Game Prep in Full Swing in Norman

NORMAN, Okla. -- Ever wondered what goes in to having 80,000+ over for dinner and a game?

In just a few days, the 2006 football season begins. The behind-the-scenes preparation is mind-boggling. One month ago, game operations meetings, attended by representatives of 11 different athletics department areas and eight other campus or outside agencies ranging from concessions to law enforcement, began on a weekly basis.

Several five-hour training sessions directed by the department's contracted security force have been staged over the last week.

It's all designed to make attending a game in Norman as seamless as possible. Making it completely seamless is impossible, but the effort to get close is significant.

Sooner Gameday Central | Seats for Sooners

To put it in some perspective here's a look at a typical football game day in Norman ...

Football Game Day Personnel -- No. of Employees
Concessions -- 763
Custodial -- 75
Electricians -- 11
Elevator Operators -- 10
HVAC-Heat/Air -- 4
Medical Personnel -- 82
Plumbing -- 5
Private Area Greeters -- 80
Private Security -- 200+
Ticket Takers -- 135
Ushers -- 242
Parking Attendants -- 85
Utility Specialist -- 2
OU Athletics Game Management -- 50
Media Relations Staff -- 27
Post Game Cleaning Crew -- 250

Concessions -- No. of Items Sold
Bottled Water (Record of 70,000) -- 35,000
Hot Dogs -- 15,000
Nachos -- 10,000
Peanuts -- 4,000
Personal Pan Pizzas -- 4,000
Popcorn -- 8,000
Pounds of Ice -- 40,000
Pretzels -- 3,000
Soft Drinks -- 42,000

Other
Stadium & Surrounding Area Trash -- 13,800 cubic feet

Returned Tickets
Single-game tickets returned by the opponent are available in a very limited number. Sooner fans are encouraged to order online at SoonerSports.com while supplies last. Fans may also call the OU Athletics Ticket Office during normal business hours toll-free at (800) 456-GoOU.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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