PK Park Experience: Amateur Sports At A High Level

PK Park has been a bucket list item for me since the program was restarted in 2009 and the plans for the park came to light. Football is by far and away my first love, but baseball follows closely. My perspective is largely painted by the games I’ve attended which include many games at The K in Kansas City. I’ve mentioned many times to many people that the experience in Autzen is as similar to Arrowhead as I’ve seen anywhere. LOUD, passionate, knowledgable and advantageous. PK is something very different than I’ve ever experienced. For Duck fans that are lucky enough to live in Eugene and don’t travel much let me offer this comparison. Autzen is a professional venue, PK is not.

PK Park Amateur Sports at a Very High Level

I don’t mean that to sound like a slight to any of the players or anyone that works or volunteers at PK. In fact I would argue it’s a compliment. My expectations for the game were largely to be underwhelmed. A small stadium, Pac-12 baseball being down this year and a punch-drunk crowd that had just run the gambit of emotions watching the spring football game and having an unexpected Mariota sighting. I was actually taken aback by just how enthusiastic the crowd was. Sure it had a great warm up, but it was more than that.

More from Oregon Ducks Baseball

• Oregon baseball: Pac-12 finally getting postseason tournament in 2022
• Oregon Baseball: Ducks Start Season 0-4, But Team Is Showing Fight
• Former Oregon Duck Ryne Nelson Makes Pro Debut at PK Park
• George Horton, Oregon Ducks Part Ways
• Philadelphia Phillies Cole Irvin Starts Major League Career With Two Wins

There’s just no way for a venue this small to produce the atmosphere of a professional sports. So while the 4,000 fans (give or take) were into the game, there just wasn’t the enthusiasm you’d get even across the street at Autzen because you’re about 52,000 people shy. What surprised me was how professional every other part of this park was. From ushers, to vendors to student volunteers they were all on point. I was surprised by how welcoming the fans were to the two of us from Kansas City there to check out a ball game. Kansas City is known for very friendly fans, PK Park fans would fit into the midwest easily. So friendly that one fan saw that I was searching for a second plastic cup to bring home to my daughters and he dumped the remainder of his soda to offer his, really an awesome thing to do.

One of my favorite things about the venue is just how intimate it is, just like Autzen you’re right on top of the action. Just like Autzen the fans really have the advantage of being able to get into the other teams head, and they take advantage of that every chance they have. We were fortunate enough to be able to hear conversations between the umpire and batters, which was a very unique and interesting perspective.

If you haven’t made your way to PK for some reason and you live in or around Eugene, run don’t walk, you’ll really enjoy yourself.  Your next chance to see the park is June 23rd when the Eugene Emeralds will start their home season. Next up for the Ducks is a game in my neck of the woods in Springfield, MO this Friday against Iowa.