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Reser Stadium is an outdoor athletic stadium on the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. The home of the Oregon State Beavers of the Pac-12 Conference, it opened in 1953 as Parker Stadium and was renamed in 1999.[9][10] At 12-13 stories and 135 ft (41 m) tall it is the tallest man-made structure in Corvallis and Benton County history and the tallest building between Eugene, Oregon, and the Salem metropolitan area.

Key Information

Renovations for a new southwest grandstand decreased the seating capacity to 35,548 starting with the 2023 season.[11] The FieldTurf playing field runs northwest to southeast, at an approximate elevation of 240 feet (73 m) above sea level,[12] with the press box above the grandstand on the southwest sideline.

History and use

[edit]

From 1910 to 1953, the Beavers played their home games at Bell Field (now the site of the Dixon Recreation Center), and also played as many as four games a year at Multnomah Stadium (now Providence Park) in Portland.[10] In 1948, Oregon State president August L. Strand, athletic director Spec Keene, and Portland businessman Charles T. Parker (1885–1977)[13] met to plan a replacement for Bell Field. Parker, a 1907 alumnus,[10] kicked off the stadium fundraising campaign in 1949 and made significant contributions of his own.[10][14] In 1952, construction of the stadium began; for Parker's efforts and contributions, the stadium was named in his honor.[15] The first game was played on Homecoming, November 14, 1953, and the Beavers defeated Washington State 7–0.[1][10] At the time, it seated 28,000.[16]

Architectural rendering of the proposed Parker Stadium, 1950

Parker was renovated in 1958, 1965, and 1967, reaching a capacity of approximately 40,500 seats, but the architect's full intent never came to fruition.[17] The roof over the main southwest grandstand was approved in 1988,[18][19] and with the completion of the original Valley Football Center behind the northwest end zone, capacity was reduced to 35,362 in 1990; the roof and new press box were completed in 1991.

The stadium was renamed in June 1999 to honor Al and Pat Reser, owners of Reser's Fine Foods.[9][10] The couple both graduated from Oregon State in 1960,[20] and are major donors to the university and Beavers athletics,[9][21] though Al died at the age of 74 in 2010.[22] The Parker name is still honored at Parker Plaza,[9] located between Reser and Gill Coliseum, the site of many pregame activities.

The stadium is located on the southwest corner of the Oregon State campus at the intersection of SW 26th Street and SW Western Boulevard in Corvallis. In addition to football, intramural and club sports also use the facility occasionally.

Reser Stadium alternates with Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon in hosting the annual rivalry game with the Ducks. Since 1954, the games in even-numbered years have been played in Corvallis, odd-numbered in Eugene.

Playing surface

[edit]

Through the 1968 season, the stadium's playing surface was natural grass. AstroTurf was installed in 1969,[23] and replaced in 1974 and 1977.[24][25] The brand was switched to All-Pro artificial turf in 1984,[26][27] which was in place for 15 seasons,[27] replaced in 1999 with AstroTurf 12/2000. Infilled FieldTurf debuted in 2005,[28] and was replaced prior to the 2012 season.[21]

Expansion and upgrades

[edit]

Through the 2004 season, the official capacity of the stadium stood at 35,362. In 2003 the Raising Reser campaign was initiated, which resulted in an increase of seating capacity to 43,300 for the 2005 season by way of constructing a new grandstand along the northeast sideline.[21][28] "Phase Two" of the Raising Reser project was completed between the 2006 and 2007 football seasons; it enclosed the horseshoe in the southeast end zone with continuous seating in the corners. This addition raised total seating capacity to 45,674 and included the 150-by-30-foot (46 m × 9 m) ProStar Digital VideoPlus Display screen.[21]

During the planned Phase Three, the upper level will extend through the southwest grandstand.

The north end zone is also home to the Valley Football Center, which houses a large weight room, offices and meeting facilities, reserved primarily for coaches and administrators within the football program. In December 2014, Victory Through Valley, an expansion to the stadium and Valley Football Center was announced as part of $42 million in upgrades. The renovations were scheduled to begin in Fall 2015 and were completed by the beginning of the 2016 football season. Victory Through Valley upgrades included a new auditorium, coaches offices, team room, locker room, rehab facilities, and hall of fame. The new additions and upgrades have helped with recruiting, competitiveness, and functionality.

On February 4, 2021, renovations for the outdated 16,956-seat southwest grandstand were revealed to the public.[29] Construction began on December 1, 2021, and will be completed in time for the 2023 football season. Although the renovation ultimately lowered Reser Stadium's total capacity to 35,548, the new grandstand is larger in size than its predecessor.[30]

Notable Features

[edit]

Large Oversized Chainsaw

[edit]

There is an oversized chainsaw standing in the Reser’s Terrace section. “For us, the chainsaw is an in-venue piece, that goes down well in front of a home crowd at Reser Stadium,” said Sara Elcano, senior associate athletic director of external operations.[31]

Retired Numbers

[edit]

Heisman Trophy winner Terry Baker's number "11" is currently the only retired number hanging on the Valley Football Center overlooking the Reser Terrace section in the north end zone.[32][33] And, although not a retired number Oregon State has "AL" displayed opposite Terry Baker's number "11" for long time donor/philanthropist/contributor Al Reser.

IronMan Statue

[edit]

A large statue in the southwest end zone corner of the stadium was placed in 2003 to commemorate the 1933 'Iron Men' Team.

On Oct. 21, 1933, using only 11 players the full 60 minutes, Oregon State College held two-time defending national champion and No. 1-ranked USC to a scoreless tie, thus ending the nation's longest winning streak at 25. It is believed this is the only time in NCAA history that a defending national champion and No. 1-ranked school was toppled from the ranks by a team using only 11 men the entire game.

The sculpture was donated by William "Bill" Tomsheck: The last surviving Ironman member and long-time Corvallis, OR resident.[34]

"Beaver Fans 1" Sculpture

[edit]

Visitors to Reser Stadium are welcomed with two very impressive and eye-catching bronze sculptures of real-life fans celebrating the Oregon State Beavers football team as they enter the east sideline entrance. They literally pop out of the brick towers they are mounted to and the scene is of a celebratory nature, with various people of yelling or smiling, men and women, most likely for a Beaver touchdown. "Beaver Fans 1" is the first of two commissioned pieces, this sculpture was constructed in 2006, by artist and Professor of Art, Emeritus Tom Morandi created as part of a competition he applied for and won for Oregon's One Percent for Art Program. One percent of the cost of new state buildings in Oregon is required to be used towards the purchase of art.[35]

Electric Field Sculpture

[edit]

Electric Field is a large metal football sculpture that is defined by linear metal and ornamented by lighted Xs and triangles that sits at an angle atop a brushed metal base in the plaza of Reser Stadium. Dennis Oppenheim completed the Sculpture in 2006, and described his piece, Electric Field, by "using the universally beautiful geometry of the football to contain the dynamic of the game by showing many different strategic movements experienced during a game. These field actions are represented by symbols of the players in the form of geometric shapes and lines of light which connect them."[36]

Attendance records

[edit]
The renovated East Side entrance
Rank Date Opponent Result Attendance
1 November 24, 2012 #5 Oregon L, 48–24 47,249[37]
2 October 6, 2012 Washington State W, 19–6 46,579[38]
3 December 4, 2010 #1 Oregon L, 37–20 46,469[39]
4 November 29, 2008 #19 Oregon L, 65–38 46,319[39]
5 November 3, 2012 Arizona State W, 36–26 45,979[40]
6 November 15, 2008 California W, 34–29 45,969[39]
7 October 20, 2012 Utah W, 21–7 45,796[41]
8 November 29, 2014 #2 Oregon L, 47–19 45,722
9 November 10, 2007 Washington W, 29–23 45,629[39]
10 October 30, 2010 California W, 35–7 45,439[39]

Non-athletic uses

[edit]

Apart from use from the Athletic Department, Reser Stadium is occasionally also used for various non-athletic events, particularly events such as commencement, held every June. This has allowed the stadium to hold notable speakers such as astronaut John Glenn.[42] and former first lady Michelle Obama.[43]

"Dam Jam" an annual end of the year concert celebration put on for students and community members, by students, was held a Reser Stadium in 2018 and 2019, drawing up to approximately 14,000 to 18,000 people with headliners Alison Wonderland and Super Duper Kyle in 2018 and Akon and Jesse McCartney in 2019.[44][45][46]

In 2005 following the opening game at the newly renovated Reser Stadium country music duo Montgomery Gentry performed.[47]

[edit]
  • Image of Reser stadium from east grandstand looking south.
    Reser Stadium in September 2008, looking south.
  • Photo of Reser Stadium looking north at night in November 2007.
    Panoramic view from the southeast end zone during the night game against Washington in November 2007
  • View of the field from the west grandstand in Reser Stadium in 2008.
    At the time newly renovated East Grandstand prior to the win over top-ranked USC in September 2008
  • Overhead view of Reser Stadium with wide angle lens during 2012 night game.
    Hosting Arizona State in 2012

See also

[edit]

References

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

Reser Stadium

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Reser Stadium is an outdoor athletic stadium located on the south side of the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, Oregon, serving as the primary home venue for the Oregon State Beavers college football team of the Pac-12 Conference. Originally constructed in 1953 as Parker Stadium at a cost of $330,463.19 with an initial seating capacity of 28,000, it was renamed Reser Stadium on June 14, 1999, following a seven-figure philanthropic gift from longtime supporters Al and Pat Reser. The stadium's first game was played on November 14, 1953, when the Beavers defeated Washington State 7-0. Over the decades, Reser Stadium has undergone extensive renovations to enhance its facilities and fan experience, expanding its capacity and modernizing amenities while maintaining its reputation for providing a strong home-field advantage through close proximity seating. Key upgrades include the addition of end zone bleachers in , increasing capacity to 33,000; a west side expansion and new press box in 1967, bringing it to 40,593; and the opening of an enlarged Valley Football Center in 1996, which had temporarily reduced seating during construction but supported long-term growth. More recent improvements, totaling over $360 million from 2005 to 2023, feature east side club and loge seating, premium Terrace-level food and beverage options opened in 2016, a surface installed in 2012, an expanded Valley Football Center in 2017, a large videoboard added in 2022, and the completion of the west side grandstand in 2023, resulting in the current official capacity of 35,548. Today, Reser Stadium stands as a central hub for athletics and community events, renowned for its best-in-class sightlines, particularly on the newly renovated west side, and its role in fostering Beaver Nation spirit. The venue hosts not only football games but also concerts, commencements, and other functions, underscoring its significance beyond sports.

History

Construction and Early Years

Construction of Parker Stadium began in 1952 and was completed in time for the 1953 football season, at a total cost of $330,463.19. The facility opened on November 14, 1953, with the Oregon State Beavers defeating Washington State 7-0 in the inaugural game, which also served as homecoming. Designed with an initial seating capacity of 28,000, the stadium provided a permanent home for the Oregon State Beavers football team, succeeding a series of temporary fields used since the program's inception in 1893, including College Field and later Bell Field. The venue was named in honor of Charles T. "Charlie" Parker, a 1908 Oregon State graduate and Portland businessman who played a major role in funding the project. Early modifications to the stadium addressed growing attendance demands during the late and . A renovation commenced in 1958 to enhance the structure's infrastructure. Following Oregon State's appearance in the 1965 Rose Bowl, end-zone bleachers were added, boosting capacity to 33,000. Further expansion in 1967 included a new west-side and press box, elevating the maximum seating to 40,500 and solidifying the stadium's role as a central hub for Beavers athletics in its formative decades. The playing surface remained natural grass through the 1968 season, supporting the team's home games amid these initial upgrades. In 1969, the field transitioned to , marking one of the early adoptions of in and improving usability for practices and games.

Naming and Initial Expansions

In 1967, Parker Stadium underwent a significant expansion with the addition of west side stands and a new , boosting the to 40,593 and enhancing facilities for spectators and media. This upgrade, completed in time for the 1967 football season, reflected growing support for athletics and addressed increasing attendance demands for Beavers games. By 1990, the stadium's capacity was reduced to approximately 35,000 seats following the of the original Valley Football Center, which integrated operational spaces and necessitated structural adjustments to the seating areas. This change prioritized functionality and modern amenities while maintaining the venue's role as the central hub for Oregon State football. Originally opened in 1953 as Parker Stadium, the facility had evolved steadily to support the university's athletic programs. The stadium received its current name in June 1999 through a major donation from Al and Pat Reser, prominent Oregon State alumni and owners of , who contributed a seven-figure gift to bolster athletics. The renaming honored the couple's longstanding support, with the agreement securing the Reser name for an initial 10-year period extendable based on further commitments. That same summer, upgrades included the installation of 12/2000 synthetic turf and a new field lighting system, improving playability and enabling night games. Throughout this era, the stadium served as the primary home for the team, hosting key matchups including the annual Civil War rivalry against the , which drew passionate crowds and underscored the venue's centrality to the program's identity.

Facilities

Playing Surface and Dimensions

The playing surface at Reser Stadium is , a synthetic turf system installed prior to the 2012 season, replacing the previous version from 2005. This upgrade extended the durable, low-maintenance surface fully to the end zones and sidelines, enhancing playability and safety for football while supporting the stadium's multi-use capabilities adjacent to practice facilities like the Football Complex. The field measures 120 yards in length and 53.3 yards in width, adhering to standard NCAA football specifications that include 100 yards of playing field plus 10-yard end zones on each side. Oriented northwest to southeast at an elevation of approximately 220 feet (67 m) above , the layout integrates with nearby athletic infrastructure, such as the Whyte Track and Field Center, allowing for versatile event hosting beyond football games. Historically, the stadium featured natural grass until the end of the 1968 season, after which was introduced in 1969 with , a pioneering synthetic surface that remained in use through 2004 with periodic replacements in 1974, 1977, 1984 (switching to All-Pro Turf), and 1999 ( 12/2000). The shift to in 2005 marked a transition to a more advanced, infill-based system, which was then updated in 2012 to the current iteration, reflecting ongoing adaptations to improve performance and longevity.

Seating Capacity Evolution

Reser Stadium opened in 1953 with an initial of 28,000, providing basic bleacher seating around the field for games. Early expansions followed quickly; after the Beavers' 1965 Rose Bowl appearance, end zone bleachers were added, increasing capacity to 33,000, and a major west side addition in 1967, including a new , brought it to 40,593. In , capacity was reduced to approximately 35,000 as part of safety upgrades tied to the construction of the Valley Football Center, which encroached on spectator space and prompted the removal of some upper-level seats. This marked a temporary contraction focused on compliance and structural integrity rather than growth. Subsequent decades saw aggressive expansions: the east side grandstand addition, part of the "Raising Reser" campaign, boosted capacity to approximately 43,300 by introducing a double-decker structure with luxury suites and improved amenities. Further phases of the project through 2008, including north additions, elevated the peak to 45,674. The inclusion of premium seating areas began accelerating in the 2010s, with the 2016 addition of the Terrace—a north premium deck offering exclusive food, beverage, and lounge access for about 600 fans—shifting some dynamics toward higher-end experiences. Club seating and loge boxes were integrated into east and west side builds during this period, providing covered, cushioned options that prioritized comfort over sheer volume. A 2017 policy change allowing alcohol sales in designated areas, including the new within the Terrace, influenced seating dynamics by encouraging standing-room configurations in premium zones and altering crowd flow for responsible consumption monitoring. The most recent major shift came with the 2023 west side renovation, which demolished and rebuilt the to lower seating levels closer to the field, improving sightlines and acoustics but reducing fixed capacity to 35,548; standing-room options allow for over 36,000 attendees on peak days. This redesign emphasized quality over quantity, incorporating modern club seating while aligning with contemporary fan expectations for immersive viewing.

Renovations and Upgrades

Pre-2000 Developments

In the late 1960s and 1970s, Parker Stadium (later renamed Reser Stadium) underwent key upgrades to its press facilities and seating, including a major west-side expansion in 1967 that added a new press box and increased capacity to 40,593 while maintaining structural integrity for growing attendance. Minor seating additions followed in subsequent years, alongside turf replacements in 1974 and 1977 to address wear on the AstroTurf installed in 1969, maintaining capacity near 40,000 by the decade's end through incremental enhancements rather than large-scale overhauls. These changes focused on functionality, with the press box improvements enhancing media access and the seating tweaks accommodating fan demand without exceeding existing footprint limits. The 1980s brought further functional upgrades, including the installation of Turf in at a cost of $320,000, half-funded by the OSU Athletic Department, to provide a durable playing surface. In 1987, a 1,500-seat VIP section was added to the west side, and all wood were replaced with aluminum seating to improve safety and longevity, coinciding with basic audio system enhancements for better crowd engagement. These modifications prioritized hazard reduction, as wooden posed fire and structural risks, though they slightly adjusted sightlines without major capacity shifts at the time. By the early 1990s, safety-driven projects included the construction of the Valley Football Center in 1990, which reduced to 35,362 by encroaching on spectator areas but bolstered operational facilities and seismic resilience through reinforced structural elements. A $4 million renovation completed in 1991 added a new , 12 skybox suites, roofing over the press area and 5,200 seats, plus restrooms, concessions, ticket booths, and basic scoreboards, enhancing comfort and visibility. The Valley Football Center was enlarged in 1996, further integrating training amenities while upholding safety standards amid Oregon's seismic considerations. In 1999, coinciding with the stadium's renaming to honor donors Al and Pat Reser following a seven-figure gift, significant surface and lighting overhauls were implemented, including installation of 12/2000 and a new lighting system during the summer to enable night games and improve field conditions. These enhancements marked the pre-millennium culmination of incremental upgrades. During this period, OSU traditions evolved with the introduction of the sound effect in the late , played over the audio system on opposing third downs to energize the crowd and symbolize Beaver logging heritage.

21st-Century Transformations

The 21st-century renovations at Reser Stadium began with the east side expansion in 2005-2006, an approximately $80 million project as part of the Raising Reser campaign that added premium seating, club areas, and a video board while enclosing the south end zone, increasing capacity to 45,674. This phase focused on enhancing spectator amenities and visibility, marking a significant step in modernizing the venue for football games. In 2016-2017, the north end zone saw a $42 million expansion of the Valley Football Center, introducing improved locker rooms, training facilities, and premium experiences without altering seating capacity. The most extensive transformation occurred through the Comprehensive Reser Stadium Renovation from 2016 to 2023, a $161 million west side project that created a 360-degree Beaver Street , state-of-the-art locker rooms, and an interactive welcome center. This initiative demolished and rebuilt the west stands, integrating year-round university programming spaces and improving sightlines for an immersive game-day atmosphere. Overall, these efforts represent total investments exceeding $360 million since 2005, primarily funded by $100 million in donor contributions, $45 million in bonds, and athletics department funds. Upon completion, the renovated stadium earned the 2025 Athletic Business Facility of Merit award for its design innovation, particularly the concourse's integration of outdoor-inspired elements and proximity to the field.

Notable Features

Art and Sculptures

Reser Stadium features several permanent artistic installations that celebrate State University's athletic spirit, campus heritage, and natural surroundings. These sculptures, many commissioned through the State of Percent for Art program, are strategically placed to enhance the stadium's visual appeal and connect visitors with Beaver Nation traditions. One prominent example is the "Beaver Fans" bronze wall relief by artist Tom Morandi, installed in 2006 at the east sideline entrance. This sculpture depicts a group of cheering fans with arms raised in celebration, emerging from the wall in varying degrees of depth to create a dynamic of movement and community enthusiasm. The patina-finished figures symbolize the passionate support of OSU football fans, blending seamlessly with the stadium's brick architecture. The IronMan Statue, erected in 2003 in the southwest end zone corner, honors the legendary 1933 Oregon State football team known as the "Iron Men" for their endurance in a historic 40-game unbeaten streak. Donated by alumnus William "Bill" Tomsheck, the large bronze figure captures the team's resilient spirit and stands as a tribute to the program's early achievements. In the stadium plaza, the "Electric Field" sculpture by , completed in 2006, presents a towering aluminum football outlined in linear metal framework and illuminated by colorful LED "X" and triangle motifs representing players in formation. Positioned at a slight angle on a brushed metal base, it evokes the energy of a live play while integrating lighting elements that align with views of the field, contributing to the venue's modern aesthetic. A large oversized chainsaw installation, positioned in the north endzone's Reser's Terrace section, serves as a symbolic nod to Oregon's forestry industry and OSU's College of Forestry heritage. This in-venue piece, standing prominently among seating areas, ties into fan traditions like the chainsaw noise played over the PA system to rally the defense on third downs. The 2023 renovation of Reser Stadium's west side further integrated to elevate year-round campus aesthetics, including the monumental wood sculpture "Ingrained" by Ben Butler at the southwest entrance. This two-story installation, crafted from reclaimed timber, pays homage to the region's forested landscape and university legacy, complementing existing pieces by creating immersive entry experiences for students, athletes, and visitors beyond game days. Additional artworks throughout the new concourse and premium areas, such as pieces honoring football legends and the forest industry, underscore the project's commitment to cultural enhancement.

Memorials and Traditions

Reser Stadium honors notable figures in athletics through the display of retired jersey numbers in the Valley Football Center overlooking the field. The only officially retired number is #11, belonging to 1962 winner , who led the Beavers to an undefeated regular season and was the first player from the Pac-12 to win the award. A signature tradition at the stadium is the "chainsaw" effect, introduced in the late 1990s to symbolize Oregon's heritage and the Beavers' industrious mascot. An audio clip of a revving blares over the on opposing teams' third downs, energizing the crowd and pressuring the offense, while a large wooden prop was added to the sideline in 2018 for turnover celebrations. Fans engage in rhythmic "Go Beavers" chants throughout games, often synchronized with the marching band's performances and the university , fostering a unified atmosphere in the stands. Post-victory field storms by students and supporters have become an established ritual following significant upsets, such as the 2023 win over then-No. 10 , allowing the crowd to celebrate directly with players on the field. The stadium's naming in 1999 serves as a lasting memorial to donors Al and Pat Reser, longtime supporters whose contributions enabled key expansions and reflect the family's deep ties to Oregon State. Memorials to influential coaches like Dee Andros, who led the Beavers to their upset over Purdue, are integrated through scholarships and historical tributes, though no specific plaques are prominently displayed. The 2023 completion of the west side renovation incorporated donor walls and recognition areas, honoring major contributors to the $153 million project and enhancing the stadium's role as a hub for university legacy.

Events and Usage

Attendance Records

The record attendance at Reser Stadium occurred on November 24, 2012, during the Civil War rivalry game against , drawing 47,249 fans as Oregon State fell 48–24. This marked the largest crowd in the stadium's history and underscored the intense interest in the annual matchup between the in-state foes. Prior to this, the stadium's previous high was 41,600 on November 15, 1980, also against in the Civil War, which exceeded the then-capacity due to overflow standing and temporary seating arrangements enabled by earlier expansions in the and . Rivalry games like the Civil War have consistently driven the highest turnouts, often filling the venue to or beyond its limits during periods of competitive success for the Beavers. Among the top attendances, several other Civil War contests stand out for their large crowds. On December 4, 2010, 46,469 spectators attended State's 37–27 loss to then-No. 1 , ranking as the second-highest in stadium history. Similarly, the November 29, 2008, matchup saw 46,319 fans witness 's 65–38 victory, the third-largest crowd recorded.
DateOpponentAttendanceResult
November 24, 201247,249L 48–24
December 4, 201046,469L 37–27
November 29, 200846,319L 65–38
November 15, 198041,600L 40–21
Average attendance at Reser Stadium peaked in 2012 at 43,424 per home game, reflecting heightened fan enthusiasm during a 9–4 season that included the record Civil War crowd. This figure represented a high point in a decade of consistent draws above 40,000, driven by on-field performance and stadium expansions that increased permanent seating to over 43,000 by the early . Following the 2023 renovation, which reduced maximum capacity to 35,548 from 43,363 to prioritize premium amenities and circulation, average attendance settled around 35,000–37,000 per game; for instance, it was 36,969 in 2023 and 35,799 in 2024. Despite the lower numbers, the redesign has enhanced fan engagement through superior sightlines and immersive features like a 360-degree and upgraded videoboard, earning positive feedback from surveys of thousands of attendees who noted improved overall experiences.

Non-Athletic Events

Reser Stadium has hosted Oregon State University's annual commencement ceremonies since 2001, marking the first outdoor event on June 17 of that year after previous indoor gatherings at Gill Coliseum. These ceremonies accommodate thousands of graduates and guests, with the 2025 event celebrating a record 8,011 graduates, including over 4,300 participants processing through the stadium. The venue's expansive seating and open layout support large-scale academic celebrations, drawing families and community members for the university-wide ritual each June. Beyond commencements, the stadium serves as a hub for community and student events, including music and orientation activities. For instance, the annual Dam Jam , organized by the OSU Program Council, features prominent artists such as and , drawing students for live performances on the field. The 2025 Dam Jam was headlined by Dayglow. Community gatherings like the Orange & Black Rally and New Student Picnic foster Beaver Nation spirit, providing picnics, games, and welcomes for incoming freshmen in a festive, non-competitive atmosphere. While high school graduations have not been documented at the venue, these events highlight its role in supporting university and local celebrations. Following the 2023 completion of major renovations, Reser Stadium gained year-round functionality through additions like the Interactive Student Welcome Center, which operates as a recruitment hub with admissions presentations, tours, and interactive exhibits for prospective students and families. This space, integrated into the west side entry, transforms the facility from seasonal athletics use to a daily gateway, enhancing for non-athletic visitors. Safety and accessibility features underpin the stadium's diverse event hosting, informed by a 2016 ADA assessment that identified barriers such as entry paths, signage, and seating arrangements, recommending solutions for improved compliance. Subsequent upgrades, including enhanced ramps and restrooms from the 2023 , support inclusive access for ceremonies and gatherings. Event policies also include warnings for intense lighting effects, advising caution for individuals with photosensitive conditions to ensure safe participation.

References

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  34. https://osubeavers.com/sports/2013/7/9/208626262
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRLk73ee_O0
  36. https://osubeavers.com/news/2017/11/27/football-giant-killers-the-legend-50-years-later
  37. https://www.mka.com/projects/oregon-state-university-osu-reser-stadium-renovation/
  38. https://scarc.library.oregonstate.edu/coll/rg053sg1/commencement/page9.html
  39. https://philomathnews.com/oregon-state-university-to-graduate-record-8011-students-at-saturday-ceremony/
  40. https://commencement.oregonstate.edu/
  41. https://see.oregonstate.edu/ela/osu-program-council/events/dam-jam
  42. https://beaversdigest.orangemedianetwork.com/9965/beavers-digest/dayglow-set-to-headline-at-dam-jam/
  43. https://events.oregonstate.edu/reser_stadium
  44. https://www.cannondesign.com/work/oregon-state-university-reser-stadium
  45. https://accessibility.oregonstate.edu/sites/accessibility.oregonstate.edu/files/documents/assessment/reser.pdf
  46. https://osubeavers.com/sports/2022/2/1/reser-stadium
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