Autzen Stadium: An Experience

So 3 weeks ago my friend JB (Oregon Alum) and I (not an Oregon Alum) flew up to Portland, Oregon. The one made famous by Loretta Lynn and Jack White. The sole purpose of this flight was for my first true visit to Eugene, Oregon and Autzen Stadium, home of the University of Oregon Ducks Football Team. JB and I flew to Portland (2 hours N of Eugene) since we are cheap bastards. Most airlines from what I can tell do not want anyone flying into Eugene for anything and do their best to keep people out. The rest of our friends are made of money so they flew into the Eug.

Our flight was peaceful and quick, although JB defaced a Spirit Magazine since Matt Leinart was on the cover and she was a little grumpy since she was working on little sleep. Luckily, HC who lives close to Portland was also heading down to Eugene so she picked us up and we headed to Eugene. Much anticipation filled the car ride as JB and HC were discussing and telling stories about all the friends of theirs that we would see and I would meet. From the sounds of it, I was going to be in for a weekend.

We arrived at JB's Mom's new place and were treated to many a Vodka/Lemonade and good treats. soon after BN, MM, HB and BN's parents also showed up. By the time we left the house to hit Taylor's one of the more famous bars on campus the majority of us were loaded. At Taylor's we ran into more friends some from San Fran and others that I met for the first time from LA, Manhattan, Portland and other towns near and far. Shots, Beers, drinks were had. A good time.

The next morning early, we woke up and got in our gameday attire. The Ducks in 6 short hours were going to be taking on the number 1 team in the country, the USC Assclowns. We had a parking pass so we had to get down there by noon to get a choice parking spot. Let me just say the weather couldn't have been better than day and as per usual I dressed inappropiately. It was sunny, no clouds, and temps in the high 70s. I chose to wear jeans. The lesson as always: I'm a fucking moron.

We spent 3.5 hours drinking, eating and grooving to JB's Ipod's Gameday Playlist. Probably the best tailgate experience of my life. However, if they had grass a la the Rose Bowl/Husky Stadium it would even be better. Then we headed into the game and the Ducks made us all believers for a half. However, as usual USC decided to play like they can in the 2nd half and blew the Ducks out scoring 45 unanswered points. The 2nd half was very painful to watch so to make up for it once we were back at the car I ate another sausauge, drank 3 beers, and smoked 4 cigarettes in about 6 minutes to teach the Ducks a lesson. What that is, I'll get back to you on.

The rest of the evening was highlighted by going to The Cooler which is very close to the stadium which you would never guess if you decide to drive there right after a game. Idiots! We finally made it and the trek was well worth it. Vodka/Rock Stars all around and around and around and around. You get the picture. I had so much damn fun at the Cooler that it made my top 5 bars of all-time list. of course it's only the 2nd bar to ever do that. Betcha you can't guess which the other one is. The Cooler also had a jukebox, the likes of which I had never seen before. It was one of those Internet jukeboxes. But not like the ones you can find in Kennedy's in North Beach, Final Final in the Marina or Brady's Yacht Club in Santa Cruz. You know the ones with a crap ass selection. This one had thousands of songs. So I picked some songs, and then I noticed something on a couple of the TVs in the bar the videos of the songs people had played before me were playing at the same time. I seriously freaked out. All of a sudden I'm watching Rick Springfield smash a mirror to the tune of Jesse's Girl. I ran over to the jukebox and picked the next 15 or so songs. Soon after my songs came up. Like 10 minutes later which is unheard of in a bar that was crowded as the Cooler was that night. There was about a group of 20 of us that had taken over this one level in the bar and after my songs came on it pretty much turned into Eugene Dance Party Fall '05. One thing of note: I played "Save You" by Pearl Jam. A song they never made a video for supposedly. Not so fast. A video of a live performance came on, but it was produced with special lighting that you would never see at a PJ concert. I was thrown for a loop. We took a cab home and I remember wanting nachos really really badly.

The next day I was hungover. A lot.

Currently Listening To: Three or Four by The New Pornographers