Oregon State University – Go Beavs Collection

The Grateful Dead’s connection to Oregon State University is both historic and electrifying. Their first performance at OSU was on November 15, 1968, at Gill Coliseum, co-sponsored by the Students for a Democratic Society and the Black Student Union. Complete with a light show by Gretz and Co., and featured opening acts Mint Tattoo and Big City Blue. The evening was described as a “sock-hop dance,” inviting attendees to dress in costume or “grubby” attire, capturing the free-spirited essence of the era.  The Dead returned to Gill Coliseum on January 17, 1970, delivering a legendary performance that has since become a cherished part of OSU’s musical heritage. The setlist included classics like “Dire Wolf,” “China Cat Sunflower” transitioning into “I Know You Rider,” and an epic sequence of “Dark Star > St. Stephen > The Eleven > Turn On Your Love Light.”  This collection pays homage to the enduring bond between the Grateful Dead and the Oregon State University community. Featuring one-of-a-kind graphics and officially licensed apparel, it’s a tribute to the timeless groove that continues to resonate in Corvallis and beyond.