Over the last decade, Oregon athletics has made tremendous strides. With the help of Nike Co-founder and Chairman Phil Knight in globalizing their brand, mixed in with the excitement of an ever-growing population of Duck fans, the University of Oregon has become one of the biggest college sports hubs in the nation.
From the ever changing jerseys to the plethora of nationally recognized programs, Duck fans are presented with a unique experience. Oregon may not hold the oldest traditions in comparison to other schools, but it does provide more than enough for their fan base to be proud, lifelong Duck fans.
Here are the top 10 best things about being a Duck fan.
1. The jerseys
There are no Duck athletics without their eye candy jerseys. The green and yellow will always be Oregon's main colors, but in recent years, the Ducks haven't been shy about experimenting with completely unrelated colors. Pink helmets anyone?
2. Uncle Phil
Before every men's basketball game, Knight throws a bag of peanuts into the "Pit Crew (student section)." This not only shows the connection Knight shares with Duck fans, but it's something no other school can compare to. It isn't every day you can interact with a multi-billionaire in the very facilities he help built.
3. Hatfield Dowlin-Complex
While the general population of fans don't have full access of the newly built Hatfield Dowlin-Complex, it is another spectacle that Duck fans can associate with. Neighboring Autzen Stadium and Casanova Center, the $138 million Hatfield Dowlin-Complex is a site for sore eyes. Compared to the "Death Star" from Star Wars, the Hatfield Dowlin-Complex adds yet another way for Duck fans to brag about their school. Thanks Uncle Phil.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVW7kVRWqrQ
4. Never a dull moment
The reason why Oregon athletics have made the jump has completely to do with the growth of their programs across the board. Aside from football and men's basketball, sports such as softball and track and field have further separated the Ducks from the rest of the pack. National rankings are continual pouring in and it only makes for a better fan experience -- offering a wide array of different sports events to attend throughout the year.
5. Puddles
In a world filled with every imaginable school mascot, Puddles stands alone. Since its humble Disney beginnings, Puddles is as classic as college mascots get. He may not be fierce or bizarre, but he can sure do more pushups than the average mascot. He's also been in his fair share of ESPN commercials.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ve92hOixGo
6. Duck gear
Oregon may not offer more sports related gear than the next school, but it sure does innovate eye catching designs. With the help of Nike and its creative minds, Duck fans are always wearing some of the best looking attire. Look no further than their new basketball jerseys.
7. I Love My Ducks, Supwitchugirl
It has been a couple years since the initial "I Love My Ducks" video came out, but it still gets every Duck fan going. Since that video, which was created prior to the 2009-2010 Rose Bowl, Ducks athletics have only gotten better. It now holds as a classic music video for Duck fans. What other school can say the same?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hrjpe1VCNg
8. Animal House "Shout"
If you've ever attended a men's basketball game at Mac Court or Matthew Knight Arena or football game at Autzen Stadium, you've participated in the "Shout" dance. Affiliated with the movie Animal House, which was filmed on the Oregon campus, "Shout" is as true to the Ducks as any pop culture reference. Truly does get the crowd going every time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNammgdjvQo
9. Walk to Autzen
Every morning of game day, crowds of fans make the walk to Autzen Stadium to watch the Ducks play. From the bridge crossing over the river to walking through the forestry nearby the stadium, fans are sucked into a new world of culture and unity as their fellow fans walk side-by-side. It may be a simple gesture, but it's something every fan remembers after their first time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFQHwnSGxaQ
10. City wide event
Being located in a college town, the crowd turnout for sporting events are as good as it gets. As mentioned before, the Ducks offer their fans a more than the average experience with its facilities and selection of sports, and it creates a home-like feeling to all of its fans. When there is either a football game or men's basketball game, don't expect to get a good seat if you aren't there early.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRIXKOcCwtI
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