Increasing seating capacity by expanding end zone seating has been done in many college stadiums. Although it doesn't produce immediate financial returns--it is an investment for building your future fan base. There will be fans who begin their Sooner football experience with whatever seating is available.

We need to address stadium expansion because we are turning off those people who want seats and can't get them. I realize there are those of you who can purchase tickets outside the stadium right before kick-off or immediately after the game starts without problems. There are those of us who have had bad experiences and have been duped attempting to purchase tickets before game time. Sure, you can buy one ticket here and there and get separated from the person who wants to share that football experience with you.

What's more important? 1. Available seating to sustain the fan base... 2. Sustain the 91 consecutive sellouts...

OU, among the most fabled football programs in the country will need to decide where do we go from here?

There are financial risks involved with expansion; those risks will determine whether we maintain the status quo or continue to remain among the elite programs in college football.

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln The stadium holds an ongoing NCAA record of 330 consecutive sellouts, which began in 1962... ...on September 14, 2013, a Memorial Stadium record crowd of 91,471 watched Nebraska get beaten by UCLA.--Memorial Stadium, Lincoln - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Stadium,_Lincoln)_

Any expansion that would occur would likely be on the small side but one way to increase a few season tickets to the public would be to reduce the number of tickets to students.... Sec 26 is rarely full. Many students arrive late and leave early for all games, including the very close games.

Assigned student seating, price reductions and keeping track of personal student attendance might be worth considering.

We need to address stadium expansion because we are turning off those people who want seats and can't get them. I realize there are those of you who can purchase tickets outside the stadium right before kick-off or immediately after the game starts without problems. There are those of us who have had bad experiences and have been duped attempting to purchase tickets before game time. Sure, you can buy one ticket here and there and get separated from the person who wants to share that football experience with you.

No offense, Laramie, but 1) getting tickets just isn't that difficult. I've been getting tickets on game day every home game for close to thirty years. If someone doesn't get tickets, its because they don't want them; and 2) I don't wait until "just before kickoff." I arrive at most home games at least two or three HOURS before kickoff to enjoy the day, and I pick-and-choose until I find the seats I want at the price I want. And I've never been separated from whomever I went with or had to "split seats."

I think this notion of limited ticket availability is an urban legend that really needs dispelling.

Dave, some were saying "that the dollar should be spent wisely... code for le'ts not do too much right now". I'm not calling it "OU is doomed to failure" if we don't expand. But I will promise this, if we don't continue to keep our edge, then we will find ourselves in a very comfortable 8-4 / 9-3 regular season each year. This slippery slope is when we "loose out" on a few keys recruits in each class. Just a couple of difference makers. This is the (average) that happens more quickly than you think. Kids are more trendy, and they want to go to the "HOT" spot for football.


Each dollar should be spent wisely, but that has nothing to do with doing whats right.
I have seen OU spend good money and in decent amounts only to tear out the work that they had done just a few years later.
I hate that.

But this doesn’t mean that OU shouldn’t build what's right or what's needed.

I won't vouch for the accuracy of this.. but KREF talk show host Hale indicated today that OU would need to conduct a fund raising campaign for it's football and basketball facility's and that OU would need a total of $200 million dollars in new donations.

I won't vouch for the accuracy of this.. but KREF talk show host Hale indicated today that OU would need to conduct a fund raising campaign for it's football and basketball facility's and that OU would need a total of $200 million dollars in new donations.

Hmmm...lots of wiggle room in that...

That is, did he mean "They know they've got $X to spend, but also know the projects to come are probably going to cost $X+200M?", or "The renovations for OMS and LNC are going to cost $200M"?

And considering the design/architectural firm only started work on stadium assessment/master plan review in the last couple of weeks, I'm not sure how they'd have any concrete figures yet on which to base a fund raising campaign. That is, if they're not even sure what they're going to do, you don't really know how much it will cost. I realize this is never going to happen, but LNC needs to be replaced as a basketball venue, IMHO...but I won't start that here, this is the OMS thread :)

Just glad to see things are being assessed with an eye to the future.

Hmmm...lots of wiggle room in that...

That is, did he mean "They know they've got $X to spend, but also know the projects to come are probably going to cost $X+200M?", or "The renovations for OMS and LNC are going to cost $200M"?

And considering the design/architectural firm only started work on stadium assessment/master plan review in the last couple of weeks, I'm not sure how they'd have any concrete figures yet on which to base a fund raising campaign. That is, if they're not even sure what they're going to do, you don't really know how much it will cost. I realize this is never going to happen, but LNC needs to be replaced as a basketball venue, IMHO...but I won't start that here, this is the OMS thread :)

Just glad to see things are being assessed with an eye to the future.

He made it sound like it was going to be a $200 million dollar fund raising campaign and the 200 million would be spent on renovating both facilitys.

OU might have a reasonable idea about what they are going to do based off of previous assessments adjusted for inflation... ? OU may already know they would need to issue bonds to fund part of these projects. OU probably already has major pledges that have been quietly lined up that will be announced in the future to maximize publicity.

But I'm like you when it comes to the LNC...
I would much rather OU save the money and build a new arena just NE of the football stadium.

The most logical place to build a new basketball arena in my opinion is just south of the football stadium at Lindsey and Jenkins where the practice fields are. Practice fields could move over to the other side of Jenkins if the parking lot was replaced with a parking garage.

The most logical place to build a new basketball arena in my opinion is just south of the football stadium at Lindsey and Jenkins where the practice fields are. Practice fields could move over to the other side of Jenkins if the parking lot was replaced with a parking garage.

Are you suggesting something similar to what OSU has with their combo football/basketball setup?

I don't understand why we're wasting our time on this when OU doesn't even have a proper quiditch pitch.

The most logical place to build a new basketball arena in my opinion is just south of the football stadium at Lindsey and Jenkins where the practice fields are. Practice fields could move over to the other side of Jenkins if the parking lot was replaced with a parking garage.

OU spent lots of money redoing its practice fields just a few years ago.
No head OU football coach would ever want them moved for logistical reasons.
The closer any new OU arena is to the new OU commuter rail station the better.

I don't understand why we're wasting our time on this when OU doesn't even have a proper quiditch pitch.

OU has a decent enough pitch though!

OU spent lots of money redoing its practice fields just a few years ago.
No head OU football coach would ever want them moved for logistical reasons.
The closer any new OU arena is to the new OU commuter rail station the better.

I would love for the practice fields to be moved. Would help the aesthetics of that area tremendously in my opinion.

Are you suggesting something similar to what OSU has with their combo football/basketball setup?

Yes. Not exactly like it. I'm not sure what's architecturally doable with the Switzer center, but something of the sort.

And, I'm sure the football coaches wouldn't want their practice fields moved, but that's prime time real estate that will eventually be used for something besides practice fields. Re-locating fields across the street would still be very convenient. Also, it's not like this is something happening in the next 5 years...

I would love for the practice fields to be moved. Would help the aesthetics of that area tremendously in my opinion.

The only aesthetics I care about are another couple of NCs up on the score board.

The practice fields are fine where they are.

The only aesthetics I care about are another couple of NCs up on the score board.

The practice fields are fine where they are.

They're not, but okay. I agree 100% about the national titles. MOAR!

I would love for the practice fields to be moved. Would help the aesthetics of that area tremendously in my opinion.I have never really thought about that area being aesthetically poor.

I have always thought of it as a place where special things happened and big dreams came true.
What would you want built on this sacred plot of Sooner land?

The most logical place to build a new basketball arena in my opinion is just south of the football stadium at Lindsey and Jenkins where the practice fields are. Practice fields could move over to the other side of Jenkins if the parking lot was replaced with a parking garage.


OU spent lots of money redoing its practice fields just a few years ago.
No head OU football coach would ever want them moved for logistical reasons.
The closer any new OU arena is to the new OU commuter rail station the better.

Also, didn't they do a renovation on Lloyd Noble arena just a few years ago? I could see the dorms just south of Lindsey being torn down to build an arena before they do it one the practice feilds

Also, didn't they do a renovation on Lloyd Noble arena just a few years ago? I could see the dorms just south of Lindsey being torn down to build an arena before they do it one the practice feilds

OU spent million's at the LNC for new coaches offices, 2 new practice/ training facility and new locker rooms for both men and women.
There are several locations that a much better than the practice fields for a new arena, including your suggestion. I prefer the area just NE of the football stadium but the parking lot north of the track and field facility would be good too. These location's would have come in very handy for large numbers of fans during the lightning delay at the Tech game.

OU spent million's at the LNC for new coaches offices, 2 new practice/ training facility and new locker rooms for both men and women.
There are several locations that a much better than the practice fields for a new arena, including your suggestion. I prefer the area just NE of the football stadium but the parking lot north of the track and field facility would be good too. These location's would have come in very handy for large numbers of fans during the lightning delay at the Tech game.

One of the LNC renovations included lowering the floor and the creation of a few more rows of seats to bring the crowd "closer" to the game. The cavernous feel of LNC is its biggest liability, and frankly I don't think that structure can ever truly overcome that liability. It was designed, as I recall, back in an era when OU bkb was barely a blip on the radar (early/mid 70's), so considerations to that end just weren't a high priority. It supported a court, put in scoreboards from the same manufacturer as had done the boards for OMS during the STEP upgrade in '74, and called it good. I think had they known that OU bkb would get a (somewhat) bigger following over the years, they'd probably have given that configuration more consideration. Just my opinion, of course..

My trick knee tells me that the regents would be hard pressed to support a new, dedicated arena just for basketball. That's because that, while basketball is more popular than it was in the, say, 70's or so, its hard to see (at least right now) a time when OU would ever consistently pack in 18-20K for hoops. Granted, you could use it for things like wrestling, but its hardly at a hallmark of popularity right now, either, so it just seems to me a full new arena isn't very likely. Could surely be wrong - and heck, probably am - but just kinda reading the tea leaves right now makes it hard to see a new arena. Would be a great project, to be sure, but I'm just not sure I see it getting a lot of support.

One of the LNC renovations included lowering the floor and the creation of a few more rows of seats to bring the crowd "closer" to the game. The cavernous feel of LNC is its biggest liability, and frankly I don't think that structure can ever truly overcome that liability. It was designed, as I recall, back in an era when OU bkb was barely a blip on the radar (early/mid 70's), so considerations to that end just weren't a high priority. It supported a court, put in scoreboards from the same manufacturer as had done the boards for OMS during the STEP upgrade in '74, and called it good. I think had they known that OU bkb would get a (somewhat) bigger following over the years, they'd probably have given that configuration more consideration. Just my opinion, of course..

My trick knee tells me that the regents would be hard pressed to support a new, dedicated arena just for basketball. That's because that, while basketball is more popular than it was in the, say, 70's or so, its hard to see (at least right now) a time when OU would ever consistently pack in 18-20K for hoops. Granted, you could use it for things like wrestling, but its hardly at a hallmark of popularity right now, either, so it just seems to me a full new arena isn't very likely. Could surely be wrong - and heck, probably am - but just kinda reading the tea leaves right now makes it hard to see a new arena. Would be a great project, to be sure, but I'm just not sure I see it getting a lot of support.

I doubt they would use a larger arena for wrestling, outside of maybe a tournament. They still use the McCasland Field House now

I have never really thought about that area being aesthetically poor.

I have always thought of it as a place where special things happened and big dreams came true.
What would you want built on this sacred plot of Sooner land?

My personal preference would be for the Switzer Center to rebuild close to Lindsey St (maybe even at the corner of Lindsey and Asp, but at the least fronting Lindsey). Then, the stadium is free to expand/redo the south endzone in whatever way at whatever time and I think that could give Lindsey St. a better appeal.

One of the LNC renovations included lowering the floor and the creation of a few more rows of seats to bring the crowd "closer" to the game. The cavernous feel of LNC is its biggest liability, and frankly I don't think that structure can ever truly overcome that liability. It was designed, as I recall, back in an era when OU bkb was barely a blip on the radar (early/mid 70's), so considerations to that end just weren't a high priority. It supported a court, put in scoreboards from the same manufacturer as had done the boards for OMS during the STEP upgrade in '74, and called it good. I think had they known that OU bkb would get a (somewhat) bigger following over the years, they'd probably have given that configuration more consideration. Just my opinion, of course..

My trick knee tells me that the regents would be hard pressed to support a new, dedicated arena just for basketball. That's because that, while basketball is more popular than it was in the, say, 70's or so, its hard to see (at least right now) a time when OU would ever consistently pack in 18-20K for hoops. Granted, you could use it for things like wrestling, but its hardly at a hallmark of popularity right now, either, so it just seems to me a full new arena isn't very likely. Could surely be wrong - and heck, probably am - but just kinda reading the tea leaves right now makes it hard to see a new arena. Would be a great project, to be sure, but I'm just not sure I see it getting a lot of support.


I also believe that the cavernous feel of the LNC is its biggest liability. But to a degree this can be over come by reshaping the inside of the structure. The current seating is is like a bowl. If you bring the east and west sides of the bowl in and closer to the court you can create a more rectangular shaped seating area... This would mean pouring a large amount of concrete over the existing seating area. This would cost lots of money and reduce the seating capacity.
With that said I still feel a new arena would be a better option but as your trick knee (LOL) says a new arena isn't very likely.....

An oil man help build the LNC, we can hope that a new oil man or several, will step up to the plate again just as they have time and again for nearly 100 years across the entire campus. Unlike the school to the north, OU has more than one big possibility.

My personal preference would be for the Switzer Center to rebuild close to Lindsey St (maybe even at the corner of Lindsey and Asp, but at the least fronting Lindsey). Then, the stadium is free to expand/redo the south endzone in whatever way at whatever time and I think that could give Lindsey St. a better appeal.I have heard talk that OU was considering moving the Switzer center to a renovated Bub Wilkinson dorm or to one of the other 2 athletic dorms that have been vacated....
The furthest south dorm sits fronting Lindsey.... perhaps this location would be the best and cheapest location to help improve the aesthetics of that area and do what you would like?
The vacated Switzer center would be used for an expanded weight/ training area and more office space which is said to be needed.
I'm sure there is plenty of room as it is now to expand the south end zone to it's maximum capacity.
But it would be nice to have a better walking path on the south end.

I have heard talk that OU was considering moving the Switzer center to a renovated Bub Wilkinson dorm or to one of the other 2 athletic dorms that have been vacated....
The furthest south dorm sits fronting Lindsey.... perhaps this location would be the best and cheapest location to help improve the aesthetics of that area and do what you would like?
The vacated Switzer center would be used for an expanded weight and training area and more office space which is said to be needed.
I'm sure there is plenty of room as it is now to expand the south end zone to it maximum capacity.
But it would be nice to have a better walking path on the south end.

This would be another great option honestly. I didn't know it was plausible since I thought I had read/heard that condos or some sort of housing was going to be built where the vacant dorms are. Perhaps the economy killed that plan? Anyway, what you suggest would work well, but the main goal being that I think we could have a tremendous setup right there in lieu of just the practice fields. Really make it a magnificent entry into the stadium area.

This would be another great option honestly. I didn't know it was plausible since I thought I had read/heard that condos or some sort of housing was going to be built where the vacant dorms are. Perhaps the economy killed that plan? Anyway, what you suggest would work well, but the main goal being that I think we could have a tremendous setup right there in lieu of just the practice fields. Really make it a magnificent entry into the stadium area.

The condos that I remember were going to be built south of the Duck Pond...but those plans fell though.
I tried talking my wife into buying one, but she didn't go for it.

I have heard talk that OU was considering moving the Switzer center to a renovated Bub Wilkinson dorm or to one of the other 2 athletic dorms that have been vacated....
The furthest south dorm sits fronting Lindsey.... perhaps this location would be the best and cheapest location to help improve the aesthetics of that area and do what you would like?
The vacated Switzer center would be used for an expanded weight/ training area and more office space which is said to be needed.
I'm sure there is plenty of room as it is now to expand the south end zone to it's maximum capacity.
But it would be nice to have a better walking path on the south end.

Man, that Wilkinson house is (relatively speaking) kinda old and I can't imagine they'd want to move the Switzer center there. Stranger things, I suppose....

Man, that Wilkinson house is (relatively speaking) kinda old and I can't imagine they'd want to move the Switzer center there. Stranger things, I suppose....Structurally its really not that old.
My guess is that OU would gut it out and reconfigure it into whatever they want.
It might be possible to gut and reconfigure the other 2 dorms too?
If not they would probably be torn down?
I would bet OU will include these things in the new assessment study they are doing.

I have heard talk that OU was considering moving the Switzer center to a renovated Bub Wilkinson dorm or to one of the other 2 athletic dorms that have been vacated....
The furthest south dorm sits fronting Lindsey.... perhaps this location would be the best and cheapest location to help improve the aesthetics of that area and do what you would like?
The vacated Switzer center would be used for an expanded weight/ training area and more office space which is said to be needed.
I'm sure there is plenty of room as it is now to expand the south end zone to it's maximum capacity.
But it would be nice to have a better walking path on the south end.

Given the location it seems hard for it not to be something in the athletic department (most likely football, though track, a program wide gym (since it is right next to the athletic dorm) or offices could get a part) but those buildings it seems hard to believe step one is not leveling the existing structures. Though the Switzer center is located as well as possible to serve the outdoor fields and the stadium, even if they expanded the current end zone section up, they could still keep the practice facilities at the lowest level.

The plan was for the bud to be torn down. And for that corner to have a park amphitheater and more sooner statues Including one of the selmon brothers

Don't know if that is still the plan

Structurally its really not that old.
My guess is that OU would gut it out and reconfigure it into whatever they want.
It might be possible to gut and reconfigure the other 2 dorms too?
If not they would probably be torn down?
I would bet OU will include these things in the new assessment study they are doing.

It was built in 1978, meaning that even if you refurbed it, by the time it was all said and done you'd probably be looking at a 40-year-old structure that was designed as a dorm - meaning gutting and customizing could get awfully expensive awfully quickly.

Dunno. Just have to wait and see, I s'pose.

The plan was for the bud to be torn down. And for that corner to have a park amphitheater and more sooner statues Including one of the selmon brothers

Don't know if that is still the plan

Do you have a link to where you read or saw this? The only article I saw that spoke about the plans for the Bud said that they were going to be renovated and turned into offices for athletic (primarily football) staff.

I personally think they ought to be razed and something grander built there, but that's likely a pipe dream.

The plan was for the bud to be torn down. And for that corner to have a park amphitheater and more sooner statues Including one of the selmon brothers

Don't know if that is still the planI had hear that too at one point, but since then somebody told they would like to save it if they can for other possible uses and that moving the Switzer center was a consideration.
I'm sure they will study the issue and determin what's best?

It was built in 1978, meaning that even if you refurbed it, by the time it was all said and done you'd probably be looking at a 40-year-old structure that was designed as a dorm - meaning gutting and customizing could get awfully expensive awfully quickly.

Dunno. Just have to wait and see, I s'pose.


If you saw the reconstruction of OU's architectural building they tore the existing structure down to the supporting reenforced concrete support columns...... These cost ton's of money and if they could be saved on the Bud they could save a very expensive part of the cost on a new building. They would then go back in and add things like new heat and air, pluming, wiring and all the rest. They could even add on to the building. It would be like a brand new building.

But the new study will likely determine its future... so you’re right “Just have to wait and see, I s'pose”

It was built in 1978, meaning that even if you refurbed it, by the time it was all said and done you'd probably be looking at a 40-year-old structureI guess perceptions change as time advances things and as we age.
But as a student I visited the Bud on several occasions in 1979 -1980.
It seemed like a palace to me at the time, with a certain amount of craziness among a few of its residents.LOL

Somebody who I know extremely well spoke with somebody that we have all heard of yesterday and when asked about the future of the "Bud" they said that it will most likely be turned into office space and the Switzer center would stay in its current location.

A former employer used to lease space from OU in the old Cross Dorms. At one time or another we had space in Cross D for 3 houses first floor, two second and 1 plus on third floor. Later in Cross b we also had floors 1-3 in three houses and two houses on floor 4. Some of the space was extensively renovated, and some was limited to paint, carpet and add in some window units, and some places well the carpet never really came to pass. All of it was functional though.

If Bud is built even half as well as the old Cross dorms, it'll still be there a for a good long while. That may be a big if though.

I miss the days at Cross sometimes. More so the people than the digs, but yeah, sometimes the digs as well.

Yesterday, OU basketball coach Lon Kruger was on the radio and was asked about the possibility of a major renovation of the LNC or the possibility of building an entirely new basketball arena...
Lon indicated that OU was still studding both possibility's....

I was glad to hear that a new arena is still a possibility.
My guess is that it will all depend on how much money can be raised?

PS: Krugers OU's basketball team looks improved.

Among other things OU will be making its stadium much more high tech savvy...
There will be some similarity's to this.

Welcome to the Most Tech-Savvy Stadium in America: Video - Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/video/welcome-to-the-most-tech-savvy-stadium-in-america-_NCZvje1RtaWC2xlhnU8BQ.html?cmpid=taboola.video)

Yesterday, OU basketball coach Lon Kruger was on the radio and was asked about the possibility of a major renovation of the LNC or the possibility of building an entirely new basketball arena...
Lon indicated that OU was still studding both possibility's....

I was glad to hear that a new arena is still a possibility.
My guess is that it will all depend on how much money can be raised?

PS: Krugers OU's basketball team looks improved.

I felt that when they built Lloyd Noble Center they were trying to get on par with schools like Notre Dame & Houston and build something that didn't detract from OKC's Myriad Convention Center (14,009).

OU's Lloyd Noble Center (12,000) constructed 1973-75.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVG3lVW6h5Ja95G5Y0t2-8VXY1X2q6B5oqL3Wj4cnFrbaXgviwIQ

Notre Dame's Edmund P. Joyce Center (9,149) downsized from 11,418 constructed 1966-68.

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQVy_76H_NP2Nuyq9kbI36HtRQQhq-qCsk9zzsbejOUhe72-3ru

Houston's Hofheinz Pavilion (8,918) downsized from 10,660 constructed 1967-69.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT-g21zB1RDHQM9h91yXCLaCqI8MBIpPnphG7iONid_14Yyei4N

Honestly, the only real problem I have with Lloyd Noble is that I find it ugly as sin.

OU is trying to determine how much demand there is for various types of seating for its football stadium. My self and others received another survey from the OU athletic department today. Judging from the questions OU is definitely considering a major south end expansion which sounds like it could take the stadiums capacity to some where near 95,000 and add many new suits.

Yes, ...it looks like I may be very close to this subject. 100K / South End with Suites / Overall upgades in seats / plus the pressbox. ...and that Ruth Chris Steakhouse too. ...the Billy Sims BBQ as well. ...that Fanzone Experience. Boomer.

OU has its eye on renovation and expansion?

"Joe Castiglione said during a radio interview that a new stadium master plan was in development that included expanding the south end zone and the press box, but no other detail was given.

Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium has a rich history of tradition and success that started when the first game was played there on Oct. 20,1923. The field inside the stadium is named Owen Field after Bennie Owen, the head coach at the time, who helped raise the money for the first stadium and later became a charter member of the National Football Hall of Fame. Official capacity for Memorial Stadium is set at 82,112, with record attendance of 86,031, set during the 2012 home game played against Notre Dame.

A lot of the speculation centers on the expansion possibilities and it seems the sky is the limit. How about an upper deck in the north end zone potentially adding between 7,000 and 9,000 seats? Would closing off the ends of the stadium and making a horseshoe, be a real possibility? This horseshoeing of the endzones has been hotly debated and a strong source of speculation for some time. Will OU be compelled to start pushing for expansion now that Texas and Texas A&M are increasing their seating capacities. Could expansion take seating capacity to over 90,000? How much funding would it take? The questions and possibilities could go on forever."


Is Memorial Stadium Expansion Up Next For OU? | (http://sooner4ou.com/?p=3861)

Yesterday, OU basketball coach Lon Kruger was on the radio and was asked about the possibility of a major renovation of the LNC or the possibility of building an entirely new basketball arena...
Lon indicated that OU was still studding both possibility's....

I was glad to hear that a new arena is still a possibility.
My guess is that it will all depend on how much money can be raised?

PS: Krugers OU's basketball team looks improved.

A new arena is not extremely likely at this point.

But from what I've seen of the proposed renovation master plan, Sooner fans are going to be very happy.

Honestly, the only real problem I have with Lloyd Noble is that I find it ugly as sin.

Oh, well, Pickens Stadium counters such ugliness in Oklahoma.

This is a good article on the topic and shows why OU needs to make major upgrades.

You might need to copy past the link and then goggle it?
SoonerScoop.com - Sooner Staff Needs Help (http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1586623)


SoonerScoop.com - Sooner Staff Needs Help (http://oklahoma.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1586623)

Lloyd noble needs to be torn down and a new arena needs to be built ASAP.
Problem is several years ago OU and the AD went cheap and just put band-aides on several things instead of a whole remodel.
the seats are two far away from the court and the slope is too gradual...

Lloyd noble needs to be torn down and a new arena needs to be built ASAP.
Problem is several years ago OU and the AD went cheap and just put band-aides on several things instead of a whole remodel.
the seats are two far away from the court and the slope is too gradual...

I would agree that a new OU arena would be best but its believed by most to be unlikely at this point.

The LNC renovation plan that I heard would move the LNC seats much closer to the court by re-pouring the concrete along the side lines and reshaping what is now a bowl into an oval shape. Anything less is a waste of time and money IMO.
This would however reduce the seating capacity and still leave several problems.

I was told there were water table issues that kept them from depressing the floor even more than the elevation that it is at now.

I was told there were water table issues that kept them from depressing the floor even more than the elevation that it is at now.I have heard that too for many years... but with more money that can be engineered and taken care of, if it's a concern. But I don't think they are going to lower the LNC floor.

I say take the floor really low, put in a pool and a retractable floor and then start a water polo team. ;)

I keep hearing a recruit/players family lounge for the open part of the stadium on the southeast corner (where the flag poles are). and suites on the other side.

Teddy Lehman and Dusty D both indicated today that the OU weight room needs major upgrades to help recruiting..
IMHO the football weight room needs to be priority one!

I have heard that too for many years... but with more money that can be engineered and taken care of, if it's a concern. But I don't think they are going to lower the LNC floor.

Water table issues can (almost) always be fixed given enough money, but that's kinda the point...often times the expense just can't be justified.

I keep hearing a recruit/players family lounge for the open part of the stadium on the southeast corner (where the flag poles are). and suites on the other side.

Man, if I were a high-roller (and I'm decidedly not), I'd be hard pressed to fork over serious coin for a suite in the corner of the endzone. Maybe I'm just too much of a sideline snob :)

Surely the press box reno will include some major suite setups.

Maybe they'll even go full HD on the south end-zone scoreboard :)

I keep hearing a recruit/players family lounge for the open part of the stadium on the southeast corner (where the flag poles are). and suites on the other side.

Man, if I were a high-roller (and I'm decidedly not), I'd be hard pressed to fork over serious coin for a suite in the corner of the endzone. Maybe I'm just too much of a sideline snob :)

Surely the press box reno will include some major suite setups.

Maybe they'll even go full HD on the south end-zone videoboard, or maybe put up a twin in the N. endzone :)

Man, if I were a high-roller (and I'm decidedly not), I'd be hard pressed to fork over serious coin for a suite in the corner of the endzone. Maybe I'm just too much of a sideline snob :)

Surely the press box reno will include some major suite setups.

Maybe they'll even go full HD on the south end-zone videoboard, or maybe put up a twin in the N. endzone :)

At OU the best seats for viewing the development of a football play are in the center of the end-zone about 50 rows up..... Unlike some end zone seat in some stadiums you are still close to the field..
I know of several football coaches who love this angle of view.
:o

Stoops was on WWLS today and indicated there is a possibility that a new press box project may extend from the west side and wrap around to span the south end zone.
OU football may get new office and reception space.
They are looking at the possibility of moving OU's learning center from the north end-zone to the Bud

Stoops was on WWLS today and indicated there is a possibility that a new press box project may extend from the west side and wrap around to span the south end zone.
OU football may get new office and reception space.
They are looking at the possibility of moving OU's learning center from the north end-zone to the Bud

Press box wrapping the west/south sides?? That would imply something to level the top of the south deck with the west deck...hmmm....interesting. Wonder if they're going to take a page from the Jerry Jones playbook and ship the press over to the corner of the endzone a la JerryWorld and release the existing space to suites. That would be interesting.

Also suggests at least the possibility they're going to move the S. EZ videoboard. Or do something with it. Also verrrry interesting.