Milestone of Momentum

Autzen Stadium is a symbol of Oregon’s continued focus on intercollegiate football. Originally constructed in 1967 for $2.225 million, the facility recently benefited from a $90 million improvement effort, resulting in the addition of 12,000 seats, 32 skyboxes, a three-story luxury suite, a new press box, and revamped concession areas. The stadium can now accommodate up to 54,000 spectators, clearly reflecting growth in the popularity of football, and making it one of the loudest collegiate venues in the country.

Leo Harris, Oregon’s Athletic Director during the 1960s, led the efforts to create a new football facility after Hayward Field was no longer able to accommodate the needs of the team. The first game at Autzen occurred on September 23, 1967 against the University of Colorado. The stadium, which is situated on 90-acres of land, is named after Thomas J. Autzen, a Portland lumberman, sportsman, and philanthropist.

Consistently ranked in the Top 10 Collegiate Stadiums in America, Autzen Stadium is a fixture in the athletic landscape at Oregon. From all-day tailgating in the parking lot, to mind-numbing cheers in the stadium, the Autzen experience is like no other, symbolizing students’, alumnae, and supporters’ intense connections to football and the University.