Opening Day

  September 1, 2012

106 miles to the stadium

Oregon Ducks vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves
7:30 pm kickoff

77 degrees & sunny - It never rains at Autzen Stadium!

WHY WE LOVE FOOTBALL.

A year ago, Kimi and I struck a deal. I got a year's leave of absence from Portland Public Schools; she got the Ducks. Every game, every stadium for the entire 2012 season no matter where they played, we would attend. As an added bonus (after all, I did get an entire year!), I'm documenting it for her with this blog. Every game, every stadium ~ here we come!

TailGate 2012: the season begins.

After a long ride and traffic, we arrive at Autzen. Clint calls the porta-potty!

Some of the first in the parking lot. "It doesn't get better than this." -Clint & Kimi

                           It's not long 'til others arrive 

Greg & his son Brady. Greg says Brady is the Ducks' good luck charm. He was 4 for 4 before the game; now, he's 5 for 5. Could be some truth to that! 

                      

                                                                                                                  Electricity is in the air!

            Chicken polish sausages & beer. "Best meal of the season" - Jess.

After the "funnest September supper," it's time to head into the stadium, but not before one last picture of the tailgaters. "Football season is kind of like cherry blossoms in April, only better." - Kimi & Jess.

It's gonna be a good season. Oooooooooooooo! 

                           HERE COME THE DUCKS!

           Kiss cam, Hug cam!

Hoping to see lots of balls in the end zone! 

 

Touchdown! Lots of them. Early in the second quarter, Jess asks, "What else do you do when it's 29 to 3? The wave is your best move."  

WAVE SNOB!

The sun eventually sets over Autzen Stadium, and the Arkansas State Red Wolves too. Final score: 57-34 Ducks. 

Football. Friends. Finally.

SEE YA NEXT WEEK!

    (WTD Duck picture by Alex McDougall, wave picture by ???, sunset picture by James Rodberg)