http://huskersgameday.com/2011/04/13/east-stadium-expansion-renderings/

NU is increasing capacity to 91K...yeah so we're no longer in the same conference but I'm wondering if we need another expansion project to keep up with the competition for recruiting & revenue purposes. I suspect Boren/Castiglione/Stoops are looking into it.

I say keep adding on until the wait list is 0! OU games are a huge economic pull to central Oklahoma! The more people that go to OU games the more people that will watch and support the team and Oklahoma in general.

I am very impressed with OU sports fans (not OU football fans) they really support all the sports. If you go to an OU softball or girls basketball game you will see just as many empty seats as you will an OU football game.

This coming from a cowboy!

It'll take another national title to get the donations rolling in, most likely.

http://huskersgameday.com/2011/04/13/east-stadium-expansion-renderings/

NU is increasing capacity to 91K...yeah so we're no longer in the same conference but I'm wondering if we need another expansion project to keep up with the competition for recruiting & revenue purposes. I suspect Boren/Castiglione/Stoops are looking into it.

That poor cobbled-together abortion of a "stadium" is always trying to be better than it is...I am sure they will add whatever form of bleachers they can get at Ace Hardware and screw it on anywhere they can....to impress the Big 10 (12?)

As long as you can buy a ticket outside the stadium to about 95% of home games for $20 or under there is probably not enough demand for a major expansion.

Maybe OU could expand the SW corner and add 2 or 3 thousand seats.
This would provide year round covered parking for the coaching and support staffs.

Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium needs to connect the upper deck seating to complete the horse-shoe in the north end of the stadium; they could easily add 18,000 seats and increase the seating capacity to 102,000.

Many of us who would like to purchase season tickets without making a major donation to the university would do so and support our Oklahoma Sooners.

Why are we waiting? It's not going to get any cheaper to increase the stadium to exceed 100,000--the time is now.

Not to many if any programs are as tradition ritch as Sooner Football,but LOTS of stadium are much larger,atleast 15 or so!

I remeber hearing Joe C stating that they want the capacity to remain at a level where the stadium stays full yet its not impossible or too expensive to get a ticket, which they seem to have balanced right now. I think it would be a mistake to add 15,000 seats. Just because there are other stadiums that are bigger doesnt mean they are superior stadiums or have better football programs.

That poor cobbled-together abortion of a "stadium" is always trying to be better than it is...I am sure they will add whatever form of bleachers they can get at Ace Hardware and screw it on anywhere they can....to impress the Big 10 (12?)

Yeah that poor stadium has has an ongoing NCAA record of 311 consecutive sellouts, which began in 1962. They are planning by 2013 the seating will be 87,000+ and they currently have 'Nebraska's "HuskerVision" is one of the largest jumbo-screens in any college stadium in the country, measuring approximatively 118-feet wide by 34-feet high.'

So the Husker stadium isn't "trying" to be better, it already is. :)

Yeah that poor stadium has has an ongoing NCAA record of 311 consecutive sellouts, which began in 1962. They are planning by 2013 the seating will be 87,000+ and they currently have 'Nebraska's "HuskerVision" is one of the largest jumbo-screens in any college stadium in the country, measuring approximatively 118-feet wide by 34-feet high.'

So the Husker stadium isn't "trying" to be better, it already is. :)

This post made me laugh. lol

That poor cobbled-together abortion of a "stadium" is always trying to be better than it is...I am sure they will add whatever form of bleachers they can get at Ace Hardware and screw it on anywhere they can....to impress the Big 10 (12?)
There are several stadiums in the B10 that have an erecter set look. From that stand point UNL will fit in.

For OU to build a major expansion a major donor or donors would need to step up to the plate.
Based on some of the projects that are on OU’s wish list that haven’t received funding I’m not sure that OU has any willing donors with the amount of cash necessary to make such a major expansion happen anytime soon. OU has already let Bonds on other athletic projects that would probably need to be paid off before any serious consideration could be given to move ahead on any major stadium expansions.

There are several stadiums in the B10 that have an erecter set look. From that stand point UNL will fit in.

LOL yeah like Michigan , Ohio St, Penn St, etc....

LOL yeah like Michigan , Ohio St, Penn St, etc....

Or--like the ones in Baton Rouge or Knoxville--lotsa seats...but a big rinky-dink bleacher array...Owen Field is a big thing--with a building inside...whole different concept.

And--one needs to measure the actual footage of the seats in length...been to the Rose Bowl a number of times--and--those seats are so close together it is creepy to be there! Probably really seats about 60-70,000 if everyone had enough butt space to sit on!

I would think a new build LNC would take priority over expanding Memorial Stadium to 100k seats. Granted the OU basketball programs probably don't need much more additional seating, but it would allow additional concerts to be held there whenever the OKC Arena is booked. Who knows though. The Football program pays the bills for nearly all the athletics at OU, so it might not be a bad idea to push that through first.

LOL yeah like Michigan , Ohio St, Penn St, etc....

Penn St is one such stadium that comes to mind. Iowa is another.
The last i checked Northwestern’s is nothing special and neither is the Illinois stadium.

I am sure the eventual design will continuee the east side upper deck design all the way around the north side and west side, including demolishing and redesigning an integral pressbox. The south side will always be open--as most stadiums are in the regions where it can be very warm in Sept./Oct. for wind to breeze into the place. Sunken stadiums--like the Cotton Bowl--dramatically show the horror of a hot gameday...'bout died there when I was dumb enough to get low seats for the OU-Texas game...a cardiologist's dream!

Joe C addressed the stadium expansion issue in a radio interview several months ago.
The current plan would involve the removal of the existing south end zone decking. The supporting structure below would remain and be added to in height where needed. There would be 2 decks in the south end zone according to Joe.C.
The decks would wrap around to fill both corners and would nearly connect with the existing stadium. While watch on TV it would be constructed in such a way that it would be very difficult to see where the old and new parts of the stadium meet.
Joe C indicated that they would like a new press box but he made it sound like it was third on the list of priorities. The student housing was first then the south end zone expansion.
Joe C. also said that if funding ever became available that they would like to replace the LNC and build a new arena just NW of the football stadium.

Joe C addressed the stadium expansion issue in a radio interview several months ago.
The current plan would involve the removal of the existing south end zone decking. The supporting structure below would remain and be added to in height where needed. There would be 2 decks in the south end zone according to Joe.C.
The decks would wrap around to fill both corners and would nearly connect with the existing stadium. While watch on TV it would be constructed in such a way that it would be very difficult to see where the old and new parts of the stadium meet.
Joe C indicated that they would like a new press box but he made it sound like it was third on the list of priorities. The student housing was first then the south end zone expansion.
Joe C. also said that if funding ever became available that they would like to replace the LNC and build a new arena just NW of the football stadium.

I hope they don't go for Nebraska's style and make Kyle Field II...Football stadiums ought to be higher along the field--not on either end. Looks frumpy...IMHO

But--matters not to me--I'll be long dead when that all happens...even if they start soon....Ha!

... if funding ever became available that they would like to replace the LNC and build a new arena just NW of the football stadium.
Didn't they have trouble filling it up this year? is it for more dining and retail similar to what the NBA is doing?

Didn't they have trouble filling it up this year? is it for more dining and retail similar to what the NBA is doing?

Probably going back to what I said. A new arena would help bring in additional concerts and such to Norman. LNC is used for other things instead of just the Basketball programs and would expect any new build (or expansion) would be more geared for that reason...not because of basketball attendance.

I thought one of the reasons always used for why they haven't expanded the stadium is that the south endzone's slope doesn't match that of the rest of the stadium, therefore it would be hard to make a true bowl. Thant being said, I have always found that to be a stupid argument, surely there is something that could be done. It's gonna happen, it is just a matter of when and wins (aka one or two more national championships).

I thought one of the reasons always used for why they haven't expanded the stadium is that the south endzone's slope doesn't match that of the rest of the stadium, therefore it would be hard to make a true bowl. Thant being said, I have always found that to be a stupid argument, surely there is something that could be done. It's gonna happen, it is just a matter of when and wins (aka one or two more national championships).

Actually it's because it would cost too much to add a bunch of crap seats... they would never get the return out of them from the donor perspective... that's why we will be much more likely to see suites added... and if they can happen to put regular seats on top of them, then that's an added bonus... (see east side upper deck for proof)

As of a few months ago according to Joe C the next stadium expansion will be in the south end zone. Joe C said that the south end zone would have 2 decks and that suites will be included.

The cost to construct seats at near ground level in the south corners is far cheaper than the cost of constructing large upper decks. Since Joe C says that OU would build in the South end zone I’m VERY sure that OU has studied where they would make the best rate of return on their dollars.
OU has twice sent me and others a questioner to gage how much demand there is for seats & suits.
They also asked several other questions to gage interest on other items.

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE
A limited number of season tickets are still available for current Sooner Club members or those interested in joining the Sooner Club.

For more information contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or (866) SOONER CLUB.

Demand for tickets apparently isn’t nearly as great as many believe.
There is no need for a major OU stadium expansion.

Demand for tickets apparently isn’t nearly as great as many believe.
There is no need for a major OU stadium expansion.

Wrong, there's over 10,000 on the season ticket waiting list

Wrong, there's over 10,000 on the season ticket waiting list

Wrong,,,,,

10,000 who won’t pay anything above the cost of their season ticket does not justify a major expansion.

Perhaps a small cheap expansion could be justified but certainly not a major expansion.

Wrong,,,,,

10,000 who won’t pay anything above the cost of their season ticket does not justify a major expansion.

Perhaps a small cheap expansion could be justified but certainly not a major expansion.

It's not wrong, check for yourself, the waiting list for people requesting season tickets is over 10,000.

It's not wrong, check for yourself, the waiting list for people requesting season tickets is over 10,000.

I know the waiting list is something close to what you are saying but this by its self doesn’t justify a major expansion.

If they had several thousand requests for premium seating then a major expansion might be justifiable. But people who can’t afford a donation to the Sooner Club probably should think twice about buying a season ticket. There is a high attrition rate after the first year from people who do not donate.

A cheap expansion in one or both corners of the South end zone that would add 2000 to 3000 seats and that would fit into any future expansion plans may be the only justifiable way to expand at this time.

I know the waiting list is something close to what you are saying but this by its self doesn’t justify a major expansion.

If they had several thousand requests for premium seating then a major expansion might be justifiable. But people who can’t afford a donation to the Sooner Club probably should think twice about buying a season ticket. There is a high attrition rate after the first year from people who do not donate.

A cheap expansion in one or both corners of the South end zone that would add 2000 to 3000 seats and that would fit into any future expansion plans may be the only justifiable way to expand at this time.

I never said this justifies a major expansion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, but some have said the demand for tickets isn't there when it definately is.

I never said this justifies a major expansion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, but some have said the demand for tickets isn't there when it definately is.

But some have said that the demand justifies a significant expansion.
When you can buy a decent ticket outside the stadium for $10 or $20 for nearly every game the true demand isn’t what some think it is.

I am not sure where you are buying $10 or $20 tickets but I haven't seen them. Are those the ticket prices at the end of the first quarter?

I am not sure where you are buying $10 or $20 tickets but I haven't seen them. Are those the ticket prices at the end of the first quarter?

I remember when tickets were $4, and high school students could get end-zone tickets for $1--or just wait for a crowd of guys to build and rush the chain link fence and all climb at once as the "guards" just laughed and let you go...Owen Field has a thousand memories for me and I sure saw some fabulous games there in the 50's, 60's amd 70's...scatter my ashes right there...

I am not sure where you are buying $10 or $20 tickets but I haven't seen them. Are those the ticket prices at the end of the first quarter?

I buy season tickets from OU but I know several fans who buy tickets outside the stadium to nearly every home game and rarely pay over $20 a ticket before the game kicks off.
No matter who OU is playing the toughest ticket is often the first home game of the year.
Most of the cheaper tickets seem to be found just north of the stadium or along Jenkins St near the stadium. The west side is not as good of location to find tickets.
During the season there are always several threads on various OU message boards about this topic

I am not sure where you are buying $10 or $20 tickets but I haven't seen them. Are those the ticket prices at the end of the first quarter?

I have, on occasion, had a extra ticket to sell when I go to a game. Sometimes I couldn't sell it for any price unless I wanted to wait outside the stadium until after the game started which I would never do.

Who would help OU pay for a major stadium expansion?

It is very easy to get cheap tickets outside of the stadium. My friends all do it for every home game and pay between $5 and $40, but most games a ticket is about $20.

it seems odd to me for tickets to roll out in any noticeable level at 20 and less. why is something so desired also so devalued? anyone?

it seems odd to me for tickets to roll out in any noticeable level at 20 and less. why is something so desired also so devalued? anyone?

I think that, at least in part, it is connected to the fact that every game is on television. Many people go to Norman on game days just to party. If they can't get a cheap ticket they can watch the game on television at many venues.

OU stadium won't have too much competiton from OSU's. I've heard due to high ticket pricing they have yet to fill their new 60,000 seat stadium.

OU stadium won't have too much competiton from OSU's. I've heard due to high ticket pricing they have yet to fill their new 60,000 seat stadium.

What ?,
The fans that attend OSU football have nothing to do with the fans that attend OU football, so of course there's no competition.

As a long-time Sooner fan, previous season ticket holder, and current get-them-at-the-gate ticket buyer, let me address/dispel some OU football ticket myths.

The waiting list is over 10,000!!

The waiting list is one of the biggest urban myths surrounding OU football. Is there a list? Yes. Are there about 10,000 names on it? Last time I heard, yes. But what's reality?

Reality is that some families have entered multiple names on the list over multiple years. Reality is that, over the years, when names get come up on the list, many decline the tickets because they've been on the list for years and don't want them anymore, or have other means of getting them. Some economic conditions change, some marital situations change, some family situations change, but the final reality is that list of 10,000 people doesn't represent 10,000 additional bodies waiting to go into the stadium. Others don't realize that getting season tickets doesn't guarantee (at all) getting Texas tickets, or that the tickets available are endzone.

Another part of the ticket list is that Sooner Club tickets (as already noted in this thread) are available if you're willing to donate to the Sooner Club. I haven't checked lately, but last I heard was that $200 ($100 per seat) would get you the option on a pair of home season tickets almost immediately.

So, yeah, there's a list. But there's no way you can leverage that list into a rationalization to bump OMS' capacity by another 15K.

Next myth: Tickets are hard to come by.

My family used to have season tickets back in the 80's. My mom lost interest in attending, and they were lousy seats, so she had me try to sell them each gameday - and I discovered then that no one wanted them. After repeatedly getting lucky to sell them for $10, my mom turned in the tickets. Since that time, I've never been on any season ticket list, and I've never missed a home OU game for lack of a ticket. I can cherry pick the best seats and generally get a pair wherever I want for $30-$40 - and, yes, that included "big" games like Texas Tech in '08. Exceptions? One comes to mind - I did pay $70 for a single to the 2000 OU-Nebraska game.

I tell people this and they look at me like I'm looney, but I've been doing it now for close to 30 years...did it solo when I was single (really easy to do because scalpers hate to get stuck with singles), and now I get tickets this way for my son and me. And the difference I've saved over face value has more than helped me pick up tickets for Texas.

As far as stadium expansion goes, Joe C has stated within the last three years (as I recall) that press box renovation is the next item on the list. The OMS pressbox, a luxury, top-notch facility when it opened in 1974, is now one of the pits in the conference due to its age. The idea is to build an entirely new box with suites that will run the entire length of the west upper deck, but the cost will be inflated due to the logistical issues in not having a site for cranes - parking garage to the west, stadium interior to the east. Plans were apparently working toward that goal back when the economy crashed, and all the funds dried up.

Joe C has also repeatedly stated that the best "investment" seats are for those "between the 20's" (his words). I don't see OU embarking on any project to bowl the corners or build a north endzone deck anytime soon, as those are precisely the seats that aren't seen as the best investment - especially when people can barely give away those tickets on game day. Its hard to convince a big time donor to invest a portion into an eight or nine-figure project less-than-premium seating.

All this expansion talk should be balanced against the master plan OU devised for the stadium some years ago, and most of which has been realized - the exterior redesign/brickwork, east expansion, scoreboards, and the like - and press box renovation is on that very list. So long as Joe C. is the OU AD, I think that will remain the next, smartest priority.

As a long-time Sooner fan, previous season ticket holder, and current get-them-at-the-gate ticket buyer, let me address/dispel some OU football ticket myths.

The waiting list is over 10,000!!

The waiting list is one of the biggest urban myths surrounding OU football. Is there a list? Yes. Are there about 10,000 names on it? Last time I heard, yes. But what's reality?

Reality is that some families have entered multiple names on the list over multiple years. Reality is that, over the years, when names get come up on the list, many decline the tickets because they've been on the list for years and don't want them anymore, or have other means of getting them. Some economic conditions change, some marital situations change, some family situations change, but the final reality is that list of 10,000 people doesn't represent 10,000 additional bodies waiting to go into the stadium. Others don't realize that getting season tickets doesn't guarantee (at all) getting Texas tickets, or that the tickets available are endzone.

Another part of the ticket list is that Sooner Club tickets (as already noted in this thread) are available if you're willing to donate to the Sooner Club. I haven't checked lately, but last I heard was that $200 ($100 per seat) would get you the option on a pair of home season tickets almost immediately.

So, yeah, there's a list. But there's no way you can leverage that list into a rationalization to bump OMS' capacity by another 15K.

Next myth: Tickets are hard to come by.

My family used to have season tickets back in the 80's. My mom lost interest in attending, and they were lousy seats, so she had me try to sell them each gameday - and I discovered then that no one wanted them. After repeatedly getting lucky to sell them for $10, my mom turned in the tickets. Since that time, I've never been on any season ticket list, and I've never missed a home OU game for lack of a ticket. I can cherry pick the best seats and generally get a pair wherever I want for $30-$40 - and, yes, that included "big" games like Texas Tech in '08. Exceptions? One comes to mind - I did pay $70 for a single to the 2000 OU-Nebraska game.

I tell people this and they look at me like I'm looney, but I've been doing it now for close to 30 years...did it solo when I was single (really easy to do because scalpers hate to get stuck with singles), and now I get tickets this way for my son and me. And the difference I've saved over face value has more than helped me pick up tickets for Texas.

As far as stadium expansion goes, Joe C has stated within the last three years (as I recall) that press box renovation is the next item on the list. The OMS pressbox, a luxury, top-notch facility when it opened in 1974, is now one of the pits in the conference due to its age. The idea is to build an entirely new box with suites that will run the entire length of the west upper deck, but the cost will be inflated due to the logistical issues in not having a site for cranes - parking garage to the west, stadium interior to the east. Plans were apparently working toward that goal back when the economy crashed, and all the funds dried up.

Joe C has also repeatedly stated that the best "investment" seats are for those "between the 20's" (his words). I don't see OU embarking on any project to bowl the corners or build a north endzone deck anytime soon, as those are precisely the seats that aren't seen as the best investment - especially when people can barely give away those tickets on game day. Its hard to convince a big time donor to invest a portion into an eight or nine-figure project less-than-premium seating.

All this expansion talk should be balanced against the master plan OU devised for the stadium some years ago, and most of which has been realized - the exterior redesign/brickwork, east expansion, scoreboards, and the like - and press box renovation is on that very list. So long as Joe C. is the OU AD, I think that will remain the next, smartest priority.

End. Of. Thread.

As a long-time Sooner fan, previous season ticket holder, and current get-them-at-the-gate ticket buyer, let me address/dispel some OU football ticket myths.

The waiting list is over 10,000!!

The waiting list is one of the biggest urban myths surrounding OU football. Is there a list? Yes. Are there about 10,000 names on it? Last time I heard, yes. But what's reality?

Reality is that some families have entered multiple names on the list over multiple years. Reality is that, over the years, when names get come up on the list, many decline the tickets because they've been on the list for years and don't want them anymore, or have other means of getting them. Some economic conditions change, some marital situations change, some family situations change, but the final reality is that list of 10,000 people doesn't represent 10,000 additional bodies waiting to go into the stadium. Others don't realize that getting season tickets doesn't guarantee (at all) getting Texas tickets, or that the tickets available are endzone.

Another part of the ticket list is that Sooner Club tickets (as already noted in this thread) are available if you're willing to donate to the Sooner Club. I haven't checked lately, but last I heard was that $200 ($100 per seat) would get you the option on a pair of home season tickets almost immediately.

So, yeah, there's a list. But there's no way you can leverage that list into a rationalization to bump OMS' capacity by another 15K.

Next myth: Tickets are hard to come by.

My family used to have season tickets back in the 80's. My mom lost interest in attending, and they were lousy seats, so she had me try to sell them each gameday - and I discovered then that no one wanted them. After repeatedly getting lucky to sell them for $10, my mom turned in the tickets. Since that time, I've never been on any season ticket list, and I've never missed a home OU game for lack of a ticket. I can cherry pick the best seats and generally get a pair wherever I want for $30-$40 - and, yes, that included "big" games like Texas Tech in '08. Exceptions? One comes to mind - I did pay $70 for a single to the 2000 OU-Nebraska game.

I tell people this and they look at me like I'm looney, but I've been doing it now for close to 30 years...did it solo when I was single (really easy to do because scalpers hate to get stuck with singles), and now I get tickets this way for my son and me. And the difference I've saved over face value has more than helped me pick up tickets for Texas.

As far as stadium expansion goes, Joe C has stated within the last three years (as I recall) that press box renovation is the next item on the list. The OMS pressbox, a luxury, top-notch facility when it opened in 1974, is now one of the pits in the conference due to its age. The idea is to build an entirely new box with suites that will run the entire length of the west upper deck, but the cost will be inflated due to the logistical issues in not having a site for cranes - parking garage to the west, stadium interior to the east. Plans were apparently working toward that goal back when the economy crashed, and all the funds dried up.

Joe C has also repeatedly stated that the best "investment" seats are for those "between the 20's" (his words). I don't see OU embarking on any project to bowl the corners or build a north endzone deck anytime soon, as those are precisely the seats that aren't seen as the best investment - especially when people can barely give away those tickets on game day. Its hard to convince a big time donor to invest a portion into an eight or nine-figure project less-than-premium seating.

All this expansion talk should be balanced against the master plan OU devised for the stadium some years ago, and most of which has been realized - the exterior redesign/brickwork, east expansion, scoreboards, and the like - and press box renovation is on that very list. So long as Joe C. is the OU AD, I think that will remain the next, smartest priority.

SoonerDave you make many good points that I agree with.

The latest information that I have heard from Joe C was given in a KREF radio interview just a few months ago. In that interview Joe C. said that OU would build a south end zone project before it built a new press box.
The press box would cost more because of the location of the garage but it’s still a doable project.
IMHO A crane could be placed on top of the parking garage. Large cranes could be used at both ends of the stadium. Some material could be driven up the garage ramps to the top then hoisted with a crane to were its needed

SoonerDave you make many good points that I agree with.

The latest information that I have heard from Joe C was given in a KREF radio interview just a few months ago. In that interview Joe C. said that OU would build a south end zone project before it built a new press box.
The press box would cost more because of the location of the garage but it’s still a doable project.
IMHO A crane could be placed on top of the parking garage. Large cranes could be used at both ends of the stadium. Some material could be driven up the garage ramps to the top then hoisted with a crane to were its needed

Hmm...just so I understand, you personally heard Joe C say this on KREF? If so, it sounds like Joe C. has changed his mind on stadium priorities, or perhaps someone has aimed some $$$ to the Athletic Department earmarked for a south endzone project. I heard an interview with him on the Animal where Al Eschbach asked him what was next for the football stadium, and he specifically stated the next stadium project would be the press box renovation. I don't even think a south endzone project is even in the stadium master plan, and that's been Joe C's guidance through all the stadium updates.

I know there has been a lot of sentimental interest in bowling the corners, and the practical difficulties with such a project due to the fact that the existing south stands are not built at the same rake angle as the rest of the stadium - making such a project a technical and financial challenge -- all for less-than-optimal seating.

I know Joe C is not an advocate of additional endzone seating, so what he said on KREF is very, very surprising, as it contradicts what he had made as a pretty plain objective on three fronts - the desire to build seats between the 20's, the desire to balance seats with ticket demand, and that the press box project was part of the stadium master plan.

I'm going to see if I can send Joe C an email and set us all straight. I figure the worst he can do is ignore me :)


EDIT: I have sent an email to the Athletics Department at OU asking them to clarify this issue. I'll post here when and if they reply. Not meaning to doubt what you heard, OU48A, it's just that what was said contradicts so much of what he's said in the past about stadium upgrades...also, the press box crane issue clearly can be resolved, but doing so is more expensive than in what would be a more conventional construction venue.

I think it's likely they have architectural plans that give them them options of a massive expansion or a scaled-down one. I think it's most likely that they'll tear down the old pressbox and build a structure spanning the entire west side that includes suites. Closing in the south endzone with an upper deck would take megabucks!

Hmm...just so I understand, you personally heard Joe C say this on KREF? If so, it sounds like Joe C. has changed his mind on stadium priorities, or perhaps someone has aimed some $$$ to the Athletic Department earmarked for a south endzone project. I heard an interview with him on the Animal where Al Eschbach asked him what was next for the football stadium, and he specifically stated the next stadium project would be the press box renovation. I don't even think a south endzone project is even in the stadium master plan, and that's been Joe C's guidance through all the stadium updates.

I know there has been a lot of sentimental interest in bowling the corners, and the practical difficulties with such a project due to the fact that the existing south stands are not built at the same rake angle as the rest of the stadium - making such a project a technical and financial challenge -- all for less-than-optimal seating.

I know Joe C is not an advocate of additional endzone seating, so what he said on KREF is very, very surprising, as it contradicts what he had made as a pretty plain objective on three fronts - the desire to build seats between the 20's, the desire to balance seats with ticket demand, and that the press box project was part of the stadium master plan.

I'm going to see if I can send Joe C an email and set us all straight. I figure the worst he can do is ignore me :)

Joe C. is very good at responding to correspondence. Please let us know what he says.
You said that you heard him about 3 years ago. What I heard on KREF was about 6 months ago. Joe C indicated that neither would be built until funding was identified (donations).

About the south end zone project, the rake angel can be accounted for. Joe C explained that they would remove the existing stadium decking and leave the existing super structure in place. They would add to the super structure to meet the desired rake angel then put the deck and seats back on. They would build 2 levels of decks. While the sets in the corners are not the most desirable because they would require fewer materials they are by far the cheapest to build. These could be sold to visiting fans or discounted. I also know that there is a desire to have more covered parking for coaches and staff during non-game days. This could be accomplished with a south end zone project. I’m not sure how this would affect OU athletic projects but OU’s bond rating was dropped several months ago. This makes it more expensive to borrow money.

Over the years I have heard various things said about planed OU projects only to see them changed both in time and scope. So it’s entirely possible that what either of us heard could be different from the current line of thinking. It’s also possible that Joe C was over ruled. It’s happened before.

Joe C. is very good at responding to correspondence. Please let us know what he says.

I certainly will!

Now, this is purely speculation on my part, but I've heard expansion talk stirring here and there, which makes me wonder if something is in the works, perhaps in the more serious planning stages. Obviously no time to do anything for this year, but perhaps next. If nothing else, an answer from Joe C would settle things.

Interesting discussion on how they would address the rake issue. That's the first time I've heard anything substantive about how they would approach it, (removal of the seats and decking, retain and modify superstructure, then restore seats and decking. That suggests to me that, at a minimum, more than just casual architectural discussions have been undertaken on the details of such a project.

Will relay what I hear from Joe C when/if he answers.

-David

What ?,
The fans that attend OSU football have nothing to do with the fans that attend OU football, so of course there's no competition.

As they say at OSU there's always next year.

Toby Roland says that Joe C. will be on KREF 1400 AM at 8:30AM Tuesday.
Perhaps he will clarify some of the information on this thread.

Toby Roland says that Joe C. will be on KREF 1400 AM at 8:30AM Tuesday.
Perhaps he will clarify some of the information on this thread.

I was not able to listen to that interview. Anyone get a chance to hear it? Anything of relevance about OMS?

I've not yet heard back from my email.

I was not able to listen to that interview. Anyone get a chance to hear it? Anything of relevance about OMS?

I've not yet heard back from my email.

I was able to hear most of it.
There was nothing specifically mentioned about any football stadium projects.
Joe.C talked about the new student housing project and about some of the various possibilities of a new OU TV network.

He didn’t say this but he seemed to be suggesting that it would be about 13 months before OU could launch its version of a TV network.

He didn’t say this but he seemed to be suggesting that it would be about 13 months before OU could launch its version of a TV network.

I think that is something that OU may need for competitive and financial reasons but, even as an avid OU fan, there probably isn't much I would watch.

I think that is something that OU may need for competitive and financial reasons but, even as an avid OU fan, there probably isn't much I would watch.

I hope the OU channel is able to highlight more than just OU sports.

Regular programing on weather, energy, business, USA & world history to name a few, if delivered by a dynamic personality could help capture viewers who are not OU sports fans.

I believe they are also going to show things like commencement and any events where there are notable speakers and whatnot...

Improve and/or expand--is there a demand?

Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium:

http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/1024/MW/MWRWKSEJVWDRXUL.20130814191112.jpg
After a review today by the University of Oklahoma Board Of Regents, the OU Athletics Department is set to begin a feasibility assessment for improvements at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.--Feasibility Study Set For Memorial Stadium - Oklahoma Sooners (http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31000&ATCLID=209290529)

“We’re initiating a comprehensive review of one of the most tradition-rich sporting venues in the country and our ability to attract and train the country’s top student-athletes and serve the best fans in college football,” OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said in a news release.

The coming assessment will consider virtually every aspect of the stadium’s features and operations, including team facilities, fan amenities, concessions and the press box.

Oklahoma developed its football stadium “Master Plan” in 1993, with early projects including the Barry Switzer Center, west-side suites and turf replacement, among others.

Funding for the 2013 Master Plan update is already available from the Athletics Department capital fund.--http://oklahoman.com/ou-regents-review-plans-to-improve-memorial-stadium/article/3896848

Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium expansion capacities:

1925 - 16,000
1929 - 32,000

1949 - 55,000

1957 - 61,826

1975 - 71,187

1980 - 75,004

2003 - 81,000
2004 - 82,112

We are currently among the top 20 largest football stadiums in the country; listed as the 19th largest:

List of American football stadiums by capacity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_football_stadiums_by_capacity)

http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/attachments/world-affairs-board-pub/27697d1324891865-i-think-necrokitten.jpg

FYI.... this designing company will be involved.
Take a look at some of their work

Work - POPULOUS (http://populous.com/work/)

Populous - Drawing People Together (http://populous.com/)


It's likely that we will see something very impressive done

FYI.... this designing company will be involved.
Take a look at some of their work

Work - POPULOUS (http://populous.com/work/)

Populous - Drawing People Together (http://populous.com/)

It's likely that we will see something very impressive done

Populous has an outstanding portfolio.

Institutional leaders have a good feel for the development in many of Oklahoma's universities and colleges. Quality at OU has been impressive under Boren's leadership.

There' s money in the OU Athletics' capital fund and I'm sure there are donors who want to get something done. Our last major stadium renovation was 2003. The feasibility study will give us the signal to 'go' or 'no go' on what our market can handle.

Sooner football has enjoyed a string of sellouts; let's not lose perpective that records come and go from winning to losing streaks.

Sure tickets are available for those of have to sit outside the stadium and wait. Loyal Sooner football faithfuls will always be there for this university and team regardless of the situation. We know that there are some who wear the attire; where are they when the team loses? As Grandma use to say, "Ain't nothing jumping but the peas in the pot; they wouldn't be jumping if the water wasn't hot."

OU48A, it is time for renovation and a modest expansion to reward the fans who are steadfast. In my years of watching college football this is my observation about the fair weather fans; their bandwagon quickly becomes the turnip wagon.