I was wondering when UCO's new stadium would be complete. This will be one of the finest football stadiums for a small university in the country. I only wish we could've landed an MLS team....Wantland Stadium only would've been so much nicer.

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"Stadium to be locale for events


By Beth Gollob
The Oklahoman

EDMOND - Members of a new organization will try to boost attendance this fall at University of Central Oklahoma football games while promoting the newly renovated stadium, UCO officials said Monday. Committee of 100
For more information about the University of Central Oklahoma Committee of 100, call Jeff Harp at 974-2345.

Wantland Stadium construction almost done

Wantland Stadium was opened for tours Monday so the public could get a glimpse of the remodeling work.

In conjunction with the $15 million renovation, officials created the "Committee of 100" to help kick off the stadium's opening this fall, UCO President Roger Webb said.

Members of the group are chiefly UCO faculty, staff and administrators, but interested community members also will be welcome to participate, UCO spokesman Charlie Johnson said.

Use of the stadium won't be limited to football games. Plans could include holding concerts and community events there. Also, the university's multiple commencement exercises in the spring and fall semesters could be consolidated and held in the stadium instead of in Hamilton Field House, Webb said.

"This is going to be an event location, not just a place to see football games," Webb said.

Football players have begun using the field for spring practices, and are excited about seeing the expansion around them, UCO head football coach Chuck Langston said.

"We're excited as a school and a football team. When you build a stadium like this, you attract players from across the nation," Langston said.

In December, work began to more than double the total number of seats at the stadium to about 9,000. The renovation project also includes a multilevel structure on the home side, with concessions, rest rooms, a press box and an enclosed club level. Additional seating, rest rooms and a concession stand also are planned for the visitor's side, Johnson said.

In 2003, UCO students voted in favor of a $3 per credit hour fee increase to pay for improvements at the stadium. At the time, Major League Soccer was considering an expansion into Edmond.

The project is on target for an August completion, Johnson said. "