Oregon Sports Traditions [With Foot Care Tips]

College football bowl season is right around the corner, which has us thinking about some of the best Oregon sports traditions!

Whether you’re a die-hard Ducks fan, never miss a Trail Blazers game, or can’t wait for the puck to drop at a Winterhawks face-off, you have plenty of opportunities to see first-hand the fun to be had being a fan of an Oregon sports team!

Of course, there is a dark side to sports as well. If you’ve ever gone up for a layup or evaded a tackle, you know that when you’re physically active, there’s potential you’ll suffer a sports injury. Particularly to your feet and ankles.

That’s where we come in! We’re going to share some of our favorite Oregon sports traditions, and give some handy foot and ankle care tips throughout. Prevention is the first defense against sports injuries—but if you ever find yourself nursing a twisted ankle or limping from painful heels, we can help.

Walking to Autzen

Everybody who’s anybody knows the best way to Autzen isn’t to park at the stadium. If you’re heading to a University of Oregon football game—or really any event at Autzen—the best way to get there is to walk through Alton Baker Park.

The path is roughly one mile, and the terrain is not strenuous, so it’s a good stroll for most folks. And of course, once you’re there, the sports traditions abound! Go ahead and “throw your O,” sing along to “Mighty Oregon” with the marching band, and make sure you say hello to The Duck.

Foot Care Tip: If you’re planning to walk to Autzen (or anywhere) on a regular basis, you don’t want arch or heel pain to hold you back. Consider making an appointment to find out if custom orthotics could get you back to walking pain-free!

Many foot and ankle issues stem from a misalignment in the structure of your feet. Orthotics from a podiatrist can support your unique biomechanics so your weight is distributed evenly. This offloads pressure from painful areas (whether it’s the heel, arch, or forefoot).

New Year’s Eve Skate

A giant ball dropping, champagne, singing Auld Lang Syne, and . . . ice skating? If you’re tired of the same old way of ringing in the new year, this sports tradition might be just the thing for you!

The Portland Winterhawks play a December 31 game every year, and afterwards, open up the ice so you can skate with the team! The proceeds go to a charitable organization, so even if you need to spend some money on skate rentals, it’s great to know the funds go to a good cause.

This tradition has been going on nearly two decades, and is a great way to include the whole family in New Year’s Eve festivities.

Foot Care Tip: You should always wear appropriate shoes for any sports activity. Basketball shoes for basketball, soccer cleats for soccer . . . you get the point! This rings true for ice skating as well. If you don’t own your own skates, make sure you get the right size when renting.

There should be plenty of room for your toes (no pinching) and the heel should fit snugly (no slipping). Don’t be afraid to ask for a different size if the initial pair doesn’t fit well. It’s better to take the time right away to get a good fit rather than deal with blisters or an ingrown toenail later!

Waiting In Line for Tickets

Technology has certainly improved our lives in a myriad of ways. We’re still in awe that we can just touch our phone in a certain sequence and a pizza gets delivered to our door. I mean, this is the life!

But we’d be lying if we said we didn’t miss the good ol’ days, too. Case in point: the annual tradition of camping out at the Rose Quarter for Trail Blazers playoff tickets.

For decades, fans would line up the night before with tents, coffee, and donuts to make sure they landed tickets. In 2014, the tradition came to a close.

Online sales led hopeful buyers to solo sessions in front of their computers instead of sitting in line next to their fellow basketball enthusiasts. While the internet has provided us with lots of different ways to stay connected, we still like meeting people face-to-face.

Foot Care Tip: If you’re planning to spend lots of time outside in chilly temps, like those folks camping outside in the cold for tickets, make sure your feet are well-protected! Dry your feet completely before you slip on a pair of comfortable, warm socks (bonus points if they’re moisture-wicking). Then choose appropriate shoes that insulate your feet from the cold ground.

The aim is to keep your feet a comfortable temperature while avoiding the warm, moist environment that allows toenail fungus to thrive.

Cutting the Log Slab

The Duck isn’t the only infamous mascot in Oregon. If you’ve ever been to a Timbers game, you may have noticed an actual lumberjack plying his trade in the Providence Park.

That’s right: instead of a cartoon-like costume, “Timber Joey” sports a silver hard hat, suspenders, and a real, live chainsaw. For every goal the team scores, Timber Joey cuts a slice of log slab, which is then paraded around the stands. After the game, the player who scored the goal receives it in a ceremony.

It’s certainly an experience you won’t get anywhere else!

Foot Care Tip: Honestly? We got nothin’ here. We just knew this list would be incomplete without mentioning a lumberjack wielding a chainsaw at a soccer match.

Though we will mention this certainly fits into the “wear appropriate shoes” advice we offered earlier. If your job requires manual labor, or puts your feet at risk of being crushed by a massive log slab, make sure you’re wearing steel-toed boots!

And if you’re on your feet all day (whether lumberjack, restaurant server, or athlete) and you’re experiencing foot pain, remember: it’s not normal!

Sports provide a great opportunity to stay active, spend time with friends and family, and even experience our great state in a different way! Don’t let painful feet stand in your way of enjoying everything Oregon sports have to offer! Give us a call and let us help. Just dial (541) 673-0742 or fill out our online contact form today.