Awesome Autzen Stadium

Official Review by Alex Shoemaker, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

Located next to the Willamette River, and in the heart of the Willamette Valley, the walk to Autzen through the trees is one of the most breathtaking experiences in all of sports.

Since its opening in 1967 Autzen Stadium has become one of college football’s most historic and beloved venues in the game. The team has risen to unparalleled success, and the Oregon fan base is one of the strongest in the country. In 2011, Oregon led the NCAA in Stadium capacity attendance percentage at 110% capacity. Despite a seating max of 54,000 seats, the University of Oregon consistently sells out and is able to sell extra standing room area seats.

With the team’s 82-game sellout streak in jeopardy for the start of the 2012 season, Ducks fans met the challenge and once again hit the mark with an attendance of 54,116. That streak, as of publication of this article, is now at 83 games and counting.

Food & Beverage    3

Food prices at Autzen Stadium have taken a spike over the last few years. For instance, a favorite in frozen lemonades used to cost $3 about four seasons ago. That rose to $3.50, and it's finally up to $4. Mini pizzas are also expensive at $7. Beer can cost you around $6. Popcorn (small) and hotdogs are $4.

The only saving grace to the food category is the Moshofsky Center (indoor practice facility) which has a lot of great food options. There's pizza, meatball subs, and more. My personal favorite is the subs that come with a salad and cookies. It'll cost around $10, but when you're paying so much for a ticket food prices seem cheap.

Atmosphere    5

There's nowhere in the world like Autzen Stadium. From the walk over that takes you by countless tailgaters sure to pump you up to everything inside... it's stunning.

Oregon at one point set a record for crowd noise at over 120 decibels. That's louder than standing next to a jet engine. And College Gameday analyst Lee Corso once said that "Autzen Stadium is the loudest stadium per person that I've ever been in my entire life."

One SEC coach said that it's "where great teams go to die."

You'd be hard-pressed to find a louder stadium.

Neighborhood    5

Autzen used to be out in the middle of nowhere, deserted from the rest of the sports venues. That's no longer the case. Now, it sits next to the new soccer/lacrosse field (Papé Field) and baseball stadium ( PK Park ). You still have all the beauty with the added bonus of more action around it.

As far as finding grub nearby, your best bet is to go to the O Bar. It's less than a mile away and has amazing food. But if you want the true Ducks football pre/postgame experience, go to campus and try out either Taylor's or Rennie's. Up and down 13th Street next to campus, you'll find a plethora of places to dine.

Fans    4

Now before Ducks fans get on me for only giving their team a "4" instead of a "5", hear me out. While Ducks fans are without a doubt in mind the most passionate fans in the Pac-12, they can be quite jerks to opposing fans. There's a lot of heckling and booing. But I didn't drop it much because that's just part of the sport. There's no reason to be concerned for safety. The athletic department does a great job keeping everything in line.

Access    2

The biggest downside to going to a game at Autzen is the parking. To be blunt, there is no parking at Autzen Stadium. All spots are reserved for tailgaters. And parking on Martin Luther King Boulevard (where the stadium is located) will cost at least $20 per game. If you'd rather not pay and walk, campus is swamped and it's hard to find a spot within three miles.

Unfortunately for visitors unfamiliar with the surroundings, your best bet is to just pay the $20 and park nearby. Also, expect to be in traffic afterwards for at least an hour.

Return on Investment    5

I can't say enough times that every football fan should make their way to Autzen. It's up there with the Coliseum, Death Valley, the Shoe, and every other amazing venue in college football. While you'll have to pay a pretty penny (like, at least $140 per ticket for a good seat) to go, it's so worth it.

Make sure to get a good seat. When you're already paying so much to go, why not go all out? Make sure to make a trip to Autzen!

Extras    5

• The Oregon mascot (Puddles) doing pushups after each score.

• The largest jumbotron in college football.

• Seeing one of college football's elite programs.

• A great view from every seat.

• Seeing some of the most passionate fans around.