCLA 31–24 58,013 STAN 35–28 58,369 UA 55–45 58,443 108.23%
2009 Chip Kelly 54,000 57,772 PUR 38–36 58,017 #18 UTAH 31–24 58,975 #6 CAL 42–3 57,378 WSU 52–6 59,592 #4 USC3 47–20 58,475 ASU 44–21 59,5971 #13 OSU 37–33 58,543 108.41%
2010 Chip Kelly 54,000 59,104 UNM 72–0 58,086 PSU 69–0 59,818 #9 STAN3 52–31 59,3721 UCLA 60–13 60,017 UW 53–16 59,9902 #21 UA 48–29 59,397 110.00%
2011 Chip Kelly 54,000 58,818 NEV 69–20 58,874 MOSU 56–7 58,7961 CAL 43–15 60,055 #18 ASU3 41–27 59,126 WSU 43–28 59,933 USC 35–38 59,802 OSU 49–21 59,3762 UCLA 49–31 59,344 109.90%
2012 Chip Kelly 54,000 56,144 AKST 57–34 55,755 FSU 42–25 57,091 TNTC 63–14 58,334 #22 UA 49–0 58,792 #23 UW 52–21 57,521 COLO 70–14 58,792 #14 STAN3 14–17OT 57,490 106.46%
2013 Mark Helfrich 54,000 57,769 NICH 66–3 57,895 TENN 59–14 56,987 CAL 55–16 56,949 WSU 62–38 59,206 #12 UCLA3 42–14 56,481 UTAH 44–21 58,3302 OSU 36–35   57,659 106.78%
2014 Mark Helfrich 54,000 57,388 SDU 62–13 59,456 #7 MICH.ST3 46–27 56,533 WYO 48–14 56,0321 UA 24–31 57,858 UW 45–20 58,974 STAN 45–16 55,898 COLO 44–10   57,488 106.46%
2015 Mark Helfrich 54,000 58,128 EWU 62–42 56,859 GSU 61–28 56,533 #18 UTAH 20–62 57,775 WSU 38–452OT 56,604 CAL 44–28 59,094 #22 USC 48–28 57,814 OSU 52–42   57,324 106.16%
2016 Mark Helfrich 54,000 53,817 UCD 53–28 53,774 UVA 44–26 53,974 COLO 41–38 58,842 #5 UW 70–21 53,898 ASU 54–35 53,757 STAN 52–27 54,677 101.25%
2017 Willie Taggart 54,000 52,204 SUU 77–21 58,389 NEB 42-35 55,707 CAL 45-24 56,653 #11 WSU 33-10 56,154 UTAH 41-20 51,799 UA 48-28 57,475 OSU 69-10 55,483 102.75%
2018 Mario Cristobal 54,000 50,112 BG 58-24 47,210 PSU 62-14 50,049 SJSU 35-22 58,453 #7 STAN3 38-31OT 58,691 #7 UW 30-27OT 56,114 UCLA 42-21 50,485 ASU 31-29 53,016 98.8%
2019 Mario Cristobal 54,000 50,920 NEV 77-6 49,098 MONT 35-3 54,766 CAL 17-7 50,529 COLO 45-3 59,361 WSU 37-35 54,219 UA 34-6 56,243 OSU 24-10 53,591 99.2%
2020 Mario Cristobal 54,000 0 STAN 35-14 0 UCLA 38-35 N/A N/A
2021 Mario Cristobal 54,000 43,276 FSU 31-24 42,782 SBU 48-7 50,024 UA 41-19 50,008 CAL 24-7 51,449 COLO 52-29 52,327 WSU 38-24 56,408 OSU 38-29 49,468 91.6%
2022 Dan Lanning 54,000 47,289 EWU 70-14 54,463 #12 BYU 41-20 52,218 STAN 45-27 59,962 3#9 UCLA 45-30 58,756 #25 UW 37-34 57,009 #10 UTAH 20-17 54,950 101.76%
2023 Dan Lanning 54,000 45,723 PSU 81-7 52,779 HAW 55-10 59,889 #19 COL 42-6 58,886 WSU 38-24 54,046 CAL 63-19 59,957 USC 36-27 59,987 #16 OSU 31-7 55,895 103.51%
2024 Dan Lanning 54,000 57,435 ID 24-14 58,134 BSU 37-34 59,802 MICH.ST 31-10 60,1293 #2OHIO.ST 32-31 59,830 #20 ILL 39-8 59,245 MD 39-18 59,603 UW 49-21 59,906 109.4%
2025 Dan Lanning 54,000 57,257 MSU 59-13 57,266 Ok.St 69-3 58,571 OSU 41-7 59,625 #7IU 30-20 58,940 WIS 21-7 58,830 MINN 42-13 59,588 #15USC 42-27 55,1244 #24JMU 51-34 58,150 107.7%

Sellout. Conference Championship Game. Attendance Record. 1 – Thursday Night Game. 2 – Friday Night Game. 3 – ESPN's College GameDay. 4 – CFP Home Game.

Location and configuration

[edit]
Autzen Stadium as seen from the summit of Spencer Butte

The stadium is located just north of the Willamette River, next to Alton Baker Park. Students typically walk to the stadium from the University of Oregon campus over the Autzen Footbridge, which passes over the Willamette, then through Alton Baker Park. The FieldTurf playing field is at an elevation of 420 feet (130 m) above sea level and is laid out in a non-traditional east-west orientation, slightly skewed so that players will not have the sun shining in their eyes in late fall.

Crowd noise

[edit]

Autzen is known for its crowd noise. Due to the stadium's relatively small footprint, the fans are very close to the action, and the field is sunken. These factors contribute to the loudness of the stadium even though it is smaller than other 'noise comparable' stadiums.[54] According to many in the Pac-12, from Oregon's resurgence in the mid-1990s until the most recent expansion in 2002, Autzen was even louder because the noise reverberated all the way up the stadium and bounced back down to the field—the so-called "Autzen bounce." Oregon officials say that any future expansions will trap more noise.[55]

On October 27, 2007, during a 24–17 victory against the USC Trojans, a then-record crowd of 59,277 fans was recorded at 127.2 decibels. A similarly loud 31–27 upset of third-ranked Michigan in 2003 prompted Michigan Daily columnist J. Brady McCollough to write[56]

Autzen's 59,000 strong make the Big House collectively sound like a pathetic whimper. It's louder than any place I've ever been, and that includes The Swamp at Florida, The Shoe in Columbus, and Death Valley at Louisiana State. Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr later said that Autzen Stadium was the loudest stadium he'd ever been in.[57]

A view of the field during the 2007 USC game. The new press box on the south side, built in 2002, is visible to the left

In 2006, a Sporting News columnist named Autzen the most intimidating college football stadium in the nation.[58]

Lee Corso of ESPN College Gameday frequently says, "Per person Autzen Stadium is the loudest stadium that I have ever been in my entire life!"[59]

Longtime ABC sportscaster Keith Jackson called Autzen "Per square yard, the loudest stadium in the history of the planet."[55]

Jahvid Best, a former starting running back for the Detroit Lions, visited Autzen while playing for the California Golden Bears in 2007. He later said, "The biggest thing I remember about that game is the crowd. The crowd noise is crazy up there. Honestly, any other away game I don't really even hear the crowd. Oregon was the only place where it really got on my nerves."[60]

Following the September 6, 2014 game against the Michigan State Spartans, Michigan sports reporter Mike Griffin of MLive.com accused Oregon of piping in artificial noise that contributed to the Ducks' victory over the Spartans.[61]

Traditions

[edit]

Since 1990, Don Essig, the stadium's PA announcer since 1968, has declared that "It never rains in Autzen Stadium" before each home game as the crowd chants along in unison.[62] He often prefaces it with the local weather forecast, which quite often includes some chance of showers, but reminds fans that "we know the real forecast..." or "let's tell our friends from (visiting team name) the real forecast..." If rain is actually falling before the game, Essig will often dismiss it as "a light drizzle", or "liquid sunshine" but not actual rain by Oregon standards.[63][64] Between the first and second quarter, the song "Coming Home" by Eugene native Mat Kearney is played.[63] Although Kearney did not attend the school, the song references the state and the music video was filmed in the stadium. Also, because of the use of Autzen Stadium and the University of Oregon campus in National Lampoon's Animal House, the toga party scene of the movie featuring the song "Shout" is played at the end of the third quarter, with the crowd dancing to the song.[63]

Prior to the football team taking the field, a highlight video of previous games is shown on the jumbotron, nicknamed "Duckvision". The last highlight on the clip is almost always Kenny Wheaton's game-clinching 97-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies in 1994. "The Pick" is often seen as the turning point for Oregon football, which went on to the Rose Bowl that year and have enjoyed success for the most part ever since after years of losing records.

After the video, the team takes the field behind a motorcycle with the Oregon Duck riding on back to the strains of Mighty Oregon. This is followed by the north side of the stadium chanting "GO" with the south side chanting "DUCKS!".

After every Duck score and win, a train horn blares. In addition, the Oregon Duck mascot does as many pushups as Oregon has points at that time.

ESPN College Gameday

[edit]

ESPN's College GameDay program came to Eugene for games played in Autzen Stadium six straight years, from 2009 through 2014, the most of any other school during that period. Overall, GameDay has made thirteen visits to Oregon, most recently in 2025 against the Indiana Hoosiers, and the Ducks have been a part of 34 GameDay broadcasts, either at Autzen or as a visiting team. Oregon has the tenth most appearances, posting a 19–12 (.613) record.[65]

Other uses

[edit]

Autzen Stadium is the largest sports arena in the state of Oregon. In 1970, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 23-7 in an exhibition game at Autzen Stadium in front of a crowd of 26,238.[66]

State high school football championship games were played at Autzen Stadium until 2006. It also hosts football camps, coaches' clinics, marching band competitions, and musical concerts.

Nitro Circus Live was held at the stadium in 2016 and 2018.

Concerts

[edit]

The Grateful Dead used the stadium as a tour stop ten times between 1978 and 1994,[67][68] including a 1987 show with Bob Dylan during which a portion of their collaborative live album entitled Dylan & the Dead was recorded.

Date Artist Opening act(s) Tour / Concert name Attendance Revenue Notes
August 8, 1970 Chambers Brothers American Frog, Buddy Miles, Notary Sojac, Ouroborus 4,500[69] Benefit for YMCA
June 4, 1971 Doobie Brothers Mother Earth, Ouroborus Benefit for YMCA[70]
June 25, 1978 Grateful Dead, Santana Eddie Money, The Outlaws Oregon Music Harvest No. 1 48,713 $512,236[71]
July 3, 1981 Blue Öyster Cult Heart, Loverboy, Pat Travers, The Heat Oregon Jam 1981[72] 35,000[73]
July 25, 1982 Foreigner Blue Öyster Cult, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Loverboy, Taxxi Oregon Jam 1982 39,939[74]
July 16, 1983 Loverboy Triumph, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Night Ranger, Quiet Riot Oregon Jam 1983
August 21, 1983 Journey Sammy Hagar, Bryan Adams, Sequel Frontiers Tour[75] 24,978[76]
July 19, 1987 Grateful Dead & Bob Dylan Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead 1987 Tour
August 28, 1988 Grateful Dead Jimmy Cliff & Robert Cray[77] 30,000[78]
June 22, 23 1990 Grateful Dead Little Feat[79] 36,000[80]
August 21, 22, 1993 Grateful Dead Indigo Girls Grateful Dead Summer Tour 1993[81] 43,000[82]
June 17,18, 19, 1994 Grateful Dead Cracker Grateful Dead Summer Tour 1994[83]
May 6, 1997 U2 Rage Against the Machine PopMart Tour 25,931 / 35,000 $1,293,540 [84]
June 30, 2018 Dead & Company Dead & Company Summer Tour 2018 36,436 / 36,436[85] $1,921,089
June 29, 2019 Garth Brooks Brooke Eden The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour[86] 60,000 / 60,000

In Film

[edit]

It was also used as the location for the fictional Faber College football stadium in the 1978 movie, National Lampoon's Animal House. There is a well-known geographical error made during a scene set inside the stadium when Pacific-10 conference banners can clearly be seen in the background, even though the fictional Faber College is supposed to be located in Tennessee as shown by the state flag in the hearing room for the Delta House probation case.

Soccer

[edit]

On July 24, 2016, Autzen Stadium hosted a 2016 International Champions Cup match between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, which was won by Paris Saint-Germain by a score of 3-1.

Date Winning Team Result Losing Team Tournament Spectators
July 24, 2016 France Paris Saint-Germain 3–1 Italy Inter Milan 2016 International Champions Cup 24,147

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Autzen Stadium

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Autzen Stadium is an outdoor college football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States, serving as the home venue for the University of Oregon Ducks football team of the Big Ten Conference. With a seating capacity of 54,000, attendance frequently exceeds this figure with standing room, including a record 60,129 set in 2024; it is the largest outdoor sports arena in the state and renowned for its intense atmosphere, often described as one of the loudest in college football due to its bowl-shaped design that amplifies crowd noise.[1][2] The stadium opened on September 23, 1967, replacing the on-campus Hayward Field as the Ducks' primary football facility.[3] Located at 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, approximately 0.25 miles north of the University of Oregon's main campus across the Willamette River, the 89-acre site was selected for its proximity to Alton Baker Park and accessibility via a pedestrian footbridge.[3][4] Constructed for $2.5 million under the direction of athletic director Leo Harris, the stadium was named in honor of Thomas J. Autzen, a Portland lumberman, sportsman, and philanthropist whose family foundation provided significant funding.[3] The original design featured an earthen bowl structure built above grade on a bed of river rock to avoid costly excavation, incorporating broad ramps, grass plantings, and facilities including a press box, concession areas, and team spaces.[4] The playing surface has evolved from natural grass to various artificial turfs, currently FieldTurf installed in 2002.[3][1] A major $90 million renovation in 2002 expanded capacity from 41,000 to 54,000 seats, added 32 luxury suites, the OCCU Club, improved restrooms and concessions, and enhanced accessibility features.[3] Earlier upgrades included a $2.3 million sky suite complex in 1988 and a $4 million MegaVision scoreboard in 1998.[3] Beyond Ducks games, it has hosted concerts, high school championships, and appeared in films like National Lampoon's Animal House (1978).[3] Recent developments include adjacent construction of a 140,000-square-foot indoor practice facility, set for completion in 2027, to support the program's growth in the Big Ten.[5][6]

Overview and Location

Site and Surroundings

Autzen Stadium is located at coordinates 44°3′30″N 123°4′7″W, positioned along the north bank of the Willamette River on the outskirts of the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon.[7] The 90-acre site lies north of the main campus, connected by a scenic pedestrian footbridge that spans the river.[3] The stadium's surroundings integrate seamlessly with the natural environment, including immediate proximity to Alton Baker Park, which encompasses over 400 acres of forests, fields, and trails along the river.[3] This adjacency provides visitors with river views and access to extensive bike paths and pedestrian routes that link the park to the stadium and broader Eugene trail network.[8] Public transit integration includes service from the Lane Transit District (LTD), with routes like the EmX line and game-day shuttles delivering fans directly to the area from park-and-ride locations across the city.[9] In the mid-1960s, the site was selected following the 1959 purchase of over 560 acres north of the Willamette River for recreational development, prioritizing flat terrain suitable for construction and close proximity to the university.[10] Architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill evaluated expanding existing facilities like Hayward Field but opted for this location to avoid urban density, enhance transportation access, and support economic feasibility for the new build.[10] Accessibility is supported by on-site parking lots accommodating several thousand vehicles, though most spaces require advance reservation, with day-of availability limited to ADA-designated spots at Entry 5 for $40 each.[11] Shuttle services operate from campus areas such as Brooks Field and off-site park-and-ride lots, including ADA-compliant options that run 90 minutes before kickoff.[3] The facility features comprehensive ADA compliance, including accessible parking, seating sections with companion spaces, elevators at the South Gate, ramps, and courtesy trams for mobility assistance.[3]

Design and Capacity

Autzen Stadium features a distinctive bowl-shaped design originally conceived by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1967, utilizing a steel framework integrated with precast concrete elements to form a cohesive structure that harmonizes with the surrounding river rock terrain.[4][10] The stadium's field is sunken within an artificial crater below ground level, enhancing proximity between spectators and the playing surface while minimizing the need for extensive ramps.[10] The seating arrangement consists of three tiers—lower, middle (club), and upper bowls—accommodating 54,000 permanent seats, with options for temporary seating and standing room only that can expand capacity beyond 60,000.[3] Steep seating angles throughout the bowls bring fans close to the field, fostering an intimate viewing experience without an overhanging upper deck that could obstruct sightlines. The facility includes 32 luxury suites distributed across the north and south sides, equipped with private amenities to cater to premium guests.[3][12] The playing field measures the standard NCAA dimensions of 120 yards by 53.3 yards and is oriented in an east-west direction, with end zones prominently displaying University of Oregon branding to reinforce institutional identity.[3] This layout, combined with the sunken design, contributes to the stadium's renowned acoustic properties, amplifying crowd noise during games.[13]

History

Construction and Early Years

The planning for Autzen Stadium began in the mid-1950s under University of Oregon Athletic Director Leo A. Harris, who sought to replace the aging Hayward Field with a dedicated football venue to accommodate growing attendance for Ducks games.[3] The stadium was named in honor of Portland lumberman, sportsman, and philanthropist Thomas J. Autzen, an Oregon State University graduate whose family foundation provided a pivotal $250,000 donation toward construction in the mid-1960s, marking the largest single gift to the project at the time.[14] Funding for the stadium came from a combination of University of Oregon athletic department surpluses, private donations including the Autzen contribution, and sponsor pledges, avoiding reliance on general state taxpayer support.[3] Construction commenced in 1966 on a 90-acre site north of the University of Oregon campus, across the Willamette River from the main academic area, utilizing an innovative design that incorporated an artificial embankment to minimize excavation costs and blend with the surrounding natural terrain.[15] The project was completed in approximately nine months at a total cost of $2.5 million, reflecting efficient planning and the use of prefabricated elements to expedite building.[15] Autzen Stadium opened on September 23, 1967, hosting its inaugural game as the Oregon Ducks faced the Colorado Buffaloes, with Colorado securing a 17-13 victory before an attendance of about 27,500 spectators.[3] The venue's initial seating capacity stood at 41,000, providing a significant upgrade from Hayward Field's limitations and immediately serving as the primary home for University of Oregon football.[3] In its early years through the 1970s, the stadium featured a natural grass playing surface and hosted key matchups, including the 1969 Civil War rivalry game against Oregon State on November 22, where the Beavers won 10-7 in the first such contest at Autzen following the installation of artificial turf that season.[3][16]

Playing Surface Evolution

Autzen Stadium opened in 1967 with a natural grass playing surface, which proved challenging to maintain due to the heavy rainfall and damp conditions typical of the Pacific Northwest, leading to frequent wear and tear during the football season.[15] This initial grass field was used for the 1967 and 1968 seasons before being replaced ahead of the 1969 campaign with the stadium's first artificial turf installation, an AstroTurf surface designed to provide greater durability and consistent playability in the region's wet climate.[3] The artificial turf was replaced in 1976 with another AstroTurf surface to address ongoing maintenance issues, followed by the installation of OmniTurf—a newer synthetic surface—in 1984.[3] This OmniTurf was upgraded again prior to the 1991 season, extending its use through the 2000 campaign amid the Ducks' rising competitive profile. In 2001, the field shifted to NexTurf as part of broader stadium enhancements, but performance shortcomings prompted a swift replacement with FieldTurf in 2002, one of the earliest such installations in NCAA Division I football, costing approximately $800,000 to $900,000 and emphasizing polyethylene and polypropylene fibers for enhanced longevity and lower maintenance demands.[3][17] Subsequent FieldTurf replacements occurred in 2010, when the surface was flattened by removing the previous crown for better drainage and uniformity, and in 2019, introducing a state-of-the-art system touted as one of the safest available, compliant with FIFA standards and featuring advanced infill materials to minimize injury risk while supporting high-speed play.[18][19] These upgrades have sustained the field's resilience against Eugene's variable weather, allowing Oregon's fast-paced, agility-focused offense to thrive on consistent footing.[19]

Renovations and Upgrades

Major Expansions

A more extensive project occurred from 2001 to 2002, featuring the addition of 12,000 seats to the south sideline and introduction of club seating options, with the total effort costing $90 million and raising capacity to 54,000.[3][15] During the 2001-2002 project, the playing surface was also updated to a new turf system.[3]

Recent Improvements

In recent years, Autzen Stadium has seen targeted upgrades focused on enhancing visual and technological experiences for fans. Prior to the 2020 season, the east end zone underwent a major renovation with the installation of a massive 186-foot by 66-foot video screen, establishing it as the largest video board in college football at the time and providing high-resolution replays and graphics to improve game-day viewing.[20] Building on this, in March 2025, the University of Oregon announced plans for an even larger video board and upgraded sound system, positioned to become the new benchmark for college football venues and further amplifying the stadium's immersive atmosphere.[21] Technological advancements have also prioritized connectivity amid growing fan reliance on mobile devices. In 2022, the stadium implemented a comprehensive in-building wireless system upgrade, designed to boost mobile coverage, call reliability, and data speeds across all seating areas, addressing previous limitations in network access during high-attendance events.[22] This enhancement supports seamless app usage for tickets, concessions, and real-time updates, marking a shift toward modern digital fan engagement. Sustainability initiatives at Autzen have emphasized waste reduction and environmental stewardship without major structural overhauls. Since 2020, the University of Oregon Athletics has maintained an annual Green Game, where all trash from the stands is sorted for recyclables, and a partnership with Sanipac diverts compostable waste from Autzen Stadium, contributing to broader campus goals of reducing landfill contributions by promoting reusable materials and eco-friendly concessions.[23] These efforts align with the university's commitment to carbon neutrality, though specific metrics like energy generation from renewables remain tied to adjacent facilities rather than the stadium core. Fan amenities received incremental boosts in 2023, particularly in premium areas, with renovations to the 400-seat Charter Box on the north side introducing ergonomic seating, expanded concession options, and dedicated restrooms to elevate comfort for club-level patrons.[24] Accessibility improvements have been integrated into ongoing planning, including widened concourses from prior expansions that facilitate better movement for all guests, and community-adjacent projects like the 2025 Hatfield-Dowlin Complex expansion, which enhances parking and pathway accessibility near the stadium.[25] As of October 2025, the University of Oregon is planning renovations and potential expansion of the north side seating, including upgrades to suites and concessions, though no timeline has been set.[26] These changes collectively aim to preserve Autzen's renowned energy while adapting to contemporary expectations for inclusivity and convenience.

Records and Performance

Football Records

Autzen Stadium has been the site of numerous notable football achievements for the University of Oregon Ducks, particularly in high-scoring offensive performances and extended winning streaks. The venue's design amplifies the home-field advantage, contributing to defensive feats like shutouts and strong rushing outputs during key games.[27] The single-game attendance record at Autzen Stadium stands at 60,129, set during the Ducks' 32-31 victory over Ohio State on October 12, 2024, surpassing the previous mark of 60,055 from a 41-27 win against Arizona State on October 15, 2011.[28] Oregon's highest-scoring game at the stadium occurred on September 2, 2023, when the Ducks defeated Portland State 81-7, establishing a modern-era program record for points in a single contest.[29] This offensive explosion included 348 rushing yards and 381 passing yards, highlighting the Ducks' balanced attack under head coach Dan Lanning. Prior to that, the mark was 77 points in a 77-21 win over Southern Utah on September 2, 2017.[27] The Ducks' longest home winning streaks at Autzen are 23 consecutive games, achieved from 1997 to 2001 and again from 2018 to 2022.[30][31] Another notable streak spanned 21 consecutive games from November 1, 2008, to October 15, 2011, spanning the tenures of head coaches Mike Bellotti and Chip Kelly, before it was snapped by a 38-35 loss to USC.[32] More recently, the Ducks had an 18-game home winning streak from 2023 to October 11, 2025, which was the longest active in FBS before being snapped by a 30-20 loss to Indiana.[33] These runs included undefeated seasons in 2009 and 2010, underscoring Oregon's dominance during the early spread offense era.[27] Defensive highlights include multiple shutouts, with Oregon securing 11 such victories at the stadium. A standout example is the 69-0 shutout of Portland State on September 18, 2010, where the Ducks' defense held the Vikings to just 102 total yards while the offense racked up 528 rushing yards—a single-game record at Autzen.[34] Another notable shutout came on September 22, 2012, in a 49-0 win over Arizona, limiting the Wildcats to six red-zone trips without a score.[35] In terms of rushing prowess, the 528 yards against Portland State in 2010 remains the benchmark, powered by contributions from LaMichael James (141 yards) and Kenjon Barner (110 yards), reflecting Oregon's signature fast-paced ground game.[27] The Ducks have exhibited strong home dominance in the Civil War rivalry against Oregon State, holding a 20-7-1 record at Autzen since the stadium's 1967 opening (as of November 2025).[27][36] This includes a 69-10 victory on November 25, 2017—the highest-scoring Civil War game at the venue—and shutouts like 41-0 in 1987 and 42-7 in 1983.
Record CategoryDetailsDate/Opponent
Highest Attendance60,129Oct. 12, 2024 vs. Ohio State[28]
Most Points Scored81Sept. 2, 2023 vs. Portland State[29]
Longest Winning Streak23 games1997-2001 and 2018-2022[30]
Notable Shutout69-0Sept. 18, 2010 vs. Portland State[34]
Most Rushing Yards528Sept. 18, 2010 vs. Portland State[27]
Civil War Home Record20-7-1Since 1967 vs. Oregon State (as of Nov. 2025)[36]
The intense crowd noise at Autzen has often disrupted opposing offenses, contributing to these records by forcing errors and false starts.[27]

Attendance Milestones

Autzen Stadium opened in 1967 with an initial seating capacity of 41,000, which was expanded to 54,000 following major renovations completed in 2002.[15][3] This increase accommodated growing fan interest, leading to consistent sellouts beginning in the late 1990s, with Oregon achieving over 100 consecutive sellouts dating back to the 1999 season and average attendance routinely exceeding official capacity by 95% or more in subsequent years.[30][22] Attendance records at the stadium have progressed steadily, reflecting heightened program success and larger crowds enabled by expansions. The previous mark of 60,017 was set on November 6, 2010, during a 53-16 victory over Washington, surpassing prior highs and marking the Ducks' 73rd straight sellout.[37] This was briefly topped by 60,055 fans on October 15, 2011, in a 41-27 win against Arizona State.[38] The current record of 60,129 was established on October 12, 2024, in a 32-31 triumph over Ohio State, exceeding the stadium's listed capacity through standing-room additions and underscoring the draw of high-stakes Big Ten matchups.[39][40] Several factors contribute to Autzen's sustained high turnout, including its location just north of the University of Oregon campus, which facilitates easy access for students and locals, and a dedicated student section in the south end zone accommodating approximately 8,000 fans. The Ducks' 2024 transition to the Big Ten Conference has further amplified attendance by introducing intense new rivalries, such as those with Ohio State and Michigan, drawing national attention and larger traveling crowds.[41][42] Seasonal patterns show peaks during rivalry contests, where crowds often approach or exceed 60,000, as seen in historical matchups against Washington and USC.[43] Following limited or absent crowds in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance rebounded sharply, returning to pre-pandemic averages of around 56,000-58,000 per game by 2022 and maintaining near-100% capacity utilization through 2025.[44][45] For instance, the 2025 home opener against Montana State drew 57,257 fans, the October 11 game versus Indiana attracted 59,625, and the October 25 game versus Wisconsin drew 58,940, signaling continued recovery and enthusiasm.[46][47]

Atmosphere and Culture

Crowd Noise Phenomenon

Autzen Stadium's exceptional crowd noise is largely attributable to its architectural design, which traps and amplifies sound waves effectively. The field is sunken below ground level, creating a natural bowl that funnels noise downward toward the playing surface while the surrounding walls reflect it back upward, forming an echo chamber effect.[48] This configuration, combined with steep seating risers that bring spectators an average of about 50 feet from the field—closer than in many larger venues—intensifies the auditory pressure on players below.[13] The absence of a roof further prevents sound muffling or dissipation, allowing the open-air structure to sustain reverberations without external interference.[49] Measured noise levels at Autzen have established it as one of the loudest venues in college football, with a peak of 127 decibels recorded during a 2007 game against USC.[50] This intensity exceeds the threshold of a rock concert or chainsaw operation, equivalent to the roar of a jet engine at takeoff from 100 feet away.[2] More recent games, such as the 2024 matchup against Ohio State, have been notably loud, underscoring the stadium's ongoing acoustic potency despite its capacity of only 54,000.[51] Acoustic analyses highlight how Autzen's compact, curved bowl shape—often described as potato chip-like—promotes sound reflection and minimal escape, with concrete and steel surfaces bouncing noise repeatedly within the enclosed space.[13] Comparative assessments, including those from sports analytics outlets, indicate that Autzen generates more noise per capita than larger peers like Penn State's Beaver Stadium; this disparity arises from Autzen's superior sound containment rather than sheer volume of attendees.[52] University-affiliated reporting has corroborated these effects through on-site measurements, attributing the stadium's acoustic advantages to the bowl's geometry and proximity design.[49] The amplified noise profoundly disrupts visiting teams, often leading to procedural penalties and on-field disorientation. For instance, during the 2009 game against USC, the Trojans committed six false-start penalties, directly linked by post-game accounts to the overwhelming auditory interference that drowned out snap counts and communications.[53] Opposing players and coaches have frequently testified to the psychological and physical toll, describing sensations of vertigo and communication breakdowns; Big Ten newcomers like Ohio State players in 2024 noted the noise as a "base drum effect" that rattled offensive lines into multiple false starts early in drives.[54] These impacts are exacerbated by fan traditions that synchronize cheers to maximize peaks, further weaponizing the stadium's inherent acoustics.[2]

Traditions and Fan Experience

Autzen Stadium's traditions and fan experience revolve around a vibrant, community-driven culture that amplifies the energy of University of Oregon Ducks football games. Fans begin the day with extensive tailgating in adjacent Alton Baker Park, where supporters set up grills, tents, and games hours before kickoff, creating a lively pre-game atmosphere that spills over into the stadium. This ritual fosters camaraderie among alumni, students, and locals, often featuring green-and-yellow decorations and Duck-themed merchandise.[55] Central to the game-day vibe is the west-side student section, where thousands of undergraduates stand throughout the contest, leading chants and cheers to rally the team. Students arrive as early as six hours before kickoff to claim spots in sections 7 and 8, contributing to coordinated displays of enthusiasm that include waving flags and synchronized shouting. The Oregon Marching Band enhances this fervor with performances on the field and in the stands, particularly during the playing of the university's fight song, "Mighty Oregon," composed in 1916 and belted out by fans after touchdowns and big plays.[56][57][58] Iconic rituals punctuate the action inside the stadium, starting with the pre-kickoff entrance of the mascot, The Duck, who zooms onto the field atop a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, prompting a thunderous ovation from the capacity crowd. The mascot's playful antics, such as dances with cheerleaders and surprise interactions with players, provide lighthearted entertainment and have gone viral on numerous occasions. Midway through the game, the band leads the "Mighty Oregon" chorus with added flair, including pyrotechnic elements during key moments. At the close of the third quarter, the entire stadium participates in the "Shout" tradition, dancing to the Isley Brothers' song as covered in the film Animal House, a ritual that unites fans and boosts momentum heading into the fourth quarter. These elements, including the chants, contribute to Autzen's legendary noise levels.[55][59][60][61] The evolution of these traditions gained momentum in the 1990s amid the Ducks' rising success, amplified by substantial investments from alumnus and Nike co-founder Phil Knight. His donations, exceeding $100 million for athletic facilities including Autzen expansions, enabled larger crowds and modern amenities that intensified the sensory experience, from enhanced audio systems for band performances to improved sightlines for student sections. By the early 2000s, these upgrades had solidified Autzen's reputation as a premier college football venue. With Oregon's transition to the Big Ten Conference in 2024, game-day rituals continue to adapt, incorporating elements like heightened pre-game pageantry to welcome new conference rivals while preserving core Duck customs.[62][63]

ESPN College GameDay Appearances

ESPN's College GameDay made its first visit to Eugene, Oregon, for a broadcast outside Autzen Stadium on September 23, 2000, ahead of the Ducks' matchup against No. 6 UCLA. The event drew significant early fan turnout, with thousands gathering despite the early morning hour, contributing to an electric pre-game atmosphere that set the tone for Oregon's 29-10 victory. This appearance marked the beginning of a strong relationship between the show and the venue, highlighting Autzen's passionate fanbase to a national audience.[64] As of November 2025, College GameDay has broadcast from Eugene 13 times, with the most recent occurrence on October 11, 2025, prior to Oregon's home game against Indiana at Autzen Stadium, and a 14th scheduled for November 22, 2025, ahead of the USC matchup.[65] These visits have consistently showcased the stadium's unique energy, often in high-stakes Big Ten or former Pac-12 contests following conference realignment. The show's presence has elevated Autzen's profile as one of college football's premier destinations for pre-game coverage.[66][67] Among the notable appearances, the October 31, 2009, broadcast before Oregon's 47-20 upset of No. 5 USC exemplified the venue's intimidating noise levels, with the crowd's roar amplifying the Ducks' dominant performance led by LaMichael James's 183 rushing yards. Another highlight came on November 17, 2012, versus No. 14 Stanford, where the show captured the tension of a close overtime loss (17-14) but praised the unrelenting fan support. The October 12, 2024, visit for the first top-five showdown at Autzen—No. 3 Oregon versus No. 2 Ohio State—drew record early crowds and featured intense analysis of the Ducks' 32-31 thriller win. These events underscored Autzen's role in marquee matchups, blending competitive drama with the stadium's acoustic prowess.[64][68] The impacts of these GameDay broadcasts have been substantial, routinely boosting game-day attendance by several thousand fans through heightened national exposure and pre-dawn gatherings on the University of Oregon campus. Fan-driven segments, such as creative parodies and the mascot Oregon Duck's high-energy antics, have become staples, entertaining the crew and viewers alike—evident in viral moments like the Duck's elaborate entrances during the 2024 and 2025 shows. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has repeatedly lauded Autzen's atmosphere as among the best in college football, citing the per-capita intensity and early-morning enthusiasm during his visits, which he described as "absolutely crazy" and his personal favorite GameDay experience. These elements have cemented Autzen's reputation for transformative crowd energy during national broadcasts.[69][70][71]

Other Uses

Concerts and Entertainment

Autzen Stadium has hosted a variety of major concerts since the late 1970s, leveraging its open-air design and central location to attract prominent rock, pop, and country acts, though non-sports events largely ceased after the 1990s until a resurgence in the late 2010s.[72] One of the earliest significant rock performances at the venue was the Grateful Dead's concert on June 25, 1978, featuring opening acts Santana, The Outlaws, and Eddie Money, which drew thousands of fans and established the stadium as a destination for large-scale music events in the Pacific Northwest.[73][74] This show was part of the band's broader tour and highlighted Autzen's potential for hosting multi-act festivals, with the Grateful Dead returning multiple times in subsequent years, including three nights in June 1994 supported by Cracker.[75] In 1997, U2 brought their elaborate PopMart Tour to Autzen on May 6, with Rage Against the Machine as the opener, attracting an estimated crowd of 26,000 to 35,000 in a production known for its massive lemon-shaped stage and video screen.[76][77] The event marked one of the stadium's largest international music bookings at the time and contributed to a temporary halt in concerts due to logistical concerns over turf damage and event setup.[76] Concerts resumed in 2018 with Dead & Company's performance on June 30, the first major show at Autzen in over two decades, featuring a setlist heavy on Grateful Dead classics and drawing a sold-out crowd that revived interest in the venue for live music.[78][79] The following year, country icon Garth Brooks headlined on June 29, 2019, setting a single-event attendance record of 60,000 paid tickets with opener Brooke Eden, during which Brooks incorporated an 800-person local choir for several songs.[80][81][82] To accommodate these events, organizers employ turf protection measures such as modular flooring panels to safeguard the artificial playing surface from heavy stage equipment and foot traffic, allowing configurations that typically seat 40,000 to 60,000 while minimizing damage to the field.[83][84] Stages are generally positioned at one end zone to optimize sightlines across the bowl-shaped venue, with adaptations briefly referenced in the stadium's design for flexible event hosting.[83]

Media and Film Appearances

Autzen Stadium has made notable appearances in film, primarily as a stand-in for fictional college venues due to its distinctive bowl-shaped design and campus location. In the 1978 comedy National Lampoon's Animal House, the stadium served as the football field for Faber College, featuring exterior shots during the film's climactic homecoming parade and game sequence.[3] This role highlighted the venue's early prominence in Eugene, Oregon, even though the production predated major expansions to the facility.[85] The stadium has also been a key location for television documentaries and features focused on college football culture. ESPN has frequently showcased Autzen in broadcasts emphasizing its intense atmosphere, including segments during College GameDay visits that capture pre-game energy near the venue.[86] University-produced series, such as the 2024 docuseries The Team Out West, incorporate footage from Autzen to illustrate team preparations and fan traditions at home games.[87] Commercials have prominently featured Autzen to evoke the Oregon Ducks' home-field advantage and vibrant fanbase. Nike's 2015 "Shout" advertisement, a tribute to the stadium's third-quarter tradition of fans singing along to the Isley Brothers' song, was filmed on-site and replicated scenes from Animal House, starring Oregon alumni like Ty Burrell.[88] The spot aired nationally and played at Ducks games, underscoring the venue's role in promotional media. Earlier Nike ads, such as a 2006 spot, referenced Autzen's deafening crowd noise to promote team apparel.[89] Following Oregon's 2024 entry into the Big Ten Conference, the league's "Traditions" commercial series included sequences shot at Autzen, highlighting the motorcycle entrance and "Shout" ritual to introduce the Ducks' fan experience to new audiences.[90] Production logistics for these media uses have typically avoided full stadium closures, allowing shoots during off-hours or integrating with existing events to minimize disruption. Autzen's unique acoustics and visuals have made it a preferred Pacific Northwest location for sports-themed productions without requiring extensive set builds.[91]

Non-Football Sports Events

Autzen Stadium has occasionally hosted soccer matches, leveraging its large capacity and central location to accommodate international club exhibitions. The most notable such event occurred on July 24, 2016, when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Inter Milan 3-1 in the opening U.S. match of the International Champions Cup preseason tournament.[92] The game drew 24,147 spectators, marking the stadium's first international soccer match and its first major non-football sporting event since 1997.[93] Goals were scored by Layvin Kurzawa and Serge Aurier (twice) for PSG, and Stevan Jovetic (from a penalty) for Inter Milan, with the match showcasing high-level European club play in a college football venue.[94][95] To facilitate soccer, the stadium underwent specific adaptations, including the temporary installation of natural grass sod over the existing artificial turf surface, a process that transformed the field for the event while protecting the underlying football turf.[96] Football goalposts were removed, and portable soccer goals were erected at each end, with additional temporary seating configurations to optimize sightlines for the rectangular pitch. These modifications highlighted the venue's versatility, allowing it to support multi-sport use without permanent alterations to its football-oriented design.[97] The event's success demonstrated Autzen's potential for hosting professional soccer, drawing fans from the Pacific Northwest and contributing to the region's growing soccer interest.[98] Autzen Stadium has a long history of hosting high school athletic events. It served as the site for the Oregon state high school football championships from 1975 to 2006, accommodating multiple classification games annually.[99] Since then, the venue has continued to support non-contact sports, including annual high school marching band festivals like the Festival of Bands and the Northwest Association of Performing Arts (NWAPA) Championship, drawing competitors from across the state.[100] While primarily known for American football, Autzen's use for soccer and high school events underscores its adaptability for other field-based athletic competitions, though such events remain infrequent compared to its core programming. The 2016 match and historical high school uses set precedents for non-football sports utilization, emphasizing the stadium's role in broader athletic hosting within Eugene.[93]

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  91. Paris Saint-Germain crushes Inter Milan at Autzen Stadium, 3-1
  92. Autzen turf will be replaced with grass for international soccer match
  93. Move over AstroTurf, grass returns to Autzen Stadium for ...
  94. Autzen Stadium to host storied European soccer clubs
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