Changing the name of a city isn't something you hear about every day. Once a town has its name, there's not a whole lot that can ever change it. That is unless there's a big college football game coming up, and you want to let people know which school your city supports. That is why Oregon, Ohio is now known as 'Oregon, Ohio Buckeyes on the Bay, City of Duck Hunters.'
Yes, that is the full name. At least until next week.
Here's the breakdown: the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship (essentially the Superbowl of college football) takes place on Jan. 12. The two teams in the game are the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. Considering that the Ducks are from Oregon (the state), city officials in Oregon (the city) wanted to make it clear just which team they were supporting.
The rivalry is huge, though it is a bit one-sided: Ohio State is easily the stronger team from a purely statistics-based perspective, with several wins over Oregon over the years (including two Rose Bowl victories). It's certainly not as back-and-forth as other rivalries, but that doesn't make it any less intense.
A statement from city officials stated:
"Whereas, the City of Oregon officially adopted its name in 1838 as Oregon Township which happens to be 21 years before the State of Oregon received its statehood in 1859...And The City of Oregon has been petitioned by residents of the city to make it clear that we are not associated with Oregon University Ducks Football."
Basically, the city of Oregon, Ohio just called dibs on the name while simultaneously declaring loyalty to the Buckeyes. Even if you don't watch college football, that is absolutely fantastic.
The College Football Playoff National Championship is set for Jan. 12.
Lead image: Nike
