More than 25 years have passed since the Grateful Dead graced Autzen Stadium with their final performance, yet the University of Oregon and local fans remain fondly nostalgic about the band’s rich history in Eugene.
Amanda Moore, a devoted fan known as a Deadhead, has deep ties to the band, having traveled to see them perform throughout the years before settling in Eugene post-1994 concert. She recalls the unique atmosphere of shows in Eugene, reminiscent of the camaraderie felt at performances in the Bay Area. “It was like a hometown gathering,” she stated, emphasizing the special connection forged between the Grateful Dead and the local community.
The band’s connection to Eugene dates back to 1965 when they, performing as The Warlocks, participated in their first Acid Test organized by Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters. The Grateful Dead held their initial concert at the University of Oregon in 1968, with their first show at Autzen Stadium occurring a decade later.
Moore’s journey as a fan began with her first show in 1990. She reminisced about the experience, sharing a memory of her sister checking on her at the Eugene concert, highlighting the sense of community prevalent during those events. Over the years, the band performed more than 20 concerts on campus, including a memorable show in 1993 when Moore took her son to experience the essence of the Grateful Dead live.
“The 1993 show in particular, I remember taking my son down onto the floor and going up to the stage,” Moore shared, underscoring her desire to immerse her child in the Grateful Dead experience. The gathering at “Shakedown Street,” located in a gravel parking lot by the stadium, was another iconic aspect of the concerts, where fans would commune before and after the shows, near Kesey’s famous “Furthur Bus.”
To commemorate their legacy in the Eugene community, this Saturday, the University of Oregon Ducks will host a “Grateful Ducks” themed football game. The team will sport Grateful Dead-inspired uniforms, while fans are encouraged to don tie-dye apparel, celebrating the band’s impact on local culture.
Head Coach Dan Lanning praised the Grateful Dead’s influence, noting their innovative contributions to the university and the Eugene community. “When you start to dig into the history of the Grateful Dead playing over 20 shows here, their involvement with the university, how it created revenue—obviously innovative, think outside of the box group—and what they were able to do in the Eugene community is pretty cool.”
In collaboration with the Grateful Dead and Nike, a special apparel collection named Grateful Ducks has been launched to honor the enduring bond between the university, Eugene, and the band, celebrating 60 years of shared history. This blend of music and sports not only pays tribute to a legendary band but also strengthens community ties and fosters a sense of unity among fans and residents alike.