The history of athletics at the University of Oregon spans more than a century. In 1877, Oregon competed in its first intercollegiate competition—a baseball game played on a dirt field against Monmouth College. Since then, the University’s state-of-the-art athletic facilities have set the pace for peers in collegiate sports to follow.
In 2010, the Ducks opened a new baseball stadium, dubbed PK Park in honor of former Athletic Director and program donor Pat Kilkenny. After a nearly 30 year absence from the diamond, Oregon reinstated its baseball program and it has come to life in PK Park. Oregon finished the season ranked 27th in the country and an impressive second in the Pac-10, averaging 2,361 fans per game in attendance. More than 68,489 fans cheered on the Ducks to 20 victories in 2010 in the all-new PK Park.
DLR Group’s design energizes more than the newly-resurrected baseball team; it elevates the experience for fans to celebrate Ducks’ success in multiple sports. The new ballpark sits adjacent to the famed Autzen Stadium (football), providing enhanced opportunities for fan activities. A festival area surrounding PK Park allows fans to be in the middle of all pre-game fun and festivities prior to a game at either stadium.
Rise Above
While optimal for the University, the ballpark’s location proved challenging during design. Designers wanted to give PK Park, a relatively small facility compared to the football stadium, its own presence on campus. DLR Group’s solution maximizes the vertical presence of the ballpark to coexist with Autzen Stadium. A steeper-than-normal seating bowl gives fans the feeling of being right on top of the action. A separate press/suite level located above the concourse enhances the ballpark’s stature. The elevated suites give fans a unique perspective of the playing field and surrounding landscape. DLR Group also introduced vertical banner elements along concourses to add to the energetic game-day atmosphere.
Wow, What A View
Fans won’t miss a minute of action at PK Park. A single, open concourse provides direct views to the playing field from anywhere in the ballpark. The ballpark features 3,000 fixed seats, eight upper level suites and a picnic plaza. A party plaza named Fowl Territory plays off the Ducks’ mascot and identifies the plaza’s location within the ballpark. Fowl Territory is at field level and allows fans to interact with players as they take the field. Total capacity is currently at 4,000, with future plans for 16 additional suites and an expanded seating bowl. A canopy, which complements the canopy at Autzen Stadium, covers a majority of fixed seating and protects fans from the seasonal Oregon rain. Glue-lam beams and wood planking indigenous to the area make the connection to the ballpark’s home in the Pacific Northwest. The University also opted for synthetic turf to keep the field playable during rain events.
Environmentally Friendly
PK Park’s sustainable features include designated bicycle parking, Energy Star-compliant roofing, high efficiency irrigation technology and low-emitting materials. The ballpark is designed to meet State of Oregon Energy-Efficient Design guidelines (SEED) and the University of Oregon Sustainable Development plan. Construction crews also utilized local and recycled materials while recycling construction waste.
Phased Approach
The University developed a Master Plan to complete the ballpark in phases and also plan for future growth. Construction spanned two phases, allowing the Ducks to take the field in 2009. Phase one consisted of a new field completed in time for opening day, Feb. 27, 2009. Temporary concessions and seating allowed fans to cheer on the Ducks, and temporary locker room met athlete and team needs. The surrounding stadium was constructed in phase two, including permanent seating and suites, locker rooms, a clubhouse, team amenities, and a press box. To expedite construction and eliminate the need for costly supporting structure, the seating bowl and main concourse were poured directly onto earth fill. Interior building elements, such as locker rooms (event level) and restrooms (main level), were stacked as much as possible to centralize utilities, and major circulation was centralized to efficiently access all three levels of the facility. The new PK Park embodies the excitement and ambition of the Oregon Ducks’ baseball program and continues the tradition of the University’s top-rated athletic facilities.