Oklahoma Sooners
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Memorial Stadium |
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Memorial Stadium's rich heritage has not hindered its evolution, a never-ending growth fueled by the football program's overwhelming popularity. Almost since its inception, the stadium has been a work in progress.
That fact holds true today. The recent $75 million expansion and renovation of OU's football stadium transformed a towering concrete structure into a beautiful facility featuring the brick and cast stone that characterizes OU's historic campus.
A clock tower on the north side of the stadium and expansive tree-lined plazas on the northwest, northeast and southeast corners of the stadium were special features of the new design.
The project also included the addition of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility, a six-level parking structure located west of the stadium, and a war memorial to OU faculty, staff and students who gave their lives in the service of the country.
The project added 8,000 seats, including 27 suites, on the east side for the 2003 season. At the same time, the press box was remodeled and outfitted with several state of the art features.
An additional 27 suites in the new east upper deck opened for the 2004 season bringing the total number of suites to 63 (54 east, nine west). Renovations to the Santee Lounge, restroom and concessions facilities and a new brick facade on the west side further enhanced Oklahoma Memorial Stadium's reputation as one of the finest venues in all of college football.
In the two years prior to the stadium upgrade and expansion, renovations were completed in the coaches' offices, locker rooms, sports medicine and weight training facilities.
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Stadium History |
In 1921, University of Oklahoma students started a movement for construction of a student union. By 1925, the idea had grown to include a combined football stadium/student union. In the original architect's drawings, the north end of the proposed structure was strikingly similar to the present Oklahoma Memorial Union, which eventually was constructed separately when head coach Bennie Owen suggested it would be best to raise funds for a union and a stadium.
The first game played at the site took place Oct. 20,1923 (a 63-7 win over Washington, Mo.), before the stadium/union plan got under way. The field was named Owen Field after Owen, who became a charter member of the National Football Hall of Fame.
In 1925, the first contest was played in front of the new stands on the west side of the field. The 16,000-seat Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, named in honor of University personnel who died in World War I, was erected at a cost of approximately $293,000.
Stands on the east side of the stadium were added prior to the 1929 season. That addition increased the seating capacity to 32,000, where it stood for 20 years. In 1949, OU president George L. Cross pushed for expansion and the result was a six-foot lowering of the old playing surface and the elimination of a running track that surrounded the playing area. The changes produced 7,000 new ringside seats and brought capacity to 55,000. The north end of the stadium also was enclosed. In 1957, green grandstand bleachers were added to the south end of the field, enabling the stadium to hold 61,836 fans.
Eighteen years later came the addition of the upper deck and new press box. Another 8,436 seats were added at a cost of $5,726,345. Capacity for the 1975 National Championship season was 71,187. Before the 1980 season, the old green bleachers were replaced with the new south end zone facility. In addition to improved seating, the complex included coaches' offices, the weight room, meeting rooms, a training room, the equipment room and two locker rooms. The addition brought the stadium capacity to 75,004. Capacity was decreased to 72,765 prior to the 1998 season to provide more wheelchair seating.
In July, 1970 the original natural grass surface was removed and artificial turf was installed. That tartan turf was replaced with super turf before the 1981 season. Owen Field returned to grass in 1994.
A Stadium Master Plan was approved by the OU Board of Regents in June 1994. Construction of nine west side suites began in April 1995 and was completed that year. The suites are leased annually. Eight of the suites seat 12 and the President's suite seats 24.
Subsequent improvements included the installation of stadium lights to allow night games, a new scoreboard and a video screen.
The Barry Switzer Center, named after the former OU head football coach, opened in April 1999. That complex includes a sports medicine facility with the latest equipment and technology to better accommodate OU's student-athletes; the Robin Siegfried and Family Strength and Conditioning Facility, which will accommodate more than 400 athletes; new locker rooms; new coaches offices; the Anderson All-American Plaza and the OU Touchdown Club Legends Lobby. The Legends Lobby features some of OU's finest moments and most legendary figures.
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Parking Information |
2008 Football Parking Map | Public parking is limited on the main campus on game days. Fans are encouraged to arrive early. For pay parking lot locations please refer to the football parking map. There is a $10 charge for parking. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended that fans utilize one of the three shuttle systems available (see below).
Limited parking that once existed on Brooks Street (north of the stadium) is no longer available, and that street has been closed. Patrons are reminded to avoid parking in yellow-curbed areas, fire lanes and grass areas. Vehicles parked in those areas may be towed.
Free parking is available at the Lloyd Noble Center located approximately one mile south of the stadium. A shuttle is provided for $2 round trip and unloads one block south of the stadium on First Street. The shuttle provides return trips for one hour after the conclusion of the game.
Asp Avenue Parking Facility
Patrons parking in the new Asp Avenue Parking facility
may be subject to vehicle searches. Photo identification
matching the name of the person to whom the parking
pass is issued is required. The parking facility closes
on 6 PM each Friday of a home game and re-opens five
hours prior to kickoff on Saturday for those with the
appropriate parking credentials to that facility.
Disability Parking
Reserved disability parking is available for a fee
and is located in the new parking facility connected
to the west side of the stadium. Because of the high
demand for these spaces, they are currently sold out
and a waiting list has been established. To place your
name on the waiting list, please call the Parking & Transportation
office at (405) 325-3311.
Free gameday parking is available at the Lloyd Noble
Center (located approximately one mile south of the
stadium). Patrons with a disability may ride the disability
shuttle for $2 round trip. The disability shuttle originates
at the Lloyd Noble Center and unloads on Asp Avenue,
immediately west of the stadium, by Gates 1 through
4. Because of the high demand for the shuttle service,
the service is restricted to those patrons who have
a disability and one (1) caretaker for riders needing
additional assistance. For more information about disability
parking services, please call the Parking & Transportation
office at (405) 325-3311.
City Streets Parking
The City of Norman will be enforcing parking restrictions
on all streets on gamedays. The primary area of enforcement
will be "No Parking" areas that are not exempted on
gamedays. Please take the time to read the signs before
parking on a city street. Fans are encouraged to use
the free parking areas and shuttles at the Lloyd Noble
Center.
RV Parking
Oklahoma's
RV Tailgate Program | The OU Athletics Department
is pleased to offer 130 RV hookup spots with both 50
(208 volt) and 30 (120 volt) amp options in the southwest
parking lot at the Lloyd Noble Center. Non-electric
spots are located in the northwest parking lot. Shuttles
run continuously from the Lloyd Noble Center to the
stadium starting three hours prior to game time until
one hour after the game.
Bus Parking
Bus parking is available on a first-come, first-served
basis on the South Oval. Once the South Oval bus parking
fills bus drivers will be instructed to unload and
then proceed to the Lloyd Noble Center to park for
the game. There is no charge for bus parking and space
cannot be reserved.
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Gameday Shuttles |
The shuttles at the Lloyd Noble Center begin three hours before kickoff and are available at a cost of $2 per rider. Lift-equipped vans also operate a shuttle to and from the stadium. Those leave from the northeast corner of the LNC parking lot. The shuttles run continuously from three hours before the game until one hour after the game. All patrons at the shuttle stop one hour after the game ends will be transported. For information, call (405) 325-2278.
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Tailgating Policies |
Tailgating on football gamedays is a long-standing tradition at the University of Oklahoma. The University's tailgating policy is designed to ensure:
• The comfort and enjoyment of gameday patrons.
• The safety, security, and well-being of all
people associated with gameday activities, and
• The safeguarding and preservation of all public
property under the management of the University.
The setting up of tents, awnings, and similar equipment
may commence at 12 noon on the day immediately preceding
the game, most typically on Friday for a Saturday game.
The items must be taken down and removed by 12 noon
on the day immediately following, typically Sunday.
Tents, awnings, and similar equipment must be securely
anchored. Stakes must not be longer than 12 inches
in order not to interfere with underground utilities.
Any such items that are set up outside of this timeframe
or that collapse or are blown off their sites will
be removed by the University. The University Administrative
Affairs Office, (405) 325-5161, may be contacted for
information about how items may be recovered. Items
not claimed within a reasonable time may be disposed
of by the University at its discretion.
Tents, awnings, similar items, and tailgating activities
of any kind are prohibited on several locations including
the North and South Ovals, Jacobson Hall and Carpenter
Hall lawns, Heisman Park and student residential areas.
Tailgating activity that takes up vacant parking spaces
or otherwise interferes with vehicle movement within
a parking lot is prohibited. In order to protect parking
lot surfaces, tents, awnings, and similar items that
require ground stakes are prohibited.
Tailgating activity that takes up vacant parking spaces
or interferes with traffic flow within a parking lot
is prohibited. Use of ground stakes in parking lots
is prohibited.
The University will provide portable toilets
at convenient locations around the grounds. Individuals,
groups or businesses are prohibited from bringing or
arranging the delivery of their own toilets. Generators
may be used so long as they do not damage University
property; if a generator is placed on a grassy area
it must rest on a board or other hard material to protect
the grass and soil beneath.
The hooking into, connecting to, or similar use of
University utilities and/or television or communication
cable services is prohibited. Food and beverages shall
be for personal consumption only. Sales are prohibited.
Gas and charcoal grills with covers are permitted.
Open flames are prohibited.
Corporate or commercially sponsored tailgates are prohibited
except in designated locations. Those who wish to organize
and provide such sites should contact Sooner Sports
Properties at (405) 325-2148. Companies are prohibited
from issuing free or sample products without being
properly licensed by the University. The University
Real Estate Operations Office may
be contacted for information by calling (405) 325-6041.
Small non-University vehicles such as golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, and the like are prohibited on campus.
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Sooner Fan Fest |
Sooner Fan Fest, presented by Cox Communications, is a free, interactive fan entertainment area located on the grounds directly north of the stadium. The event is free to the public and includes food vendors, games for children, autograph opportunities, radio pre-game shows and Go Vision, a transportable 16' x 10' video board that will feature live games from across the country, Sooner football highlights and interactive audience interviews. KRXO 107.7 FM and KOKC 1520 AM will also broadcast pre-game shows live from the location. Sooner Fan Fest opens three hours prior to kickoff and closes when the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band enters the stadium or start of the game. View more information here.
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Accessing the Stadium |
• Access Management System will be used for entry at all gates. The bar code on each ticket will be scanned by the gate attendant. Each individual is encouraged to hold their own ticket to assist in expediting the scanning process. As fans enter the stadium, they should make sure that the ticket-taker has scanned the ticket(s) to ensure that your attendance is counted towards your priority points. If a ticket is damaged and cannot be scanned, fans should visit one of the ticket resolution centers at Ticket Office near Gate 1 and gates 5, 7, 10 and 12.
• Students (Gates 7 & 12) and suite and club seat holders and Santee Lounge guests (Gates 3, 10 and Asp Parking Garage Level 5) may enter the stadium two hours prior to kickoff. All others may enter 90 minutes before kickoff.
• Gates for general public entry are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12.
• East side suite and club seat holders may enter through gate 10 or any other gate. An interior entrance for club and suite holders also exists inside the stadium at gate 10 for patrons who may have entered the stadium at another location.
• Student ticket upgrades will be addressed at Gate 7.
• Public Will Call, lost ticket reports and Disability Services are located in the main ticket office, located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility, near Gate 1.
• Pedestrians coming to the stadium from the
north can walk south down Asp Avenue, then follow sidewalks
to the east of Oklahoma Memorial Union and Price College
of Business. Fans can also go west on sidewalks south
of the Union that run through an area between the Library
and the College of Business to a sidewalk on the north
end of Van Fleet Oval. Also available are the sidewalks
down Jenkins Avenue, which is one block east of Asp.
• Re-entry to the stadium is only permissible
for those patrons departing for medical or emergency
purposes and only with a pass out check and ticket
stub.
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Restricted Items & Searches |
Only those items needed for medical or family needs plus empty, clear personal-sized containers suitable for drinking water are permitted. All carried items and entrants are subject to search. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner's car or discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation and the person in possession of such items is subject to arrest.
Prohibited items include:
• Alcoholic beverages
• Baby seats
• Baby strollers
• Backpacks, fanny packs or any bag larger
than 10" by 10"
• Balloons
• Banners, Signs
• Beach Balls
• Cameras (professional equipment or cameras with
long telephoto lenses)
• Coolers or containers
• Explosives
• Folding chairs or stools
• Food and beverages
• Ice chests
• Laser pointers
• Pets (with the exception of service animals
used by disabled guests)
• Personal heaters
• Purses larger than 10" x 10"
• Stadium seats with armrests and/or over 16 inches
wide
• Umbrellas (per Big 12 Conference policies)
• Noisemakers of any type (i.e. air horn, plastic
horn, whistles, etc.)
• Video cameras
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Special Seating Requirements |
Oklahoma offers ADA seating the day of the game. OU will trade two (2) of your current tickets for two (2) ADA seats: one (1) for the person in need of assistance and one (1) for a companion. It is on a first come, first served basis. Those interested will need to come to the OU Athletics Ticket Office located in the Asp Ave. Parking Facility immediately west of the stadium in order to exchange tickets for ADA seating on the day of the game.
Elevator Passes
The season ticket holder must provide a doctor's note
stating that an elevator is required due to a medical
condition. This letter must be presented to the ticket
office prior to the day of the event. Please contact
the OU
Athletics Ticket Office.
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Stadium Regulations |
Unauthorized solicitation inside or outside the stadium is prohibited. Throwing objects onto the playing field is prohibited and punishable by state and local law. Violators are subject to immediate arrest, prosecution, and revocation of this license.
Any person who enters the field area without the appropriate University-issued credential is trespassing and is subject to immediate arrest, prosecution, and revocation of this license. All signs, banners, placards and leaflets are prohibited inside the stadium except as authorized in advance by the OU Athletics Department.
Management reserves the right to eject, and revoke any ticket to future events without refund, any person who violates any of the terms of the license (refer to back of ticket) or any state, local, or federal laws. Violators are subject to immediate arrest, prosecution, and permanent revocation of this license.
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Miscellaneous Items |
ATM: ATM machines are located near Sections 2 (Gate 2) and Section 32 (Gate 10).
Cameras: Point-and-shoot cameras are permitted inside the stadium. Video cameras are prohibited inside the stadium.
Chair Back Rental: Available at all major entrances of the stadium for a fee of $5.
Checked Items: If a guest has items that cannot be brought into the facility, those items are not to be left at the gate for pickup after the game.
Concessions: Concession stands are located throughout the stadium. No outside food or beverages are permitted.
Disability Seating: The OU Athletics Ticket Office on the plaza level of of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of the stadium will have a window dedicated to ADA/wheelchair ticket exchange on gameday. You may also call toll-free (800) 456-GoOU.
Evacuation: In case of evacuation, instructions will be relayed over the public address system. Gate personnel and ushers will assist directing fans to the appropriate exits.
First Aid: The Gomer Jones Medical Facility is located at the north end of the stadium near section 19 on the ground level. Phone is (405) 325-8470.
Gates Open: Student gates 7 and 12 and suite/club seat holder gates 3 and 10 open two hours prior to kickoff. All other gates open one and one-half hour prior to kickoff.
Guest Service Kiosk: Kiosks will be located near gates 1, 5, 7, 11 and 12 along with upper decks on east and west. The kiosks are available to provide fans with a convenient location to obtain information, offer suggestions, voice concerns and request assistance during games.
Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, (i.e. dangerous winds, tornado, electrical storm, etc.) all guests must be advised that it is in their best interest to seek shelter. Emergency instructions will be delivered via the public address system and the message boards when possible.
Lost Children: Parents/guardians with a lost
child should contact the nearest police officer or
event staff member. That person will then contact the
proper personnel to insure the quickest remedy to the
situation. If a child gets separated from his/her party,
he/she should notify the nearest police officer or
event staff member. If the child knows his/her seat
location, attempts will be made to return the child
to that location.
Pick up a Tag-A-Kid wristband at the Oklahoma Highway
Patrol booth in Fan Fest or at any guest services kiosk.
A representative will provide children a wristband
containing their parent or guardian's name and seat
location, making it easier to reunite the parties should
they become separated.
Lost & Found: Lost items recovered during the game will be delivered to the Gomer Jones Medical Facility office on the north end of the stadium. After the game, all unclaimed items are turned over to the OU Physical Plant (405) 325-6953.
Merchandise & Game Programs: Merchandise stands are located along the concourse on each side of the stadium. Official game programs are on sale outside the stadium and at select locations inside the stadium.
Radios/Televisions: Single speaker radios and hand held televisions are allowed into the stadium only if they do not interfere with other guests' enjoyment of the game.
Smoking: Smoking is allowed only in the following designated areas: Gates 1, 5, 7 and 11; west side ramps at the Santee Lounge and upper deck levels; upper deck concourse outside section 234/235.
Throwing Items: Throwing items will not be tolerated. The offender will be removed from the stadium and is subject to arrest. A police officer does not have to see this activity to have the person removed.
Tickets: For ticket information call (800) 456-GoOU or order online at SoonerSports.com. The OU Athletic Ticket Office is located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The OU Athletic Ticket Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Ticket Office is open at least 3 hours prior to kickoff on game days. The OU Athletic Ticket Office is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the authenticity of any tickets purchased from someone other than the Ticket Office. Will Call is located in the Ticket Office. Photo identification must be presented in order to receive tickets.
Video Cameras: Video cameras are prohibited inside of the stadium.
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Visitor Resources |
Norman Visitors Bureau | City of Norman | Map
Norman was recently recognized as one of the most progressive cities in the state and the Norman Public School system was acknowledged as the top school system in Oklahoma.
Campus Information | Campus Map | Printable Map (PDF)
With its Prairie Gothic architecture, tree-lined pathways and popular collection of sculpture and gardens, the University of Oklahoma's expansive 2,000-acre campus in Norman inspires a deep pride that Sooners throughout the world.
Ticket Office Online
The OU Athletics Ticket Office is located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. A limited number of metered parking spaces are available on the second floor of the parking facility and on the street for customer use.
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