VIDEO: Giant Oregon Duck inflatable hits Indiana river ahead of UO's Big Ten premier

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A 65-foot-tall Oregon Duck inflatable floated Indiana’s White River on Tuesday as the University of Oregon preps for its premier in the Big Ten Conference.

When asked for details about the inflatable, University of Oregon Athletics Spokesperson Jimmy Stanton told KOIN 6 News, “well, The Duck likes to make a splash sometimes…”

A spokesperson for Indiana's White River State Park said the inflatable celebrated the University of Oregon joining the Big Ten.

It is not clear if Tuesday was the only day the duck would float the river. However, a spokesperson for the state park told KOIN 6 News they were deflating it late in the afternoon.

On Monday, UO's athletics account on X -- formerly Twitter -- teased “something B1G is coming,” with a photo of The Duck mascot.

The Duck’s appearance comes after the University of Oregon was among three other schools to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten conference.

In August, the Big Ten conference voted to accept Oregon effective Aug. 2, 2024.

In a statement regarding the move, University of Oregon President Karl Scholz previously said, “I’m thrilled that the University of Oregon has the opportunity to join the nation's preeminent academic-athletic conference,” adding, “Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country.”

University of Oregon Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Rob Mullens previously described how the move will put Oregon on the national stage.

“Accepting membership into the Big Ten Conference is a transformational opportunity for the University of Oregon to change the short and long-term trajectory of our university and athletics department,” Mullens said. “The stability and exposure of joining the Big Ten is of great benefit to the University of Oregon, and we are grateful to the Big Ten presidents and chancellors for accepting our application to join the conference. We look forward to the opportunity for our student-athletes to compete in this conference, which includes many of the best programs in the nation in every sport.”