Streetwear in the Stands
Football game days are a cornerstone of student life at the University of Oregon. Each Saturday in the fall, students, alumni, and Duck fans flood Autzen Stadium, united in their passion for the team. While the energy of the game and camaraderie in the stands take center stage, one element often overlooked by outsiders is the thought and creativity that goes into game day outfits. For many students, what they wear to the game is just as exciting as the game itself.
To gain a deeper understanding of this unique aspect of Duck culture, I spoke with two seniors—Ava, an Education major, and Tony, a Journalism major—who shared their perspectives on game day style.
Reflecting on her college years, Ava shared that game days have consistently been the highlight of her week. “I’m checking the weather a week in advance, if not every day, to prepare,” she admitted with a laugh. The ever-changing Oregon weather plays a significant role in her outfit planning, though she adds, “It never rains in Autzen Stadium,” repeating the well-loved mantra among Ducks fans. Ava explained how Oregon’s school colors—yellow and green—offer a surprising amount of versatility. “We’re lucky because most colors pair well with yellow and green, so there’s a lot of room to be creative,” she said.
Tony echoed Ava’s sentiment about the importance of planning, highlighting how the designated colors for each week heavily influence his outfits. He also prioritizes comfort and personal style, naming his Chuck Taylors as a gameday essential. “They’re a classic shoe and comfortable enough to wear all day,” he said. Tony looks for outfit inspiration from style icons like Devin Booker and Paul Newman, blending modern athleticism with vintage cool. Two of his favorite gameday pieces are a University of Oregon hockey jersey and a tie-dyed yellow and green shirt from the Original Pancake House.
Both Ava and Tony agreed that gameday fashion is a communal effort that enhances the overall atmosphere of Autzen Stadium. Tony pointed to events like the “stripe out,” where each section wears a designated color, as a perfect example. “I think it adds to the aesthetics of the game,” he said, emphasizing how outfits contribute to the visual spectacle and energy of the day.
For many students, thrifting and second-hand shopping play a significant role in building their gameday wardrobes. Ava shared her success in finding vintage Duck gear on Facebook Marketplace, while Tony expressed some regret about not diving into thrifted pieces earlier in his college career. “Looking back, I wish I had more vintage pieces,” he said.
When asked about their gameday essentials, Ava kept it lighthearted with, “When I go through security, they say empty your pockets, all I have is lip gloss,” while Tony’s response reflected his attention to detail and style. Their answers underscore a key theme: gameday fashion is about self-expression, confidence, and school spirit.
For students at the University of Oregon, gameday is more than just football. It’s a celebration of school spirit, creativity, and community, brought to life not only through cheers in the stadium but also in the carefully curated outfits that make Autzen come alive.
Below are some pictures of Ava with friends in their favorite gameday attire
