OU Athletics Unveils Fan Experience Enhancements for 2024 Football Season

NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department has announced a series of fan experience enhancements ahead of its Aug. 30 home football opener against Temple University. The addition and expansion of offerings range from pregame festivities to in-game engagement and other activities. A full listing and description of the changes are available here.

"In everything we do from a fan engagement perspective, we're thinking of the experience of all our stakeholders," said OU Executive Associate Athletics Director Leah Beasley. "As new members of the Southeastern Conference, we're mindful of the opportunities we have to elevate the game day experience, and we're excited to have an even greater stage to showcase how we create Sooner Magic for our fans."

Many of the enhancements come as a result of postgame surveys the department issued to fans, seeking their feedback on game atmosphere, venue offerings and overall fan experience. Read on for some of the improvements Sooners fans can expect this season at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (GFOMS).

Public Tailgating Expansion and Community Spirit Engagement

The university announced a significant expansion of its public tailgating options ahead of its debut football season in the SEC. Beginning fall 2024, OU is establishing new public tailgating areas at prime locations including Boyd Lawn, along Asp Avenue, and near the Oklahoma Memorial Union. More detail is available here.

Community and campus engagement will see increased activity with the introduction of "Crimson Fridays." The new initiative will aptly debut on College Colors Day and OU Football's season opener on Aug. 30. "Crimson Fridays" will feature a vibrant concert series on Campus Corner each Friday before home games, accompanied by retail and spirit activities. Sooner Nation is encouraged to demonstrate its support by wearing crimson gear each Friday throughout the year.

Elevated Party at the Palace Experience

The Party at the Palace on the north side of the stadium will offer new opportunities for fans to participate in pre-game activities. With a larger footprint, now extending to the west of Brooks Mall, fans can expect an array of new food and beverage offerings, including food trucks, a brew garden and tastings; family-friendly activities; LED screens featuring games-in-progress along with live coverage of the Sooners' arrival; and more. In addition to staple offerings like inflatables and athlete autograph signings, fans can also look forward to the EA Sports College Football '25 Gaming Truck, a new Schooner display, the rerouted "Walk of Champions," which will take the Sooners directly through the Party and into Gate 6 and a Jordan Shoe Box Pop-Up Shop.

In-Game Experience Upgrades

Fans will benefit from improved connectivity with AT&T's 5G service and enjoy amplified band performances and enhanced in-game graphics with live 3D renderings of game stats. A new real-time decibel meter will measure crowd impact, encouraging fans to make sure the Sooners can hear and feel their support. The Toby Keith Tribute 3rd/4th quarter break will celebrate the Oklahoma icon, giving 85,000 fans the opportunity to sing along with the legendary Sooner super fan.

Concessions and Merchandise Additions

New concessions offerings will include Dickey's BBQ, Kung Pao Chicken Wings, loaded foot-long hot dogs and a selection of wine served by Archer Roose. Efforts to increase speed of service include the addition of "grab-and-go" kiosks, a walk-through market and a new all-encompassing point-of-sale system.

Fans can also secure their own themed, limited-edition Simple Modern tumblers commemorating the 100th-year celebration of GFOMS. Throughout the season, each of OU's seven home games will showcase a unique theme, and fans can collect a different tumbler to match each theme at select concession stand locations (while supplies last). StadiumDrop will continue to add to the game day experience by allowing fans to use the StadiumDrop app and order concessions directly from their seats so they don't miss any of the action. In addition to the inventory available at the Party at the Palace's OU x Jordan Shoe Box Pop-Up Shop, the Sooner Shop will feature OU-branded SEC gear.

Expanded Sooner Content Availability

Oklahoma fans now have more options to find their favorite Sooner content throughout the season, as SoonerVision productions are now more accessible than ever. Sooner Nation can tune in for free with the official television partner of OU Athletics, Griffin Media. "Sooner Football with Brent Venables" will air Sunday nights on News 9 in Oklahoma City and News On 6 in Tulsa, while all other programming will be over-the-air on weeknights on KSBI in the OKC market and on KQCW in the Tulsa market. Fans can also find this content at SoonerSports.com/watch, via the official Oklahoma Sooners YouTube channel or on SEC Network+. Highlights include fan-favorite shows such as "Sooner Football with Brent Venables," "Sooner Sports Talk," "The Huddle" and "Coaches Corner,"alongside special additions like the "OUDNA" all-access series.

Programming includes:

• "Sooner Football with Brent Venables" – An exclusive recap of the Sooners' football games with Head Football Coach Brent Venables, taped immediately after the game.

• "Sooner Sports Talk" – Live from Rudy's Country Store & BBQ in Norman, host Toby Rowland is joined by head football Coach Brent Venables to discuss the previous and upcoming games.

• "The Huddle" – An entertaining one-hour roundtable discussion on OU Football featuring a rotation of former Sooner legends.

• "Coaches Corner" – Assistant football coaches join Chris Plank and Gabe Ikard to break down position groups and provide insight on the Sooners program.

• "Sooner Sports Pad" – In partnership with OU's Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Sooner Sports Pad takes viewers on a trip around all sports at Oklahoma. Featuring live guests and completely student-hosted and produced, this unique show offers an opportunity to know your Sooners in a unique way.

• "Sooner Game Day" – Hosts Chad McKee, Teddy Lehman and Gabe Ikard bring the official OU Football pregame show to fans with expert analysis on the Sooners and their opponent each week.

• Postgame Press Conferences – Exclusive streaming access to Oklahoma Football postgame press conferences.

SEC Network+ is complementary to SEC Network and accessible with your TV provider credentials. It can be accessed through the ESPN App on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or via espn.com/watch.