By Rob Moseley

Editor, GoDucks.com

A year after installing a DAS system to increase bandwith for fans using mobile devices at Autzen Stadium, the UO athletic department in 2015 is introducing services that take advantage of the new technology.

In response to issues raised in surveys conducted by Oregon athletics, fans will be able to scan mobile tickets from smart phones at Autzen's gates when the Ducks open the season Saturday against Eastern Washington. Also, a new Go Ducks Oregon Gameday app will enhance the stadium experience by providing streaming audio and other features.

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In addition, concession stands throughout the stadium now will accept credit cards, and the available offerings have been expanded to include, among other new items, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Local food trucks will be stationed at the stadium's southwest corner to provide additional choices.

The most recent enhancements were spurred in part by survey results published last year by Turnkey Sports. The survey included more than 76,000 season-ticket holders from 68 FBS schools; more than 20 percent were from Pac-12 schools, including nearly 4,000 from Oregon, the highest response rate of all schools.

UO officials were gratified by survey results that generally reported positive experiences for Duck fans. Using a 1-to-10 rating scale, UO season-ticket holders reported an overall satisfaction level of 8.2, compared with 6.6 for the rest of the Pac-12 and 6.7 nationally. Single-game ticket buyers at Autzen had an average satisfaction level of 8.3, compared with 7.0 across the Pac-12 and 7.1 nationally.

The new features at Autzen for the 2015 season follow on the heels of the “Zen North” enhancement to the stadium's north side in 2013, and lower fares for Lane Transit District shuttles as of last season.

Among planned future enhancements are an upgrade to the stadium's public-address system. That project was initially budgeted for completion in time for the 2015 season, but unforeseen maintenance expenses arose totaling $1.4 million, temporarily delaying the upgrade.