The rivalry between Eastern Washington and Portland State spans across multiple sports, and the winner takes home The Dam Cup. The football rivalry dates back to 1968 and Vikings hold a slim 20-18-1 lead in the all-time rivalry. Make sure to be in attendance when the Vikings take on Eastern Washington as it’s one of the best games of the year.

Portland State Vikings Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The Portland State Vikings play at Providence Park in downtown Portland meaning you won’t find as much traditional tailgating here as you will elsewhere. However, you will find lots of great bars and restaurants to grab a drink or bite to eat at. A Portland State pregame is perfect for those of you who love to go to the bars before the game, and even if you prefer traditional tailgating, you’ll still find plenty here to keep you entertained.

One of the best bars to check out before the game is The Cheerful Bullpen, which is located a block from the stadium. The Cheerful Bullpen features everything you’d want in a sports bar, and you’ll also find a block party atmosphere right outside of it on Vikings game days.

Those of you who want more traditional tailgating will want to reserve a spot in the tailgate lot at SW 18th and Salmon. Here you’ll be able to grill out with fellow Vikings fans. Spaces go quickly though, so make sure to reserve your spot well in advance.

Finally, don’t miss the Vik Walk before the game. The Vik Walk takes place two and a half hours before the game and is a fantastic way to get into the game day spirit as you’ll join the football team and cheerleaders as they make their way to the stadium.

Get to Providence Park early and enjoy all the pregame festivities surrounding a Vikings game to get the most out of your trip to Portland.

Traditions

Vik Walk

The Vik Walk takes place two and a half hours before kickoff and is your chance to see your favorite Vikings up close. The Portland State football team, cheer squad, and fans make their way up SW Taylor to Providence Park during the Vik Walk, so join in and make your way to the stadium with the team.

Facing the Crowd

Michael Stutz’s Facing the Crowd consists of two sculptures outside Providence Park. The faces depict a laughing man and a smiling boy and are a must-see for anyone attending a game at Providence Park. See both sculptures and snap a picture with them to commemorate your trip to Portland.

Providence Park Main Entrance and Marquee

Before entering Providence Park, stop by and check out the marquee at the main entrance. The old-fashioned marquee features today’s matchup as well as the team’s upcoming schedule.

Where to tailgate

Tailgate Lot on SW 18th & Salmon

If you want to tailgate, then reserve a spot in the tailgate lot. There isn’t a lot of parking or room for tailgating around Providence Park, so spaces go quickly.

Budweiser & Hop Valley Pregame Tailgate

Stop by the Budweiser & Hop Valley Pregame Tailgate outside The Cheerful Bullpen. Here you’ll find food, music, and drinks making it an excellent place to hang out before the game.

The Cheerful Bullpen

The Cheerful Bullpen offers one of the best sports bar experiences in the Portland area and is a great place to grab a drink before attending a Vikings game. You’ll find lots of Vikings fans here on game days, so stop by and have a drink with your fellow supporters.

Marathon Taverna

Marathon Taverna is located within five minutes of Providence Park and offers an excellent spot to grab some drinks before the game. The pub is home to a fantastic atmosphere on game days, so stop in and have a drink.

Portland State Vikings Stadium Guide

In Game

Providence Park opened in 1926 making it one of the most historic venues in the FCS. The stadium oozes history and over the years has hosted many major events. As a result, the stadium has an aura to it that any sports fan would enjoy, making a trip to Providence Park for a Portland State football game a must for any FCS football fan.

In addition to the history that you’ll feel at Providence Park, you’ll also enjoy the performances of the Portland State spirit groups throughout the game. The pep band will keep you, and the rest of the crowd pumped up with their music, and you won’t want to miss the routines of Victor E. Viking, the cheerleaders, or the dance team.

Providence Park is a fun place to take in a college football game, and if you want to enjoy a classic venue, then you can’t beat a trip to Providence Park.

Things to check out

Family Fun Zone

Located under the video board, the Family Fun Zone is the perfect place to take the kids before or during the game. The Family Fun Zone features a wide variety of kids activities, so make sure to check it out.

Providence Park and Timbers History

In addition to being the home of the Vikings Providence Park is also the oldest stadium in Major League Soccer and the home of the Portland Timbers. Check out the historical displays around the concourse to learn more about the Timbers and their history. The displays do an incredible job of showcasing the history of both the club and the venue, so enter the stadium early and take them all in.

Portland State Pep Band

The Portland State Pep Band fires up the crowd with their tunes and creates a fun atmosphere inside Providence Park. No Vikings game would be complete without the pep band, so enjoy their performance throughout the game.

Victor E. Viking

Be on the lookout for Portland State’s mascot Victor E. Viking. He performs all kinds of stunts at games, and if you see him on the concourse make sure to give him a high five.

Cheerleaders

Join the cheerleaders as they try and help propel the Vikings to victory. The cheerleaders do a fantastic job of pumping up the crowd, making them a can’t-miss part of any game.

Dance Team

Don’t miss the dance team’s performances during the game. The dance team will dazzle you with their routines, so don’t leave your seat when you see them take the field.

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