Photos by John Severs, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
PK Park
2800 MLK Jr Blvd
Eugene, OR 97401
Year Opened: 2009
Capacity: 4,000
Oregon Ducks Baseball
The University of Oregon had a respectable baseball program for over 100 years, starting play in 1877, with several conference championships and an appearance in the College World Series in 1954. In 1984, the university made the decision to reduce the team to the club level, but Oregon is a state that is hungry for baseball. Despite not having a pro team, the state has always supported its minor and independent teams well. With Oregon’s biggest in state rivals, the Oregon State Beavers, winning national championships in 2006 and 2007, it was clear the Ducks needed to get back on the baseball field.
The timing was auspicious, as the Class A Eugene Emeralds were in need of a new home after spending 40 years at Eugene’s Civic Stadium. PK Park, named after Oregon’s former Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny, opened in time for the Ducks to take on the reigning NCAA Champions, the Fresno State Bulldogs, in their first game at the new stadium in 2009.
Food & Beverage 4
PK Park has all the standard ballpark options. Hot dogs, corn dogs, chili dogs, all manner of dogs are available. Nachos, popcorn, candy and ice cream are also available, and there is a separate tent from the main concessions station that offers pizza and one pound of chicken wings. Things are a little pricey ($4 – $8 range), but not out of line for stadium food.
Buying a meal and drink will cost you around $12-$15 per person depending on your hunger level and personal food preferences.
Atmosphere 4
The seating in PK Park is excellent, with great sight lines and seats very close to the field. There is no outfield seating, so you won’t be catching any home runs, and the box seating has some sight line issues, but that’s not going to bother most fans in attendance. The seating behind home plate and near the baselines is plastic individual seats, while once you get to the outfield it switches to aluminum benches.
Because the Ducks share space with the Emeralds, the atmosphere at times trends more toward the professional rather than collegiate. There’s a raucousness and charm that college sports tends to bring out that PK Park lacks, but that’s more a difference of taste than of quality.
Neighborhood 2
PK Park stands in the shadow of Autzen Stadium and is surrounded by parking lots. It’s not far from campus (about two miles from the heart of the campus), but it will be a bit of a walk. Other than that, there’s not much in the immediate vicinity. There are some good restaurants nearby if you’re willing to make the hike. The O Bar and Grill is a three minute drive away, or eight minute walk, and a great place for a beer or burger before/after a game. A sports bar called The Cooler is nearby that seems pretty good. It’s a big hangout for Ducks games. There’s also a McMenamin’s (an Oregon chain) not too far away. Those have great burgers and a good beer selection.
If you’re coming in from out of town there’s a Hyatt and a La Quinta nearby for lodging.
And while in town, you may be able to catch an Oregon Ducks basketball game at Matthew Knight Arena.
Fans 5
The fan presence is great. The student section is always rocking, and the Ducks seem to draw a good crowd from the local community. Of special note, try to grab tickets to an Oregon State game if you’re planning a trip. Beaver fans will absolutely make the trip to Eugene, and it creates an incredible, raucous atmosphere.
Access 5
PK Park is not too far from the interstate, right next to Autzen Stadium. There will be plenty of signs directing you to where you want to go. There’s plenty of parking available between PK Park and Autzen, and even if there’s an absolutely massive turnout at the game you should have no problems. Parking in all Autzen Stadium lots is free.
Oregon has adopted the clear bag policy for entry to all its sports venues.
Return on Investment 4
The return for your sports entertainment dollar is very good for a Ducks game at PK Park. Tickets range around $10 (some games have $3 general admission seats). The stadium itself is excellent and the Ducks put out a good product. The food is good, and just a tad pricey.
If you’re looking for a place to bring the family, a friend or just check out a game by yourself, PK Park is a great place to see amazing baseball.
Extras 2
With Oregon only recently returning to college baseball, there’s not much of a history to draw on yet, but the stadium does make sure to display the big names of Ducks’ baseball and the program’s achievements.
Final Thoughts
Oregon did a great job bringing their program back, and a great job building them a stadium. PK Park places the fan experience first and foremost, and is a great place to see a game.
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