Fan Day in the Mo!

David R.

August 29, 2010 - 12:35 PM

Football Fan Day had a turnout that was said to be one of the biggest in years. All the Duck fans in the Eugene area came out to show their support for the football team and to meet some of the players and coaches before the season begins.

The event took place in the Moshofsky Center (also known as the MO), where the indoor football field is located. I got there at 10 a.m. to start setting up some of the decorative elements. We blew up all of the inflatables that were scattered around the field. We have a huge duck, a giant lineman and inflatable stations for kids to throw and kick the footballs. The only challenge is getting them up and making sure that they stay up. Being full of only air, the inflatables can sometimes begin to wobble or wilt to one side. It doesn't help either when youngsters decide to run into to them at full speed. I can't say I blame them though, because it looks like a blast even though we have to try to prevent them from doing it.

There were tables located all over the field for players to sit at to sign autographs. There were players at each of the stations to sign autographs as well but there was one area that was solely for autograph signing that had a line that was over two hours long some fans said. Head Coach Chip Kelly came out and made himself available so sign autographs for a while. Everyone seemed to love the fact that the coach was out with the fans and was open to take pictures with everyone who wanted one.

The cheerleaders came out as well and they were all decked out in the new Oregon spirit t-shirts. Every so often they would perform cheers and dance routines to entertain the fans who were making their way around. They too made themselves available to meet with fans and take pictures with the little ones.

At the end of the event I unfortunately had to play the bad guy role. The event was supposed to end at 2 p.m. and at 1:59 p.m. there was still a huge line for all of the players signing autographs. The team is busy and the players had been there for hours so it was important that they be done at 2 p.m. I had to go stand in the middle of the line and inform everyone standing behind me that I was cutting off the line. After hearing the complaints from those who had been waiting the line finally dwindled and and I didn't feel as bad about being the jerk.

Fan Day was an all around success and it was nice to get a little experience before the season begins. I can't believe that the season is only a week away but it is already that time again. I am going to head into the office this week to make sure that I know what I am supposed to be doing come Saturday morning for the season opener.