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The Ducks are traveling to 'Happy Valley,' but not the one you think

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 17:52 GMT by Oregonian
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The Ducks Are Traveling to Happy Valley—But Not the One You Think

The University of Oregon’s storied “Ducks” are heading out of the Ducks‑billed world for an unusual stop: a small town called Happy Valley, but not the one in the state. In a headline that has already sparked a flurry of “I knew that!” comments, the Ducks are making a trip to the Arkansas‑based Happy Valley that will see the men’s basketball team compete in a pre‑season showcase against local talent and enjoy a brief but meaningful break from the rigors of the Pac‑12 schedule.

Why Happy Valley, Arkansas?
The event is part of the Arkansas Holiday Invitational, a two‑day competition featuring college‑level teams from the West and the South. The Invitational’s organizers, a coalition of Arkansas community leaders and college coaches, have been courting high‑profile teams in an effort to raise the state’s profile as a hub for collegiate sports and to give local high‑school and junior‑college athletes the opportunity to play against a nationally ranked opponent. Happy Valley, Arkansas—known for its lush farmland, the riverfront park in the center of town, and an unexpectedly lively downtown—has a newly renovated gym that meets NCAA specifications, making it the ideal venue for the Ducks.

The Ducks’ head coach, Mike Smith, emphasized the value of the stopover in a recent interview. “It’s a chance for our guys to experience a different environment, bond on the road, and play a competitive game outside of conference play,” Smith said. “We also love getting back to smaller communities. The people of Happy Valley are incredibly welcoming, and we’re excited to share a game with them.”

Travel and Logistics
The Ducks will depart from the University of Oregon’s on‑campus sports‑flight on Friday, September 13th, heading to Little Rock. From there, they’ll connect to a smaller regional airline that will take them to the regional airport just outside Happy Valley. The team will be housed in a local hotel in the town’s main street district, which boasts several family‑owned restaurants that the Ducks have already requested to accommodate their dietary needs.

Coach Smith noted the logistics were straightforward: “We’re staying three nights—Thursday through Sunday—so we’re not over‑traveling, but it’s a nice break in between the early‑season conference games. We’ll get a chance to rehearse our set plays and run through film in a setting that’s not like the usual gym.”

The Match
The Ducks will face the Happy Valley High School Blue‑Robins—a team that, surprisingly, ranks in the top 10 in the state for scoring. The game is scheduled for Saturday evening at 7 p.m., giving the Ducks a chance to test their defensive schemes against a fast‑break offense. According to the Arkansas Holiday Invitational website, the game will count as an official NCAA “non‑conference” match for the Ducks, which means it can impact their early‑season record and potentially their resume for post‑season tournament consideration.

Community and Cultural Significance
The article highlights how the event is a cultural exchange. “When the Ducks come here, they’re not just players. They’re ambassadors for Oregon,” said Linda Martinez, director of the Happy Valley Community Center, who is also the coordinator for the Invitational. “We’re proud to host them and give our students a taste of how a different part of the country celebrates college basketball.”

In addition to the game, the Ducks will participate in a community outreach program where they’ll host a youth clinic at the Happy Valley Boys & Girls Club. The clinic will teach fundamentals of basketball, teamwork, and the importance of academic balance. The article reports that the club’s leader, Coach James Allen, is looking forward to the Ducks’ presence: “We’ve never had a Division I team play in our community. It’s going to be a great learning experience for our kids.”

What About the “Happy Valley” You’re Thinking Of?
The headline “but not the one you think” was a playful nod to the fact that many Oregon readers will first assume the Ducks are headed to the city of Happy Valley, Oregon—a small unincorporated community near Eugene that’s famous for its quirky “Happy Valley Days” festival. However, the Ducks’ itinerary is firmly set for Arkansas, a decision made in partnership with the Arkansas Holiday Invitational organizers and the Ducks’ athletic department. The article makes it clear that the Ducks are not visiting the Oregon town at all, and it offers a side note about the Oregon community’s own local “Happy Valley” festival that has nothing to do with the upcoming event.

Looking Ahead
The Ducks are set to return to the Pacific Northwest early next week, with their first Pac‑12 game scheduled for Thursday, September 22nd. The article ends on an optimistic note, suggesting that the early‑season showcase in Happy Valley will serve as a springboard for a strong start to the Ducks’ campaign. Coach Smith said, “It’s all about momentum. We’ll finish the day with the community, head back to the bus, and get ready to bring the energy back to Eugene.”

The Ducks are traveling to Happy Valley—just not the Happy Valley your head may conjure. Instead, they’re heading to a small Arkansas town that’s ready to welcome a Division I program, share a love of the game, and perhaps leave the Ducks with a new appreciation for the diverse corners of America where college sports thrive.