Sooner Saturdays: Stacey West

We're unveiling a series that highlights how unique "Sooner Saturdays" are at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. We'll hear from a wide variety of individuals who play a part in making "Sooner Saturdays" one of the most unique experiences in all of sports, including co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Jay Norvell, drum major Zack Hedrick and Sooner Schooner driver Bobby Nash.

NORMAN, Okla. -- The fourth segment of our "Sooner Saturdays" series introduces us to photographer Stacey West, who has captured images of OU game days for several years. Countless individuals make "Sooner Saturdays" at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium truly one of the most unique experiences in all of sports, and West knows that there is only ONE Oklahoma!

On game days, West arrives to the stadium two hours before kickoff to allow time to be sure his equipment is ready, that he knows his assignments for the game and that he has access to the areas needed to complete those duties. Then, he can focus on snapping photos of what he calls a special place.

Stacey West Photos | Renew Season Tickets | The Sooner Club | 2013 Schedule

"It's a special place because it is special to a lot of people," West said. "It's a special place to me because I'm an OU fan. It's even more special when it's full of fans and a lot of fun to photograph when the stadium is full and the weather and lighting are great."

West travels all over the stadium from the top of the scoreboards to behind the tunnel the players run out (right) to everywhere else in between to capture images of the game day experience.

"From a photographer's perspective, the atmosphere is very intense and fast moving," West said. "Typically I will have a schedule and know what is going to happen as far as atmosphere is concerned, so I am not often surprised. However, I often have to move quickly in order to photograph everything that needs to be shot on any given day."

For one particular iconic image (below) from Notre Dame's visit on Oct. 27, 2012, West captured a inimitable scene at a perfect moment. His shot depicted the crimson and cream striped stands, fireworks shooting from each side and an American flag covering the entirety of the field during pre-game ceremonies. West took this image from the top of the north scoreboard, a cumbersome location to reach. Being in the right place at the right time means everything in photography, West explained.

"I've shot many times from there," West shared. "Sometimes pictures that I've taken from there I've thought were OK or pretty good, but occasionally, when I take a picture from there, I just know I have something special. That is certainly one of those images. Even before we left the scoreboard, I was pretty certain this image was going to be meaningful to a lot of people."

Players and coaches are pouring blood, sweat and tears out onto the field. But "Sooner Saturdays" encompass much more than first downs and OU victories. It's the Sooner Schooner and The Pride of Oklahoma. It's the intro video and Sooner Magic. It's 86 straight sellouts -- every game of the Bob Stoops' Era to be precise. It's yelling "Boomer Sooner" at the top of your lungs and learning what it means to Cheer Like a Champion.

"Sooner Saturdays" actually begin with the modern-day land run for prime tailing spots on Fridays. Tents are set up starting at noon the day before the game and campus comes alive with activity well before players make their final preparations in the locker room.

When fans arrive in Norman, they pass through a sea of tailgaters and fans. From Campus Corner to the Lloyd Noble Center, the breadth of excitement travels far and wide across Norman. TVs are on and grills are fired up, and no matter how early kickoff is, there is likely a refreshing beverage in a nearby cooler. And of course, all of the OU loyalists are sporting their favorite shades of Crimson and Cream.

Closer to the stadium, the sounds of The Pride resonate throughout various pregame events. The beat of OU's marching band echoes off the statues at Heisman Park and entertains fans well before The Pride enters the stadium for their pregame and halftime shows.

Once inside the stadium, and after you've sung along to "Boomer Sooner," "Oklahoma" and the OU Chant, it's time for the intro video. The much-anticipated crowd pump-up is played right before the team enters the field, signaling that the start is near. No Sooner football game is complete without it. Goosebumps and wows are sure to ensue as the film hits its crescendo: "There's Only ONE Oklahoma!"

The team exits the locker room and walks down the tunnel. The stadium gets louder and louder, as the Sooners prepare to touch the historic turf of Owen Field. Then it happens, and you can't hear yourself think. The players run onto the field with flags celebrating the seven national titles proudly waving. They jump and touch a banner with a simple, yet powerful slogan: "Play Like a Champion."

With seven national championships and 44 conference titles, plenty of Sooners have played like champions on this hallowed field before.

Both teams are on the field and, 15 to 20 "Boomer!" and "Sooner!" chants later, it's time for kickoff. Sure, the visiting team might be a little intimidated, but that's all part of the equation. And typically, there are millions of other fans watching on television whose pulses might quicken just a little, as well.

The OU Spirit Squad, RUF/NEKs and Pride of Oklahoma lead the OU fans and students in cheers throughout the game, creating an endless stream of excitement and energy.

When the Sooners score, one of college football's most unique traditions commences. Powered by two white Shetland ponies, the Sooner Schooner exits the northeast tunnel and races across the field in celebration. Driven by the RUF/NEKs, this uniquely OU Conestoga has traveled across Owen Field ever since 1964.

With another OU victory in the books, "Sooner Saturday" likely isn't complete without some form of postgame celebration as Oklahoma Football fans look forward to the next game and their next opportunity to participate in one of the most colorful and vibrant home atmospheres in college football.

There's only ONE Oklahoma! There's only ONE "Sooner Saturday!"

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors