Duck Downtown events in Eugene and Springfield begin Friday, August 29.
Eugene & Springfield, Ore. - Duck fans will have even more reasons to celebrate the upcoming football season as a new series of Duck Downtown events gets ready to launch this Friday.
Duck Downtown events will begin Friday, August 29 and continue every Friday before home football games. Fans are invited to flock downtown for fan-friendly activities at dozens of retail shops, restaurants, breweries and other venues. Special duck-themed contests, games, prizes, and food and beverage discounts will be offered.
The University of Oregon Duck Truck will also wind its way into both downtowns, which will be decked with colorful Duck banners and posters. Eugene’s new LED linear lights will add to the scene with programmed lights in yellow and green.
"This will be a great way for fans to gather and celebrate in anticipation of home games while drawing people into the downtown areas," said Kari Westlund, president & CEO of Travel Lane County and a key Duck Downtown organizer. "Fans will love the atmosphere and special offerings, while businesses will benefit from the increased traffic."
Susan Thelen, associate director of the UO’s Office of Marketing and Brand Management, who also serves on the planning team adds, "These events will not only provide an opportunity for fans to connect with each together, but gives the University a wonderful way to expand its community reach beyond campus and Autzen Stadium."
Fans from outside the region can enjoy special Game Train fares on Amtrak. Amtrak is offering discounted round-trip tickets between Eugene and both Portland and Seattle. Game Train ticket holders can ride the Lane Transit District's (LTD) bus system free all weekend. All fans can ride to and from Duck Downtown events on Fridays after 5 p.m.
Duck Downtown Events will take place August 29, Sept. 5 & 12, Oct. 17 & 31, and Nov. 21. A Duck Downtown website has been set up to capture and promote special offers and highlight special events associated with the event series at DuckDowntown.com.
Downtown merchants interested in participating in the promotion may submit a discount, a Duck-themed menu item, program, entertainment, competition or other football related activity. Submissions may be sent to Info@EugeneCascadesCoast.org.
Duck Downtown has been a joint venture of the following entities: Travel Lane County, UO, LTD, ODOT Passenger Rail Division, Amtrak, Downtown Eugene, Inc., the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.