CONCERT: The Rolling Stones wanted to perform at Autzen, but the athletic department says the football team needs the stadium

By Sarah Keech
Higher Education Reporter

Rock and roll greats, the Rolling Stones, asked the University athletic department if they could play at Autzen Stadium this coming September, but previously arranged football practices put an end to their plans.

Sandy Walton, senior associate athletic director, confirmed that the Rolling Stones contacted the athletic department before Christmas interested in playing at Autzen.

"We tried to find a way to fit them in, but in the end it just could not happen," Walton said.

Jaime Klund, sports information director, explained it was not feasible to disrupt the stadium with a big event in the middle of football season.

"Concerts take days to prepare for, and we did not have the time to schedule it all during football season," Klund said.

The date the Rolling Stones were set to play was September 30, right in the middle of the University's football season.

"Autzen was built to be a football facility; that's what it's for," Klund said.

The University would have received an estimated $150,000 for the performance.

Klund went on to say that the University and the athletic department were not trying to deny Oregonians the chance to see one of the greatest rock and roll bands around. They just have priorities and football is the big one.

The last time the Rolling Stones played in Oregon was on July 21, 1966 at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

For more news see IORR 28 issued late April 1997.