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(This photo of the Hawthorne Bridge is for illustration purposes only. Translation: it’s a pretty stock photo because we couldn’t find a good one of the Morrison Bridge.)
A DSN visitor emailed this to us earlier today…
Got a tip for you here, if you haven’t already heard it…
The Willamette Light Brigade plans to light the Morrison Bridge in downtown Portland in Purple and Gold this week. Ironic/angering timing considering the UW UO football game this weekend. Even as a diehard 3rd generation Beaver alumni this frustrates me. I can’t remember any OSU or UO heritage weeks recently? And to do that while 20000 duck fans drive by each day? I already emailed the contact at their website encouraging them to prepare for some serious flack from Duck/Pac10 Fans.
Willamette Light Brigade
http://www.lightthebridges.org/index.php
OK. I’m only familiar with “The Charge of the Light Brigade”, not the Willamete Light Brigade. Considering there’s something here that got a Beaver fan all worked up, I went to the source.
According the website, this is their purpose:
WHY LIGHT PORTLANDS BRIDGES?
To make the Willamette River and its bridges the visual focus of our city by night as well as by day.
To visually enhance the historic and remarkable features of the bridges.
To highlight and honor these structures which connect the mutually-dependant east and west neighborhoods of Portland.
To show in a bright and cheerful manner the civic pride felt by those who live and work here.
To strengthen positive impressions of our city gained by visitors, business and tourist alike.
To add a dimension of delight to river crossings.
Up until this point, I’m fine with all that. I like the idea of lighting up bridges. I think it should be done throughout the state. I don’t care what it costs. Wouldn’t lighting up the bridges over the Willamette and McKenzie rivers around Eugene add a little cheer and civic pride to those hideously boring pieces of architecture? Sure they would. And of course that’s why it will never happen. Because it makes sense.
But this is the part I don’t understand:
Purple and gold this week to celebrate the University of Washington and support the Huskies!
WHAT?! IN THE CITY OF PORTLAND? IN OREGON? AND WHY CAN’T YOU DO THIS IN VANCOUVER…WASHINGTON! OR BRITISH COLUMBIA! WHO IN THE WIDE, WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS APPROVED THIS? WHAT BUREAUCRATIC MONKEY WITH THE CITY OF PORTLAND, MULTNOMAH COUNTY, THE STATE OF OREGON OK’D THIS? I WANT A HEAD ON A PLATTER NOW! I DEMAND SATISFACTION! I DEMAND JUSTICE!
Needless to say, this makes very little sense to me and has me quite perplexed.
I have but one question: could Duck fans get away with this in Seattle? (Because you know there are like 50,000 Oregon alumni up there.)
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Does this make sense to you?
If it does not, and you’re interested in bringing on “The Charge of the Heavy Brigade”, let them know at information@LightTheBridges.org.
“When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made!”
JM, thanks for the tip.
- Duck Sports News staff
[UPDATE: Addicted to Quack has a good follow-up to this story here.]
Tags: Bridge, ducks football, Husky Football, Morrison Bridge, oregon, Oregon Ducks, Oregon Football, Portland, University of Oregon, University of Washington, washington huskies
Nor-Cal Scott Says:
October 21st, 2009 at 5:34 pm
As a Northern Cal guy I’ve been to Portland over 100 times on business the past 20 years. I have never in my life have heard of a more ridiculous idea- purple & gold lights in support of UofW in Portland, Oregon.
Whoever approved this idea should be tarred & duck feathered. My gut tells me he/she is a native WA person, and would not be shocked to find out also a Huskie alum.
That would be like lighting our famed Golden Gate or Bay Bridge in Scarlet & Gold the same week Cal or Stanfurd is hosting U$C… major outrage would hit the bay area.
GO BEARS!!!
Geoff Says:
October 21st, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I am sick to my stomach
tim Says:
October 21st, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Purple is also one of the colors of the University of Portland, which resides in, obviously, Portland. Forget about it; just pretend the bridge will be lit that color because of the Pilots and not the Huskies. Who cares what some bitter UW alumni, who is in charge of the glamorous job of bridge lighting chooses to light the bridge.
Oregon is going to light up the Huskies for 30+ points so let’s just call it a draw
malik Says:
October 21st, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Purple for the Pilots and Gold for the Ducks!!
Kristin T Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:50 am
I. can’t. believe. this.
What are they thinking???!
duckfootballfan Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:43 am
It looks like anyone with a few hundred bucks can sponsor a bridge lighting in their choice of colors. Apparently some Husky fan is having a little fun in the city of Portland!
Mind you, I dislike the Huskies but I’ve got to admit this is a pretty funny rivalry week jab at the Ducks.
Somebody had better pay for Green & Yellow for Cival War week or else we’re gonna see Black and Orange!
Chuck Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 am
Hang some HUSKIES SUCK!! or Huck The Fuskies! banners over the bridge
Chuck Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:08 am
It’s Purple and Gold for for the huskies and no one else, so don’t fool yourselvs.
Husky Heritage Week
Date: 10-19-2009 thru 10-25-2009
Location:
“Purple and Gold this week to celebrate the University of Washington and support the Huskies!”
Phil Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:23 am
Multnomah County has an application on line for you to buy light displays. It is only costing a Husky fan $100. per night to antagonize us Duck supporters. Would of thought the County might have checked the schedule before approving…
Pete Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:35 am
A couple things … that is the Hawthorne Bridge, not the Morrison. Also, the Hawthorne bridge doesn’t get Light Brigade special lighting, so this picture is a fake.
It’s possible the Morrison bridge is lit in some school colors, but this picture isn’t relevant to that topic.
Jay Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
Pete -
I just grabbed a photo of any Portland bridge.
J.
carl Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:51 am
Actually a lot of Husky fans live in Portland.
Go Dawgs!
Jay Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
There are a fair number of Oregon grads in Seattle, but that’s not the point.
J.
Jordan Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Who cares? They’re just lights.
Mark Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
What fool sitting in what chair approve this bonehead move?
Sheeesh
Get a clue.
Husky fan Portland resident Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
You have to admit this is a pretty clever prank whatever your college football allegience. And yes, it makes me laugh to think of all the feathers it has ruffled.
GO DAWGS!
KTC Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
ARE YOU FRIGGIN SERIOUS WILLAMETTE LIGHT BRIGADE?! WHAT A HORRENDOUS, OFFENSIVE, APPALLING IDEA TO LIGHT UP OUR FAIR CITY IN SUPPORT OF THE HUSKIES!!! Angry email SENT and word spread to my Duck fan friends via facebook/twitter – TIME TO MOBILIZE DUCK NATION!
Dawg Fan / Duck Hunter Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Its just another sign that UW will always be superior to Oregon!!
You guys probably think the Rose Bowl is a meal you get at a Trailblazers home game!!!
Ha Ha Ha.
Dawg fan Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Awesome.
Scott Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I think this is just great. Enjoy the lights on your way upp to witness the beatdown the Dawgs will put on the Ducks.
Seatown Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Oregon is the red-headed stepchild of the Pac-10.
MillionthDawg Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Bow down to Washington, Duckies! Enjoy the drive over, and the sad, sad drive youll be having when we send you back!
Mr. Smith Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
It was a Duck that sold Portland the original lights.
Duck Hunter Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON!!
Duck Hunter Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I love you Buckey the Duckey!
Expat Husky Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Makes me proud of my alma mater! Go Huskies!
Fish Dawg Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
This is Awesome! Go Dawgs and Cheers to the City of Portland!!
Dan Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Poor Duck fans have their panties in a bunch. I guess you allow this to happen when you have no tradition. Can you imagine if 520 in Seattle was lit up green and yellow this week? Go Husky Heritage Week!
Lane Bailey Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Go Dawgs! Purple is the color of good judgement and loyalty.
Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Green is a safe color, if you don’t know what color to use anywhere use green.
Bob Loblaw Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
BOW DOWN DUCKIES!! We own yer bridges.
Christian Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Duck fans are all are so serious about this? Really? Wow.
Huskies all the way! Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I am from Portland Oregon and a huge Husky Fan. Only Oregon fans would be outraged by something as silly as this. Oregon football fans think their team is gods gift to football when really they are only a mediocre team with a LOT of money behind them. I would love to see them lose this weekend. Go Dawgs!
UdubGirl KD Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Who wouldn’t want to see the colors purple and gold? I’m so sick of green and yellow all over portland. Go Huskies!!!
HuskyZealot Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Go dawgs!
'nother Duck Fan Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Oh come on, this is great! The man saw that he was able to do it, and he took the initiative to do it. They paid the money for it ($500), so I don’t see what the problem is. They could put Husky billboards up for all I care. I hate the Huskies, but I think this was a great joke, and good for him. Gives us a little more to fight for this weekend!
For the record, the article in the Oregonian ran on July 17, so there is no reason for us to be complaining that someone paid the Willamette Light Brigade the fee and is able to represent. If you did something like this in Seattle, you would think you were the smarted person alive, but when someone else is smarter, and faster…?
GO DUCKS!
wheaton4prez Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:01 pm
This person is most likely just laughing at emails sent to them.
The best way to affect the situation would be to send your complaints to the appropriate person representing Multnomah County.
I would make the phone call to figure out who that is. But, I’m in Clackamas County and so wouldn’t have much say anyway.
UWHuskies! Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Hahaha – this makes me so happy! I can just see a ton of Duck fans pissed off about this!
Too bad Ducks fans will never be clever enough to come up with something like this on their own!
Bow down to Washington!
Woofda Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
What’s the big deal, the Ducks don’t use U of O colors for their football “costumes”. Seems like school colors aren’t that important to Duck fans unless it’s on a bridge. Maybe “uncle” Phil can buy the bridges for you fans.
Phil Knight Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I actually paid for those lights. Should I stop paying for unnecessary items in the state of Oregon?
carl Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
It is funny. Take a chill pill.
Ben Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Can you snap a picture for me?
It would look brilliant next to my faded 1991 NC sweatshirt.
Yucky Ducks Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Whoever did this is the my new favorite person. Go Dawgs fans in the PDX!!!!!!
washington Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:50 pm
It shouldn’t bother Duck fans who seem to be used to every color in the rainbow on player’s uniforms. So Purple and Gold is next?
Shiggy (UW) Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:06 am
Heaven Help the Foes of Washington.
They’re Trembling at the Feet of Mighty Washington!
Bummed that a lowly Husky grad was quicker on the uptake than UO fans?
Go Dawgs! Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:20 am
How about this Duck fans. The next time you win a Rose Bowl they can change the colors to Green & Gold. It’s only been 92 years…most teams in the Pac-10 and Big-10 should have accidentally won one by then…
Go Dawgs!
Beaverton Dawg Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Love it! Will be even sweeter after the Dawgs light up the Ducks tomorrow. A symbolic restoration of The Universe’s Proper Order.
Cheryl Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Why don’t you just have Phil Knight BUY the Morrison Bridge and then he can decorate it however he chooses!
Legarrette Blount Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Time for another… BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON!!!
Dan Dawg Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
OH Clever. Clever! Ducks fans should stop complaining and start thinking about a better prank… if they can! aha! Kudos to the guy who did it! Brilliant!
Woof Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Seriously??
Get over it Duck fan! You got – GOT! Only Duck fan would actually get pissed at this and start blaming some paid off bureaucrat! Like Canzano said, tip your cap and come back with something stronger next year. Maybe Phil can buy you your own little duck bridge with lights and feathers.
They are lights… on a bridge. It’s not like anyone got punched in the jaw!
Dawgs Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
http://www.gohuskies.com/blog/assets_c/2009/10/HuskyBridge3web-thumb-200×134-2207.gif
HUSKY FAN Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
GO HUSKIES!!!!!
Bend it like Wheaton Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I could just puke knowing someone did this. Someone needs to be fired NOW! This is total BS because they would never let this happen in Seattle. Oh well, we still an NBA team!!! HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!!!
sammydawg Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
A UW Alum saw an opening and took it! I’m interested in what will happen next year….this could be entertaining, but all in good fun! Go DAWGS!
malik Says:
October 28th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Congrats UW!! You lit up our bridge, and we lit up your scoreboard!! Fair trade I’d say!
GO DUCKS!!!