10. Bowl games, bowl games, bowl games
Enjoy one of the few events that the worldwide leader truly pulls off like a champion. ESPN owns the broadcasting rights to the majority of the 34 games that will conclude right around the same time you are expected to return for winter quarter.
9. Channel your inner Tonya Harding
No, we are not talking about falling off the deep end and arranging to have your significant other take a crowbar to your opponent, but instead strapping up some skates and hitting the ice. Ice skating rinks are found in Vancouver, Beaverton and Lloyd Center Mall, among other locations.
8. Support your local LumberJax/Winterhawks
With winter nearly upon us, the Trail Blazers are not the only professional sports franchise to support. The Portland Winterhawks, who play in the WHL, have six games during the break, and though the team has struggled of late, the cheap tickets and potential for the gloves to be dropped make it worth it.
The LumberJax, Portland’s professional lacrosse team, kick off their season at the Rose Garden on Jan. 3. The club made it all the way to the league championship last season.
7. Take up the disc
Ultimate Frisbee is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the United States, and Portland seems to be one of the Mecca’s for that growth. Check out portlandultimate.org for a list of pick-up games and tournaments.
6. Lights, camera, couch potato
The winter break offers you a chance to catch up on the plethora of sports-themed movies. The Vanguard recommends A League of Their Own, Miracle, Chariots of Fire, White Men Can’t Jump, Hoop Dreams, The Natural, Hoosiers and, of course, Rocky. That should keep you busy for a while.
5. Hit the pavement
Don’t let the wet and chilly weather deter you from getting in shape, even before you make those stupid New Year’s resolutions to shed the pounds. Portland is one of the best cities for runners at all levels and even features a First Run Race on New Year’s Eve.
4. Enjoy Oregon’s outdoors
One of the biggest secrets at Portland State is the terrific equipment rental center operated by the Outdoor Program. Students receive ultra-inexpensive rates on everything you could need for an outdoor activity, whether it’s stoves and tents for a camping trip, or ocean kayaks and wet suits for a day-trip to the coast.
3. Head to the Rose Garden to catch a Blazers game
Over the break the Blazers, who are off to their best start in five years, play host to a number of quality opponents, including Orlando, Phoenix, Denver, Toronto and Boston. Tickets can be found for cheap on Craigslist and through the Blazers ticket resale center.
2. Relive your childhood fantasies
We’re not talking about those kind of fantasies, but rather your football/basketball/soccer fantasies. The kind where you envisioned yourself, an out-of-shape, un-athletic and uncoordinated individual, throwing or catching the winning touchdown pass. Get a group of buddies together and hit up one of the many parks or courts around the metro area.
1. Follow the Vikings
Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams feature a bunch of good games during December. The men take on Washington, Gonzaga and open their Big Sky season against Montana on Dec. 20 at the Stott Center. The women also head to Spokane to face Gonzaga and will square off against Manhattan and Utah Valley at home.