Football with the Family

Saturday we were lucky enough to visit our Alma Mater and go to an Oregon Ducks football game!  While I was nervous about taking Adventure Baby to a football game (Autzen Stadium can be so loud!), the stars aligned in our favor and we had a terrific time.

We parked our car at Skinner Butte Park and walked along the river path through Alton Baker Park and along Pre's Trail to Autzen Stadium.  It was a lovely 2 mile walk that took us about 35 minutes and made me that much happier to be back in Eugene for the day.

The actual game wasn't that great - the Ducks played terribly - and the Adventure Boys aren't quite old enough to stay engaged with the whole game.  Since it was such a one sided game, though, the fans were pretty subdued, so it wasn't too loud and the baby slept through most of the game in the ergo.  Plus, there are plenty of fun songs and traditions that we could (briefly) entertain the older Boys with.  We also lucked out on the weather, it was a nice warm day and since the game started at 4:30, we were in the shade the whole time.  And even though it got dark (football after dark is my favorite!), the game was over before it got too cold.  I'd call that a win-win!

The highlight of the evening was definitely getting to go down on the field and run around for a few minutes after the game.  In fact, that was the only reason we stayed through to the end...

A few tips for taking kids to sporting events:

1. At Autzen Stadium, at least, they offer free ear plugs at guest services.  I got some for Adventure Baby, but they didn't really stay in his ears very well.  Luckily it wasn't too loud, so I wasn't super worried.  But, they can be nice for everyone if the game does get too loud.
2. The stadium seats they have for rent are lovely!  Having the cushy seat and especially a back rest allowed me to have Baby in the ergo the whole time without my back getting too tired.
3. As always, bring plenty of snacks. This was what entertained our Boys the most during the actual game.  They don't let you bring drinks into the stadium, but you can take an empty plastic water bottle and fill it up inside.

Hopefully next year the Ducks will be better prepared to play football and we can enjoy the actual game a bit more!