32 ForOregonState.org/Stater S P OR T S OSU SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS PHILPOT RESER RENEWED AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE STADIUM’S EVOLUTION. By Kip Carlson It will be a louder, prouder Reser Stadium that greets Oregon State fans when the Beavers kick o" their home football season against UC Davis on Sept.9.The newwest grandstand replaces the no-frills structure more than 10,000 people watched implode in spectacular fashion in 2022 and will put the stadium’s total capacity at 35,548. Its four-level, multi-tiered design puts even the highest seats closer to the field, boosting the volume of crowd noise. At ground level, the “Beaver Street” concourse will be open to the field, allowing fans to keep their eyes on the action while selecting from expanded food and beverage options. The $161 million project opens the door to increased revenue that will be felt throughout Beaver Nation, as football substantially supports the university’s 10 women’s and seven men’s intercollegiate sports programs. It also gives Oregon State a football home that has been completely rebuilt since it first opened. The only echo of the 1953 Parker Stadium will be the lower level of new seating, running in a straight line from one end zone to the other in almost the same location as the original seats. RESER REWIND Premium Seating The premium seats on the west side’s second level — including club seats, “living room” boxes, loge boxes and the Founders Suite — will allow Beaver fans to enjoy luxury seating just 100 feet from the sideline. That’s closer to the field than premium seating at any other NCAA Division I stadium in the country. Student Welcome Center The Student Welcome Center will be the first stop for prospective students and their families visiting campus. Campus tours will start here, and there will also be a chance for game-day fans to see the center’s interactive exhibits showcasing OSU’s contributions to the world. The center will also house meeting and conference facilities. 1953 The original stadium was designed to be built in phases as Oregon State’s enrollment grew. It included 42 rows the length of each sideline, 15 rows in the south end zone and 18 rows in the north end zone — approximately 28,000 seats. The new facility was named for Portland businessman and 1908 alumnus Charles Parker, who led a drive that raised over $300,000 for the facility. 1967 Oregon State added bleachers to Parker Stadium at each end zone, as well as seating in the corners. For the 1967 season, 40 rows and an expanded press box filled out the west side, allowing a state- record crowd of 41,194 to see the Beavers beat No. 1 Southern Cali- fornia 3-0 on Nov. 11. In 1969, artificial turf and lights made it possible to host intramural sports and high school football.
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