The University of Oregon's basketball and volleyball teams are the top tenants at Matthew Knight Arena, a shiny, LEED-certified building (first in the NCAA) that looks more than a little like a spaceship and impresses inside and out. It was built almost entirely by private donations from Phil Knight- Oregon alum and Nike co-founder- and named for Knight's late son. MKA attempts to replicate some of the intimacy and uniqueness of McArthur Court, the bandbox of a basketball court that was built in 1927 and served as the U of O's main indoor arena for more than 80 years.
Matthew Knight Arena parking
MKA is on the University of Oregon campus and quite close to Hayward Field, which means it's in a neighborhood. Parking regulations vary widely, as available parking areas are different for a men's basketball game than they are for a concert. Street parking is also heavily regulated. When the sign says two hour parking, it means it. There is a small parking garage under the arena but it has extremely limited access. Restrictions are much more relaxed on weekends than they are on weeknights, that's for sure. Lane Transit District will usually run park and ride shuttles only during men's basketball games.
Hotels near Matthew Knight Arena
There are several hotels and motels along Franklin Boulevard near Matthew Knight Arena. The biggest hotel around is the Eugene Hilton in downtown Eugene but within a long walk of MKA. There are also several newer hotels in the Gateway area of Springfield.
Seating at Matthew Knight Arena
Even a bad seat at MKA is pretty good. Designers tried to replicate the steepness and intimacy of the old Oregon basketball arena, Mac Court, and did pretty well while adhering to modern accessibility standards. There are no columns blocking views and the center court jumbotron the biggest in an NCAA-only basketball arena. Seating can also be adjusted depending on the event.
Food at Matthew Knight Arena
It's much more than standard arena fare at MKA. Each location has a different selection of food and beverages. The menu variety includes things like BBQ sandwiches with a signature Oregon marionberry topping, wild salmon sandwiches with salmon aioli, and specialty Hawaiian plates. Smaller stands have homemade desserts, and there's also the standard fare of hot dogs, soda and popcorn.
Beer at Matthew Knight Arena
Because MKA is on the Oregon campus, alcohol sales are very limited. At college basketball games, for instance, the practice courts are turned into the beer and wine sales area. But alcohol can only be consumed in there and cannot be brought into the stadium bowl.
Parking alternatives at Matthew Knight Arena
Because parking is extremely limited, MKA encourages patrons to use other forms of transportation, but especially bicycles. Truth is, it's hard to get to. When Lane Transit District doesn't run special park and ride shuttles, like to concerts, there are regular bus stops not far away and that's really the best way to get there, especially if something's on a weekday night.
What to bring to Matthew Knight Arena
Most of the seats have backs and some sort of cushion so it's actually reasonably comfortable to sit. Unlike sitting outside at Hayward Field or Autzen Stadium, there's no need for rain gear- well, while you're inside, at least. As for what you can't bring, the key note is that the camera policy varies from event to event. At some concerts you can't even have your cell phone out on the floor, at others small point-and-shoots are allowed. The usual indoor stadium restrictions- no cans or bottles- also apply here.
Insider tip for Matthew Knight Arena
Anybody who went to a game or concert at Mac Court will tell you that Matt Knight Arena is not the same. Frankly, it's impossible to replicate that atmosphere. The most remarkable thing about the place is its looks. Instead of going straight to my seat, I always like to take a walk around. There seems to always a new big picture or mural honoring past Oregon players, coaches and teams. The place is also glass as much as possible, providing for great views of the neighborhood, and it's even cool when it's raining.
Author's bio: Alex Drude was at one of the last games at Mac Court and one of the first at Matt Knight Arena. He still misses how the old place shook, but MKA is pretty darned cool, especially when the crowd is rocking. Follow his sports and travel musings on Twitter @Alex_Drude and on Facebook.
There are many iconic football and baseball stadiums in the United States. For track and field there is only one, and that's Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on the University of Oregon campus. Eugene is known as "Track Town U.S.A." and that's largely due to what's happened at Hayward for nearly a century. It's a must-see for anyone who's run a race, tried the long jump, or heard of Steve Prefontaine.
Hayward Field parking
Hayward was built just after World War I, when there weren't many cars and big parking lots were unheard of. It's in a family-friendly and university neighborhood, and as a result street parking is extremely limited and regulated, especially during meets. Fortunately, during major events the University opens the parking lots at Autzen Stadium, the football facility across the Willamette river, and shuttles run regularly to Hayward.
Hotels near Hayward Field
There are several hotels and motels along Franklin Boulevard near Hayward Field. The biggest hotel around is the Eugene Hilton in downtown Eugene but within a long walk of Hayward. There are also several newer hotels in the Gateway area of Springfield.
Seating at Hayward Field
First and most important, seating anywhere is extremely tight and there are no seatbacks, like the classic old stadium that it is. If you're going to be there for many hours, it's extremely advisable to bring one of the allowable little no-back seat cushions. For major events like the annual Prefontaine Classic, the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials and the NCAA Championships, the place is often filled at 10,500. For the biggest meets, extra stands are built to increase capacity, but those are temporary and only open during peak times. The west grandstand is on the start/finish line and closest to most field events. The east side seats are perfectly acceptable most of the time, but when the sun slams down it can make things uncomfortable and events hard to see. If you are a pole vault fan the east side is the place to go, otherwise most field events are on the west side.
Food at Hayward Field
Because Hayward Field is such a mecca for the events and the athletes on the track, there's no reason to have gourmet food choices in the stands. And there aren't. For regular Oregon track meets, the choices are very limited- hot dogs, popcorn, soda, chips and the like. There's a slightly bigger selection for bigger events, but don't count on fine dining.
Beer at Hayward Field
Alcohol sales at Hayward are also extremely limited. As an on-campus facility beer sales are heavily regulated and not allowed in the stands. Beer and any alcohol are only allowed to be bought and consumed in designated areas, and even then it depends on the event as to whether any of that happens. I wouldn't go looking for beer if you're at Hayward for the Oregon high school state championships, for instance. Alcohol is not why anybody goes to Hayward.
Parking alternatives at Hayward Field
As explained above, parking around Hayward for any length of time during an event is really tough. Parking at Autzen Stadium and taking the shuttles is highly recommended. Because Eugene is a bike-friendly town and the stadium is on campus, there is plenty of bike parking if you want to go that way. Also because it's on campus, normal bus service and other public transit go very close very often. If there's any way to avoid driving there for an event, take that option.
What to bring to Hayward Field
Weather varies from day-to-day, hour-to-hour and sometimes minute-to-minute at Hayward. Umbrellas are not allowed inside at all, so if skies are threatening (and because it's Oregon, even if they're not) bring rain gear and at least one warm jacket or sweatshirt. Even on sunny days if the wind picks up at all it can be chilly, especially if you're underneath the West or East grandstands. Small backpacks and bags are allowed, but dimensions are very restricted. The usual stadium restrictions- no glass bottles or metal containers of any kind- also apply.
Insider tip for Hayward Field
Instead of going to a major event, make a pilgrimage to Hayward during one of the lower-attended (but still high-quality) college meets early in the season, or even the high school state championships. The smaller events are much more reasonably priced and you feel much more hard-core and part of the in crowd. The weather is highly variable throughout the season, if you remember the downpours that soaked the 2012 Olympic Trials in late June and early July. I've also seen it go from rain to hail to completely sunny in a matter of minutes. But that's just part of the experience in Track Town, U.S.A.
Author's bio: Alex Drude lived in Oregon for many years and always enjoys going to Hayward, even when it's hailing. Follow his sports and travel musings on Twitter @Alex_Drude and on Facebook.
Portlanders love a good alternative sport and Providence Park, formerly known as Jeld-Wen Field, is no exception. While soccer is a major sport in other parts of the world, in the U.S. it tends to take a backseat. Everywhere but Portland that is, where Portland Timbers MLS soccer team and Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League play at Providence Park, right in the heart of downtown.
Providence Park Parking
Providence Park doesn't have a dedicated lot for events. Instead, visitors to the stadium must find parking in the surrounding area. Visitors are encouraged to take the TriMet to games or park in a downtown paid parking lot and walk or bus to the stadium. Those that park in the Fox Tower lot and use the Max to get to the Timbers game get half of their parking. The neighborhoods surrounding Providence Park are permit parking only and those that park in nearby commercial centers will likely be towed.
Hotels Near Providence Park
Despite its posh name, The Hotel deLuxe, directly near Providence Park, often has great deals on hotel rooms (and also offers game day parking). Throughout the downtown area, you will find hotels that offer convenient ways to get to Providence Park, including major chains like the Westin and Hilton, where you can save money by using your guest points.
Seating at Providence Park
Before buying tickets, take a look at the specific seating chart that the stadium provides. If you're not into enthusiastic fans, or have small kids with sensitive ears, then stay away from The Timbers Army, a section devoted to the Timbers fans that root at every game. The best-priced seats are the "value terrace," which is also furthest away from the field.
Food at Providence Park
Concessions at Providence Park are provided by Centerplate, which brings some of the city's signature foods into the venue. You will find offerings from local charcuterie Olympia (formerly Olympic) provisions as well a Tillamook Cheese Grilled Cheese Station and a rotating selection of the city's famous food carts in addition to Portlandian takes on classic stadium fare using local purveyors and ingredients.
Beer at Providence Park
Legal mandates don't allow you to bring your own alcohol into the stadium, but the concession stands include the local microbrews the city is known for as well as imports and domestics.
Parking Alternatives at Providence Park
The stadium encourages people to take the city's public transportation system to Providence Park or use one of the select bike parking spots that are available at Timbers games.
What to Bring to Providence Park
The outdoor stadium allows umbrellas inside the stadium but they cannot be opened in areas where they might block others' views. In cold weather, bundle up and wear a waterproof jacket with a hood and on sunny days, bring along some sunscreen. Hard coolers are not allowed, but soft ones are allowed to keep certain items cold.
Insider Tip for Providence Park
Locals avoid difficult parking situations and prices by taking multiple forms of public transportation, including the TriMet and Max to get to the stadium. Although the food has improved, many locals eat exclusively at the stands.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
Moda Center, formerly known as the Rose Garden, is the home of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. For part of their season, the WHL Winterhawks also play at Moda Center. When not hosting major sporting events, Moda Center is where you can find big names, like Madonna and Barry Manilow, headlining concerts as well as family and cultural events and various other sporting events.
Moda Center parking
For major events, Moda Center offers several different parking options for event-goers. The Garden Garage is physically attached to the Moda Center and offers regular and disabled parking spots. The Garden Garage is available for select Moda Center members during Trail Blazers events. There is also the Annex Garage for diners at One Center Court and the West and East Broadway Garages. On the Moda Center site, you can purchase pre-paid parking. Parking prices vary according to the event being held.
Hotels near Moda Center
Moda Center's location in downtown Portland makes it convenient to some of the city's best hotels. From major chains like Doubletree and Hilton, where you can find deals and earn membership points to smaller boutique hotels like The Benson or The Heathman, many hotels offer deals for families and weekenders.
Seating at Moda Center
Seating at Moda Center is circular, with standing room only near the floor and center stage. Standing is allowed at certain events, but at Moda Center's discretion. Disabled seating is widely available and suites can be purchased at various levels for both businesses and families. Prices vary according to the seating area and the event being held, whether it is a Trail Blazers game or concert.
Food at Moda Center
Portland's reputation as a food city extends to Moda Center. In addition to usual stadium concessions, Moda Center also offers Pyramid Taproom at Schonely's Place for both before and after game libations, named after Bill Schonely, the voice of the Trail Blazers.
Jack's Place, named after legendary NBA coach "Jack" Ramsay, offers casual Northwest dining fare.
Rose Room offers fine dining and stunning views for the formal buffet which is different every night.
And locals head to The Widmer Brothers Bar during halftime for local brews and top shelf liquor.
Portland's famous food carts also park nearby, offering additional gourmet options for event goers both before and after games and concerts. And inside, numerous concession stands serve local favorites, like Sizzle Pie pizza, Fire on the Mountain chicken, and Salt and Straw ice cream, in addition to traditional hot dogs and fried specialties.
Beer at Moda Center
With a reputation as a beer paradise, Moda Center offers beer at every turn, from restaurants to carts and concession stands. Beer can be found at every entry point and ranges from craft brews and ciders to less expensive standard options. Because beer is more expensive inside the center, some locals head to a local watering hole for a pre-game party.
Parking alternatives at Moda Center
Moda Center can also be accessed via Portland's public transportation system, the Tri-Met. At the Tri-Met website, you can find information on tickets. Another alternative is the Portland Streetcar Eastside loop, where you can save money buy getting a day pass rather than getting tickets for both before and after the game. The bike-friendly Moda Center also offers free parking spaces for those that choose to take a bicycle to the event center.
What to bring to Moda Center
The Moda Center is an indoor arena. Weather constraints don't apply, although the city is known for a lot of rainfall, so you may want to carry a coat with you for the walk to your car. The stadium was recently refurbished so the seats are more comfortable and probably don't require a cushion and the wide variety of food vendors from some of the city's favorite eateries and breweries means that outside food and drink and coolers are not allowed.
Insider tips for Moda Center
Although there are plenty of paid parking spots available, thrifty Moda Center goers try to find street parking to save money. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must not only for navigating the spacious stadium, but also for exploring the arena's surrounding restaurants pre-game or pre-show. Depending on the event, local deal sites may have special ticket prices available, which is another way to save money.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.