Students camp for Civil War tickets; What's that they smell? Roses?

CORVALLIS - Reser Stadium's parking lot turned into a giant campout Sunday night, with more than 200 tents and hundreds of Oregon State University students waiting in line for tickets to the Civil War.

This year, a trip to the Rose Bowl could be on the line during the big game against the University of Oregon.

Some Beaver fans said they staked out spots for tickets Saturday - while the OSU versus Cal game was still underway.

MBA student Mike Chowdhury got in line at 4 p.m. Sunday, and there were well more than 100 tents in front of him.

"If I'd known that, I would have come earlier," said the 25-year-old, as he looked at his laptop computer. "I'm on ESPN right now, but I will study, I promise."

He'd better, since he has two tests today, the first of which starts at noon.

Tickets were scheduled to be given to students starting at 7:30 a.m. today.

Tyler Greenwalt, 20, in the parking spot adjacent to Chowdhury, went to unusual lengths to prepare before getting in line - and it didn't have anything to do with cold weather clothing or bringing food.

To get Civil War tickets this morning, students must have student section ticket stubs from the five previous home games.

"I was on Craigslist all night and all this morning to find a USC one and a Hawaii one," said Greenwalt, a junior majoring in pre-business.

He paid $25 for the two used tickets, and saw a set of all five offered online for $80.

Those with four ticket stubs can get Civil War tickets Wednesday, if they're still available.

While some students planned to sleep in their tents, others were outdoors in camping chairs, such as freshman Justin Petersen, 18, who was set to stay up all night. "I've got three Mountain Dews, doughnuts," he said.

Some students wrapped themselves in blankets and complained about the chilly night. "It's not like it's going to rain. It's going to be dry. Couldn't ask for better conditions," said Cheri Hahn, a 30-year-old MBA student.

There also were Beaver fans throwing around footballs, socializing with friends and having pizzas delivered to the parking lot.

"Best party in Corvallis tonight, the sidewalk in front of Reser," said Luke Starr, 30, of Monroe, a "first year" senior in wood science and engineering. He and friends had been there since 7:45 p.m. Saturday, and they were laughing around a campfire built in a Weber barbecue grill on Sunday night.

"What do you smell? I smell roses," Starr exclaimed.

OSU Sports Information Director Steve Fenk said this was the most ever student participation and excitement around the team.

"There were a couple of other years that they've been really into it, but this year has been by far the best," he added.

Colby Prince, a 2007 West Albany graduate and a tight end for the Beavers, said he saw some of the camping activity.

"It's crazy," he said, on the way to work out at the Truax Indoor Practice Facility. "It's awesome. The fan support has been great, especially the last game."

Kyle Odegard covers Oregon State University. He can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.