Wow didn't realize the SRO area would be in that area. That's where my son got tix for next Friday.

SRO is also around the grandstand and the outfield. If you look at the map it's shaded blue. Really the only place prohibited is right behind home plate, sections 5-9.

Looks like the padding is going up on the outfield wall https://twitter.com/i/status/1760030746184433720

Pete, I have looked at all of the pics of the softball indoor hitting facility, and the only doors in to it that I see are down by the bullpen. Unless there is a underground tunnel from the locker room to the hitting facility. Very strange. No windows or doors on 3 sides of it.

Pete, I have looked at all of the pics of the softball indoor hitting facility, and the only doors in to it that I see are down by the bullpen. Unless there is a underground tunnel from the locker room to the hitting facility. Very strange. No windows or doors on 3 sides of it.

Most of the indoor practice facility is below ground; or more precisely at field level. What you are seeing on the east, west, and south sides is the top of it sticking up above the ground. There are only windows on the north side to stop direct sunlight from coming in. It is only one level but very tall and open; if there were doors on the other sides they would open to about a 20' drop down onto the practice field.

And yes, there is a tunnel that connects the locker room, dugout, and practice facility. The home locker facility is actually two levels, the lower level being field level and with the tunnels; a lot of the top level is for public restrooms and concessions. I believe in the home locker facility the showers are below ground and then the actual locker room is above. (2nd image shows the field-level tunnels, indoor practice facility and the home locker rooms.)

3rd image shows the 2nd level starting at the home locker room building, the tunnels starting to be covered, and the structure of the practice facility with the high roof.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball021024f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball0505023a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball052923b.jpg

This is what the current indoor practice facility looks like. They new one will be similar but bigger and nicer:

https://i.imgur.com/hprCYu3.jpg

Some photos via OU Daily

https://www.oudaily.com/multimedia/photos-loves-field-construction-update/collection_859ccc1e-cf97-11ee-9a58-17c74db2d1d5.html#2

Looks like the outfield pads are getting installed. And it looks like they are too short?

https://x.com/jasonfaires/status/1760030746184433720?s=46&t=bwar-XFVbiAPJAxJhTwfZw


18650

Looks like the outfield pads are getting installed. And it looks like they are too short?

https://x.com/jasonfaires/status/1760030746184433720?s=46&t=bwar-XFVbiAPJAxJhTwfZw


18650

It looks like it will either be two pieces of padding or the lowest part might be something more capable of being hit by the equipment that does mantence of the field.

Bottom of the pads might be just like they are. If balls roll to the wall they will bounce more predictably off of concrete.

Bottom of the pads might be just like they are. If balls roll to the wall they will bounce more predictably off of concrete.

That would be incredibly unusual and would look bizarre with the way the letters are justified.

That would be incredibly unusual and would look bizarre with the way the letters are justified.

Completely agree. Not to mention, the whole idea of the padding is to protect players running at the wall full speed from direct impact with the concrete. I find it hard to believe Coach Gasso will not want the padding to run nearly to the ground mostly for player protection but also aesthetics.

That would be incredibly unusual and would look bizarre with the way the letters are justified.

Completely agree. Not to mention, the whole idea of the padding is to protect players running at the wall full speed from direct impact with the concrete. I find it hard to believe Coach Gasso will not want the padding to run nearly to the ground mostly for player protection but also aesthetics.

It's not unusual -- especially in baseball -- to have the bottom strip of the outfield padding remain concrete or wood and just paint it to match the padding.

It's to allow the ball to bounce off the wall instead of just being deadened by the padding. Also very common behind the plate for the same reason.


I suspect they will be adding a color-coordinated strip to the bottom that will be of different material.

You can see the distance from the top of the letters to the top border is equal to the gap between the letters and the ground, so something of the same color will be installed there or at least painted. If it was to be just paint, they probably would have done it before installing the pads.

It’s not worth arguing about but I can’t think of any examples of a two foot gap between the padding and the field.

It’s not worth arguing about but I can’t think of any examples of a two foot gap between the padding and the field.

It is more like one foot

It’s not worth arguing about but I can’t think of any examples of a two foot gap between the padding and the field.

Not quite a two foot gap, but a quick Google search shows many examples where the outfield padding stops short of the ground as is a different material/non-padded.

The padding is consistent with NCAA rules and regulations. "By January 1, 2027, sideline and home run fences constructed of a hard material (e.g., wood, concrete or brick) are required to be padded. Padding must begin not higher than 1 foot off the ground and extend to the top of the wood, concrete or brick or 6 feet from the ground, whichever is shorter."
Quoted directly from the NCAA Softball 2024 and 2025 Rules Book

Progress photos from Alonzo Adams on Twitter. Concourse has been poured and the front entrance is almost done

https://x.com/alonzoadamspics/status/1760438089086906744?s=46&t=bwar-XFVbiAPJAxJhTwfZw

Here are Alonzo's photos.

Note the outfield wall is now the same color all the way down but not sure what is covering the lowest part. I'll take photos this weekend and solve the mystery!

https://twitter.com/AlonzoAdamsPics

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022124a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022124b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022124c.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022124d.jpg

Interested to see how much the revenue for softball goes up with more seats they raised 1.5 million last FY. (https://bvmsports.com/2024/02/19/how-ou-football-softball-performed-financially-in-fy2023/)

Interested to see how much the revenue for softball goes up with more seats they raised 1.5 million last FY. (https://bvmsports.com/2024/02/19/how-ou-football-softball-performed-financially-in-fy2023/)

Were they requiring donations to buy season tickets at Marita Hynes like they are at Love's? Those donations alone might increase revenue quite a bit.

Were they requiring donations to buy season tickets at Marita Hynes like they are at Love's? Those donations alone might increase revenue quite a bit.

maybe they can get close to not losing money

I'd like to say a big shout out Pete and to everyone else who has provided pictures and updates to Love's Field. For those of us that live out of state we very much appreciate all of your updates.

I'd like to say a big shout out Pete and to everyone else who has provided pictures and updates to Love's Field. For those of us that live out of state we very much appreciate all of your updates.

You're welcome. It's good to know others enjoy all these photos and I have to admit I love watching the rapid advancement of big construction projects.

I'll get down there this weekend and I hope to be there Friday for opening day in order to get some inside shots.

Were they requiring donations to buy season tickets at Marita Hynes like they are at Love's? Those donations alone might increase revenue quite a bit.

this is the first year that softball has had a seat donation.

You're welcome. It's good to know others enjoy all these photos and I have to admit I love watching the rapid advancement of big construction projects.

I'll get down there this weekend and I hope to be there Friday for opening day in order to get some inside shots.

I never knew how much I enjoyed construction until you started posting photos of Love's Field. My wife will catch me studying them and think I'm crazy. I really enjoy looking at the progress and trying to figure out how it was designed.

I never knew how much I enjoyed construction until you started posting photos of Love's Field. My wife will catch me studying them and think I'm crazy. I really enjoy looking at the progress and trying to figure out how it was designed.

If you love big construction projects, there is a great channel on Youtube (it's all free content):

https://www.youtube.com/@TheB1M

The B1M is fantastic, I listen to their podcast pretty frequently.

You're welcome. It's good to know others enjoy all these photos and I have to admit I love watching the rapid advancement of big construction projects.

I'll get down there this weekend and I hope to be there Friday for opening day in order to get some inside shots.

Will be interesting to see how much outside the stadium down the 1st & 3rd base side they get concrete poured prior to next Friday.

Thanks again Pete for all the pics.

There have been near-ideal weather conditions for the last month and it looks like that will hold right up until opening day, a huge stroke of luck considering we are talking about the entirety of February.

They still have tons of concrete to pour just to get the concourses usable.

Nothing like a hard deadline to get everyone focused!

There have been near-ideal weather conditions for the last month and it looks like that will hold right up until opening day, a huge stroke of luck considering we are talking about the entirety of February.

They still have tons of concrete to pour just to get the concourses usable.

Nothing like a hard deadline to get everyone focused!

I wonder if they are working under the lights now? I don't live in Norman or I would drive by and look.

I still feel like they have a lot to get it ready for day 1 but a full week of good weather should help. Interesting to see how it all gets done. Going to really be a great ballpark. A few good spots for a Patty statue :D

I still feel like they have a lot to get it ready for day 1 but a full week of good weather should help. Interesting to see how it all gets done. Going to really be a great ballpark. A few good spots for a Patty statue :D

I agree with you FTGF. None of this would have been necessary without HC Patty Gasso elevating OU into the softball stratosphere. This is HC Patty Gasso's 30th year at OU and she took the program from Reaves Park, with players having to pick up trash before the games, to Love's Field. Now her name needs to be outside the front of the stadium with either Patty Gasso Stadium or Patty Gasso Family Stadium to go along with the already planned statue of her. This is the least that should be done to honor her for what she has accomplished while coaching the Sooner softball team.

I agree with you FTGF. None of this would have been necessary without HC Patty Gasso elevating OU into the softball stratosphere. This is HC Patty Gasso's 30th year at OU and she took the program from Reaves Park, with players having to pick up trash before the games, to Love's Field. Now her name needs to be outside the front of the stadium with either Patty Gasso Stadium or Patty Gasso Family Stadium to go along with the already planned statue of her. This is the least that should be done to honor her for what she has accomplished while coaching the Sooner softball team.

I'm sure this will happen, but may be after she retires. I think she would want it that way.

I'm sure this will happen, but may be after she retires. I think she would want it that way.

Yeah, didn't they have the statue of bob stoops already done a couple years before he retired but waited till after retirement to either officially announce it or put it on public display.

Pete - you taking pics of Love's today or tomorrow? Answer might save me from checking this thread every 30 minutes.

From Saturday 2/24 around noon:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424aa.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424c.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424d.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424e.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424f.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424g.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424i.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424j.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424k.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424l.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424m.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424q.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424n.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424o.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424p.jpg

Great Pics Pete !

Coming down the stretch

:iagree:

Thank you, Pete. Wow, everything is looking great. I surprised they are using real plants for the hitters eye and not artificial turf. It’s going to look great.

My only nitpick is the bright red backstop that doesn’t match the chair backs.

Looks great. I’m sure the concrete work will continue all weekend.

Is the area behind the outfield bleachers going to be grass?

Looks great. I’m sure the concrete work will continue all weekend.

Is the area behind the outfield bleachers going to be grass?

I noticed while watching the baseball game last night that the lights at Love’s were on. I bet they are working around the clock.

Great Pics Pete !

Coming down the stretch

Agree Bellaboo and a huge shoutout to Pete for all of the pics he's been providing to all of us. And hat's off to all of the workers who are working so hard to get Love's Field up and running in time for the first game this coming Friday.

Love's Field Game Day information and policies, including information on the pregame dedication.

https://soonersports.com/news/2024/2/26/softball-2024-loves-field-game-day-policies-procedures-and-additional-fan-information

Unless they modify this It seems like concessions and bathrooms are expected to be finished for fans. I was wondering if the trailers on the right field concrete slab were portable bathrooms, but they might be portable locker rooms instead.

for as many seats that are in the outfield, I think they should look in the next few years of putting a permanent bathroom/concession somewhere beyond the outfield seats.

for as many seats that are in the outfield, I think they should look in the next few years of putting a permanent bathroom/concession somewhere beyond the outfield seats.

Someone on Soonerscoop said they heard the outfield wont' be ready for this weekend? Any ticket holders hear this?

Someone on Soonerscoop said they heard the outfield wont' be ready for this weekend? Any ticket holders hear this?

It may just be the two sections on either side of dead center.

If you look at my photos from Saturday, looks like they had a long way to go. There are not many seats in those sections.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022424c.jpg

New footage from twitter. https://x.com/ou_softball/status/1762611595845177390?s=46&t=bwar-XFVbiAPJAxJhTwfZw

To Pete’s point it does seem like that small outfield section is still looking rough.

18666

New footage from twitter. https://x.com/ou_softball/status/1762611595845177390?s=46&t=bwar-XFVbiAPJAxJhTwfZw

To Pete’s point it does seem like that small outfield section is still looking rough.

18666

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHX28tWaUAA53qQ?format=jpg&name=large this pic from Twitter today looks like it could be a couple of days old. Pete's pics from Saturday showed shrub being planted in CF

I'm not sure when I'll ever get tickets, so if you go, take lots of photos and videos for us!

Taken 2/28 11 AM:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824c.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824d.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824e.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824f.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824g.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824h.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824i.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824j.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824k.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824l.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824m.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824n.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824o.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824p.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824q.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824r.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824s.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824t.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/softball022824u.jpg

Wow they are hustling.

I believe that large dirt area down the 1st base line (identified as Fan Plaza on the stadium map) will eventually be covered in artificial turf. Not sure if that will get done before Friday's opener.

Also, I don't understand what they are doing in sections 16 & 18 on either side of dead center field. Tons and tons of work to put in stone risers and artificial turf and then just cover it up with aluminum benches? Why? It looks like they may be removable but what is the point of that?

Also, I don't understand what they are doing in sections 16 & 18 on either side of dead center field. Tons and tons of work to put in stone risers and artificial turf and then just cover it up with aluminum benches? Why? It looks like they may be removable but what is the point of that?

okay. glad i'm not the only one completely confused by that.

Great photos Pete!

I believe that large dirt area down the 1st base line (identified as Fan Plaza on the stadium map) will eventually be covered in artificial turf. Not sure if that will get done before Friday's opener.

Also, I don't understand what they are doing in sections 16 & 18 on either side of dead center field. Tons and tons of work to put in stone risers and artificial turf and then just cover it up with aluminum benches? Why? It looks like they may be removable but what is the point of that?

I think originally those were going to be first come first serve picnic areas .... but with the demand of tickets becoming what it was they decided to make it seating .. well after the plans were final ..

and not really knowing what the long term ticket demand will be this gives them flexibility moving forward ..

I believe that large dirt area down the 1st base line (identified as Fan Plaza on the stadium map) will eventually be covered in artificial turf. Not sure if that will get done before Friday's opener.

Also, I don't understand what they are doing in sections 16 & 18 on either side of dead center field. Tons and tons of work to put in stone risers and artificial turf and then just cover it up with aluminum benches? Why? It looks like they may be removable but what is the point of that?

Bonus Photos!!! Thanks, Pete.

I agree, I'm super confused about the left/right center field areas. I assumed those were going to be blanket/lawn chair sections. My only guess is they wanted to break the home attendance number that Alabama owns so the bleachers allowed them more butts in seats. The architecture might have been too far along before they made that decision so metal bleachers was the only option.

^

I think BoulderSooner is exactly right: after plans were finalized, what had been planned as a casual picnic area they decided to add more bleachers instead to sell section 16 & 18 as season tickets.

I know those sections were sold to new season ticket holders.

Am I nuts, or did they change their mind on what kind of plants to put in dead center? They look different than Pete's last update.

Also, It looks like they are laying down Bermuda sod on the southern entrance. I agree artificial turf would make sense on the fan plaza, just for practicality.

I believe that large dirt area down the 1st base line (identified as Fan Plaza on the stadium map) will eventually be covered in artificial turf. Not sure if that will get done before Friday's opener.

Also, I don't understand what they are doing in sections 16 & 18 on either side of dead center field. Tons and tons of work to put in stone risers and artificial turf and then just cover it up with aluminum benches? Why? It looks like they may be removable but what is the point of that?

Curious what the wood panels are behind the center field section aswell? Looks like they're arranged to be individualized picnic areas.