Remember when you first set foot on the University of Oregon campus four years ago? It was so big, so imposing, so … last century. Although the university’s impressive Lillis Buisiness Complex had been standing for about seven years by the time you got here, there were plenty of others that were in need of an upgrade. And if your parents are UO alums, there are plenty of changes that will have them dropping their jaws. Here’s the tour you should give your folks:
Allen Hall
In the old days, if you wanted to meet a friend to study in Allen Hall … well, you would rarely want to do that. Space was a bit of a premium in that building prior to January of 2013. Step into the building now and you’ll find plenty of spots to sit down for a cup of coffee or a whiteboard brainstorming session. Collaboration is the name of the game these days — with computer labs surrounded by glass walls, there’s a sense of airiness in the building pretty much all the time. Should you tour the facilities with your parents, don’t forget to snap a selfie and tag it with the ever-annoying #lifeasajstudent.
Matt Knight Arena
When your parents cheered on the Ducks basketball team back in their day, they had to walk uphill both ways to get there and there was never any confusion about the Pit Crew’s name. That’s because MacArthur Court, better known as The Pit, was one of the most raucous environments for visiting teams. Although Matt Knight Arena is a relatively new venue, it kicked things off right when it booked its first performer: Elton John. Then Macklemore came. And, most recently, Lee Brice. The court alone is worth seeing — as a nod to the university’s first basketball team, the Tall Firs, it’s outlined by silhouettes of — what else? — a row of tall firs.
The Hatfield-Dowlin Complex
Phil Knight has spent an awful lot of money on the football team in the last few years. Most recently, he dropped some mad money on the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex, which we estimate cost close to $138 million to build. Relics of the old facilities are still around — you can snap that classic grad photo between the Xs and Os just off Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. And the main entrance boasts some impressive displays. While you’re out there, you can give the ‘rents a tour of PK Park, another recent addition.
The Erb Memorial Union
It’s easily the most used building on campus, but the EMU has been notorious for its difficulty to navigate and lack of technological support. When was the last time you had to meet a friend in the Skylights from the third floor for a laptop study session only to find yourself crying out of frustration in the corner of The Buzz, clutching your mango-strawberry smoothie (with ice cream) in an attempt to keep your sanity? Too recently. That won’t be a problem in a couple of years when the building renovation is done. If your parents graduated from this fine institution, give them a bit of a surprise by taking to the chain link fences blocking off the courtyard — that graffiti is guaranteed to blow their minds like Gwen Stefani and Eve.