Boomerblast No. 2 - Meet the Sooners Day

NORMAN, Okla. -- One of the most popular traditions surrounding the Oklahoma football program is Meet the Sooners Day. The annual event kicks off the start of fall practice and gives the Sooner Nation a unique opportunity to interact with their beloved team and coaching staff in a fashion unrivaled by any other school in the country.

This week, the Boomerblast previews the 2007 Meet the Sooners Day presented by Alltel, slated for this Friday, Aug. 3, and offers tips and suggestions as you prepare for the event.

Due to construction around Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Meet the Sooners Day has been moved from its regular location at the football practice facility to the rugby/soccer practice area located just west of the Lloyd Noble Center. The event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Please stay tuned to SoonerSports.com for the latest official information.

Admission to Meet the Sooners Day is free and open to the public.

Members of the Sooners Kids Club are admitted to the event one-half hour earlier than the general public. Fans can complete membership applications for children here. Applications must be received no later than Thursday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m. for processing. At the event, fans can sign up at the Sooner Kids Club membership table. Existing members can pick up membership cards at the table.

Fans are permitted to bring ONE autograph item per person -- no exceptions.

Meet the Sooners Day Schedule of Events
10 a.m.	Sooner Kids Club members admitted to rugby practice field for autograph session
10:30	General public admitted to rugby practice field
Noon	Players must depart rugby practice field

Due to the length of time the players have available and the number of people attending the event, please plan accordingly as you get in line for autographs. A public address system will be utilized frequently to make fans aware of how much time is remaining for the event. The autograph session will end promptly at noon so the team can continue with preseason practice preparations.

In conjunction with this year's event, the OU Athletics Department is offering a unique opportunity through its new online auction. One lucky OU fan and a guest will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to "Spend a Morning with the Sooners".

In addition to an authentic OU helmet for autographs, the winners will start the day at Coach Stoops' press conference as he addresses the media and then go behind the scenes at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium as the players report for team photos and interviews. Finally, they will end the morning with early admission to Meet the Sooners Day to collect any autographs they might have missed at Owen Field.

"This auction experience is very exciting for the OU Athletics Department because it opens up so many new possibilities for our fans to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Tim George, Assistant A.D. for Marketing and Promotions.

"There are going to be a lot of new auction experiences on SoonerSports.com in the coming weeks: pre-game tours, watching a game in the press box, holding a championship banner as the team runs through the tunnel, etc. In addition to the experiences, watch for great memorabilia, including signed helmets, balls and jerseys. It's going to expand to all of our sports so we're very excited."

2007 MEET THE SOONERS DAY FAN GUIDE
Autograph Procedure
Fans are permitted to bring ONE autograph item per person, no exceptions. Autograph items are not restricted as long as they are able to be transported by one person without holding up the line and do not pose a safety concern. OU Athletics Department staff reserve the right to deny an item if it poses a problem. Tables and players will be arranged by position and will be clearly marked.

Location
Due to construction around Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Meet the Sooners Day has been moved from its regular location at the football practice facility to the rugby practice area located just west of the Lloyd Noble Center. Please stay tuned to SoonerSports.com for the latest information.

Parking
Fans are encouraged to park in the Lloyd Noble Center west parking lot.

Admission
The line for admittance to Meet the Sooners Day will start at John Crain Soccer Field. If you are parked at the Lloyd Noble Center, simply walk west across the parking lot and cross the bridge toward the soccer complex. Separate lines will be clearly marked for Sooner Kids Club members and the general public. Please be aware which line you are getting in. Members of the Sooners Kids Club are admitted to the event one-half hour earlier than the general public.

Concessions
Concessions and merchandise stands will be set up throughout the area. Fans are encouraged to bring their own bottled water.

Restrooms
Public restrooms will be available at the John Crain Soccer Field complex.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If my child is not already enrolled in the Sooner Kids Club, can I enroll them the day of to grant them free admission?
A table will be set up at the event for fans interested in enrolling their children in the club and they will be granted early admission.

What if I can't get the autographs I want?
Due to the length of time the players have available and the number of people attending the event, please be advised of the probability that each fan will not get all of the autographs they desire. A public address system will be utilized frequently to make fans aware of how much time is remaining for the event. Autograph signing will end at exactly noon, as the team must report for practice in the afternoon.

Am I allowed to take photos with the players?
Fans are not allowed to step behind the tables to have photos taken with players in order to keep the lines moving as quickly as possible. Photos are permissible while the players are signing as long as it does not disrupt the flow of traffic.

Am I entitled to my spot in line if I leave to go to the restroom, etc.?
Fans are not entitled to retain their spot in line if they leave for any reason. However, please use common courtesy when dealing with such circumstances. Traditionally, fans are very good about working together to save spots in line if need be.

What do I do in case of a medical emergency?
Medical personnel will be on hand in case of an emergency. If an emergency occurs, please find the nearest medical personnel or OU Athletics Department staff member.

What happens in the case of rain or inclement weather?
The event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Please visit SoonerSports.com for the latest updates.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Boomerblast No. 2 - Meet the Sooners Day

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