Oklahoma Sooners
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Memorial Stadium |
Updated
November 24, 2008 |
Memorial Stadium's rich heritage has not hindered its evolution, a never-ending growth fueled by the football program's overwhelming popularity. Almost since its inception, the stadium has been a work in progress.
That fact holds true today. The recent $75 million expansion and renovation of OU's football stadium transformed a towering concrete structure into a beautiful facility featuring the brick and cast stone that characterizes OU's historic campus.
A clock tower on the north side of the stadium and expansive tree-lined plazas on the northwest, northeast and southeast corners of the stadium were special features of the new design.
The project also included the addition of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility, a six-level parking structure located west of the stadium, and a war memorial to OU faculty, staff and students who gave their lives in the service of the country.
The project added 8,000 seats, including 27 suites, on the east side for the 2003 season. At the same time, the press box was remodeled and outfitted with several state of the art features.
An additional 27 suites in the new east upper deck opened for the 2004 season bringing the total number of suites to 63 (54 east, nine west). Renovations to the Santee Lounge, restroom and concessions facilities and a new brick facade on the west side further enhanced Oklahoma Memorial Stadium's reputation as one of the finest venues in all of college football.
In the two years prior to the stadium upgrade and expansion, renovations were completed in the coaches' offices, locker rooms, sports medicine and weight training facilities.
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Stadium History |
In 1921, University of Oklahoma students started a movement for construction of a student union. By 1925, the idea had grown to include a combined football stadium/student union. In the original architect's drawings, the north end of the proposed structure was strikingly similar to the present Oklahoma Memorial Union, which eventually was constructed separately when head coach Bennie Owen suggested it would be best to raise funds for a union and a stadium.
The first game played at the site took place Oct. 20,1923 (a 63-7 win over Washington, Mo.), before the stadium/union plan got under way. The field was named Owen Field after Owen, who became a charter member of the National Football Hall of Fame.
In 1925, the first contest was played in front of the new stands on the west side of the field. The 16,000-seat Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, named in honor of University personnel who died in World War I, was erected at a cost of approximately $293,000.
Stands on the east side of the stadium were added prior to the 1929 season. That addition increased the seating capacity to 32,000, where it stood for 20 years. In 1949, OU president George L. Cross pushed for expansion and the result was a six-foot lowering of the old playing surface and the elimination of a running track that surrounded the playing area. The changes produced 7,000 new ringside seats and brought capacity to 55,000. The north end of the stadium also was enclosed. In 1957, green grandstand bleachers were added to the south end of the field, enabling the stadium to hold 61,836 fans.
Eighteen years later came the addition of the upper deck and new press box. Another 8,436 seats were added at a cost of $5,726,345. Capacity for the 1975 National Championship season was 71,187. Before the 1980 season, the old green bleachers were replaced with the new south end zone facility. In addition to improved seating, the complex included coaches' offices, the weight room, meeting rooms, a training room, the equipment room and two locker rooms. The addition brought the stadium capacity to 75,004. Capacity was decreased to 72,765 prior to the 1998 season to provide more wheelchair seating.
In July, 1970 the original natural grass surface was removed and artificial turf was installed. That tartan turf was replaced with super turf before the 1981 season. Owen Field returned to grass in 1994.
A Stadium Master Plan was approved by the OU Board of Regents in June 1994. Construction of nine west side suites began in April 1995 and was completed that year. The suites are leased annually. Eight of the suites seat 12 and the President's suite seats 24. Subsequent improvements included the installation of stadium lights to allow night games, a new scoreboard and a video screen.
The Barry Switzer Center, named after the former OU head football coach, opened in April 1999. That complex includes a sports medicine facility with the latest equipment and technology to better accommodate OU's student-athletes; the Robin Siegfried and Family Strength and Conditioning Facility, which will accommodate more than 400 athletes; new locker rooms; new coaches offices; the Anderson All-American Plaza and the OU Touchdown Club Legends Lobby. The Legends Lobby features some of OU's finest moments and most legendary figures.
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Parking Information |
2008 Football Parking Map | Public parking is limited on the main campus on game days. Fans are encouraged to arrive early. For pay parking lot locations please refer to the football parking map. There is a $10 charge for parking. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended that fans utilize one of the three shuttle systems available.
Limited parking that once existed on Brooks Street (north of the stadium) is no longer available, and that street has been closed. Patrons are reminded to avoid parking in yellow-curbed areas, fire lanes and grass areas. Vehicles parked in those areas may be towed.
Free parking is available at the Lloyd Noble Center
located approximately one mile south of the stadium.
A shuttle is provided for $2 round trip and unloads
one block south of the stadium on First Street. The
shuttle provides return trips for one hour after the
conclusion of the game.
Traffic Flow
Three hours prior to kickoff there will be two street
closures adjacent to the stadium. Lindsey Street, which
runs east and west along the southern edge of the stadium
will close at Elm (west of the stadium) to just east
of Jenkins Ave. Only those patrons with parking credentials
for the Asp Avenue Parking Facility or the MP12 lot
will be able to access Lindsey, and they must approach
from the west. The other street closure is on Jenkins
Ave., a north-south street that borders the eastern
side of the stadium. That street will be closed from
Brooks (north of the stadium) to Farmers St., to the
south.
Reserved Parking
Most lots near the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial
Stadium are reserved and require a pass. Please refer
to the football
parking map for locations of those
lots.
Free Gameday Parking
It is available at the Lloyd Noble Center (located
approximately one mile south of the stadium). Patrons
with a disability may ride the disability shuttle for
$2 round trip. The disability shuttle originates at
the Lloyd Noble Center and unloads on Asp Avenue, immediately
west of the stadium, by Gates 1 through 4. Because
of the high demand for the shuttle service, the service
is restricted to those patrons who have a disability
and one (1) caretaker for riders needing additional
assistance. For more information about disability parking
services, please call the Parking & Transportation
Office at (405) 325-3311.
Asp Avenue Parking Facility
Patrons parking in the new Asp Avenue Parking facility
may be subject to vehicle searches. Photo identification
matching the name of the person to whom the parking
pass is issued is required. The parking facility closes
on 6 PM each Friday of a home game and re-opens five
hours prior to kickoff on Saturday for those with the
appropriate parking credentials to that facility.
Disability Parking
Disability parking on main campus is limited. Reserved
disability parking is available for a fee and is located
in the parking facility connected to the west side
of the stadium. Please call (405) 325-3311.
City Streets Parking
The City of Norman will be enforcing parking restrictions
on all streets on gamedays. The primary area of enforcement
will be "No Parking" areas that are not exempted on
gamedays. Please take the time to read the signs before
parking on a city street. Fans are encouraged to use
the free parking areas and shuttles at the Lloyd Noble
Center.
RV Parking
Oklahoma's
RV Tailgate Program | RV parking will be available
in the southwest corner of the Lloyd Noble Center located
approximately one mile south of the stadium with access
to the Lloyd Noble Center shuttle to the stadium. A
limited number of reserved electric (30 & 50 amps)
and non-electric spaces are available for purchase
on a season and single game basis. For more information
about RV parking at the Lloyd Noble Center please call
the Lloyd Noble Center Business Office at (405) 325-4666.
RV parking is not allowed in any campus parking lot
except for those designated for RV parking.
Bus Parking
Bus parking is available on a first-come, first-served
basis on the South Oval. Once the South Oval bus parking
fills bus drivers will be instructed to unload and
then proceed to the Lloyd Noble Center to park for
the game. There is no charge for bus parking and space
cannot be reserved.
Shuttle Service
• Lloyd Noble Center: This shuttle begins three hours
before kickoff and is available at a cost of $2 per
rider. Lift-equipped vans also operate in a shuttle
to and from the stadium. Those leave from the northeast
corner of the LNC parking lot. The shuttles run continuously
from three hours before the game until one hour after
the game. All patrons at the shuttle stop one hour
after the game ends will be transported. For information,
call 405/325-2278.
• Max Westheimer Field: The shuttle operates between the terminal and University Blvd., and Boyd Avenue. It begins three hours before kickoff. Information on that shuttle also can be obtained by calling 405/325-2278.
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Tailgating Policies |
Tailgating on football gamedays is a long-standing tradition at the University of Oklahoma. The University's tailgating policy is designed to ensure:
• The comfort and enjoyment of gameday patrons.
• The safety, security, and well-being of all
people associated with gameday activities, and
• The safeguarding and preservation of all public
property under the management of the University.
The setting up of tents, awnings, and similar equipment
may commence at 12 noon on the day immediately preceding
the game, most typically on Friday for a Saturday game.
The items must be taken down and removed by 12 noon
on the day immediately following, typically Sunday.
Tents, awnings, and similar equipment must be securely
anchored. Stakes must not be longer than 12 inches
in order not to interfere with underground utilities.
Any such items that are set up outside of this timeframe
or that collapse or are blown off their sites will
be removed by the University. The University Administrative
Affairs Office, (405) 325-5161, may be contacted for
information about how items may be recovered. Items
not claimed within a reasonable time may be disposed
of by the University at its discretion.
Tents, awnings, similar items, and tailgating activities
of any kind are prohibited on several locations including
the North and South Ovals, Jacobson Hall and Carpenter
Hall lawns, Heisman Park and student residential areas.
Tailgating activity that takes up vacant parking spaces
or otherwise interferes with vehicle movement within
a parking lot is prohibited. In order to protect parking
lot surfaces, tents, awnings, and similar items that
require ground stakes are prohibited.
Tailgating activity that takes up vacant parking spaces
or interferes with traffic flow within a parking lot
is prohibited. Use of ground stakes in parking lots
is prohibited.
The University will provide portable toilets
at convenient locations around the grounds. Individuals,
groups or businesses are prohibited from bringing or
arranging the delivery of their own toilets. Generators
may be used so long as they do not damage University
property; if a generator is placed on a grassy area
it must rest on a board or other hard material to protect
the grass and soil beneath.
The hooking into, connecting to, or similar use of
University utilities and/or television or communication
cable services is prohibited. Food and beverages shall
be for personal consumption only. Sales are prohibited.
Gas and charcoal grills with covers are permitted.
Open flames are prohibited.
Corporate or commercially sponsored tailgates are prohibited
except in designated locations. Those who wish to organize
and provide such sites should contact Sooner Sports
Properties at (405) 325-2148. Companies are prohibited
from issuing free or sample products without being
properly licensed by the University. The University
Real Estate Operations Office may
be contacted for information by calling (405) 325-6041.
Small non-University vehicles such as golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, and the like are prohibited on campus.
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Sooner Fan Fest |
Sooner Fan Fest, presented by The Oklahoman and Cox Communications, is an interactive area located on the grounds directly north of the stadium. The event is free to the public and includes food vendors, games for children, autograph opportunities, radio pre-game shows and Go Vision, a 20 foot video board that will display games from around the country. Sooner Fan Fest opens three hours prior to kickoff and closes when the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band enters the stadium or start of the game.View more information here.
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Accessing the Stadium |
• Access Management System will be used for entry at all gates. The bar code on each ticket will be scanned by the gate attendant. Each individual is encouraged to hold their own ticket to assist in expediting the scanning process. As fans enter the stadium, they should make sure that the ticket-taker has scanned the ticket(s) to ensure that your attendance is counted towards your priority points. If a ticket is damaged and cannot be scanned, fans should visit one of the ticket resolution centers at Ticket Office near Gate 1 and gates 5, 7, 10 and 12.
• Students (Gates 7 & 12) and suite and club seat holders and Santee Lounge guests (Gates 3, 10 and Asp Parking Garage Level 5) may enter the stadium two hours prior to kickoff. All others may enter 90 minutes before kickoff.
• Gates for general public entry are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12.
• East side suite and club seat holders may enter through gate 10 or any other gate. An interior entrance for club and suite holders also exists inside the stadium at gate 10 for patrons who may have entered the stadium at another location.
• Student ticket upgrades will be addressed at Gate 7.
• Public Will Call, lost ticket reports and Disability Services are located in the main ticket office, located in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility, near Gate 1.
• Pedestrians coming to the stadium from the north
can walk south down Asp Avenue, then follow sidewalks
to the east of Oklahoma Memorial Union and Price College
of Business. Fans can also go west on sidewalks south
of the Union that run through an area between the Library
and the College of Business to a sidewalk on the north
end of Van Fleet Oval. Also available are the sidewalks
down Jenkins Avenue, which is one block east of Asp.
• No public re-entry is permitted
with medical/emergency situations being only exception.
Fans may exit and return to the
stadium at any time during the game for medical or
other emergency situations. Extraordinary circumstances
may permit emergency exit at any gate. Fans departing
for medical/emergency situations will be allowed to
exit and re-enter throughout the game with pass out
check and ticket back through the same gate when exiting
the stadium.
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Restricted Items & Searches |
Except for items pertaining to medical conditions or child care, all bags, backpacks, large cases for binoculars/cameras or other items, fanny packs and large purses (larger than 10" by 10") are prohibited and banned. Only items required for medical or family needs plus empty, clear personal-sized containers suitable for drinking water are permitted. All carried items and entrants are subject to search.
Prohibited items must be returned to the owner's car or discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession is subject to arrest.
Prohibited items include:
• Alcoholic beverages
• Baby seats
• Baby strollers
• Backpacks, fanny packs, large purses (larger than
10" by 10")
• Balloons
• Banners, Signs
• Beach Balls
• Cameras (professional equipment or cameras with long
telephoto lenses)
• Coolers or containers
• Explosives
• Folding chairs or stools
• Food and beverages
• Ice chest
• Laser pointers
• Pets (with the exception of service animals used
by disabled guests)
• Personal heaters
• Stadium seats with armrests and/or over 16 inches
wide
• Umbrellas are NOT allowed inside the stadium per
Big 12 Conference
• Noisemakers of any type (i.e. air horn, plastic horn,
whistles, etc.)
• Video cameras
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Special Seating Requirements |
Oklahoma offers ADA seating the day of the game. OU will trade two (2) of your current tickets for two (2) ADA seats: one (1) for the person in need of assistance and one (1) for a companion. It is on a first come, first served basis. Those interested will need to come to the OU Athletics Ticket Office located in the Asp Ave. Parking Facility immediately west of the stadium in order to exchange tickets for ADA seating on the day of the game.
Elevator Passes
The season ticket holder must provide a doctor's note
stating that an elevator is required due to a medical
condition. This letter must be presented to the ticket
office prior to the day of the event. Please contact
the OU
Athletics Ticket Office.
OU Athletics Accessibility Information
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Stadium Regulations |
Unauthorized solicitation inside or outside the stadium is prohibited. Throwing objects onto the playing field is prohibited and punishable by state and local law. Violators are subject to immediate arrest, prosecution, and revocation of this license.
Any person who enters the field area without the appropriate University-issued credential is trespassing and is subject to immediate arrest, prosecution, and revocation of this license. All signs, banners, placards and leaflets are prohibited inside the stadium except as authorized in advance by the OU Athletics Department.
Management reserves the right to eject, and revoke any ticket to future events without refund, any person who violates any of the terms of the license (refer to back of ticket) or any state, local, or federal laws. Violators are subject to immediate arrest, prosecution, and permanent revocation of this license.
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Evacuation Procedures |
Your cooperation and assistance are major factors in our security and emergency/weather procedures. In the unlikely event of an emergency or severe weather condition, please follow these procedures:
• Remain calm at all times.
• Listen to and follow all instructions that will be provided to you promptly over the public address system (PA).
• Remain in your seat until you are promptly instructed to the safest exit. Please note that the exit nearest you may not be the safest exit.
• You may be directed to exit onto the field and out the field gates in each corner of the field.
• Assist each other and exit in a controlled and calm manner as instructed.
• Specific instructions are provided for the suites and other enclosed areas. Patrons at those locations should read and be familiar with those instructions.
If you see or become aware of any activity that is unusual, suspicious, or causes you concern, please reports that activity to the nearest uniformed officer or security personnel. The normal exit locations are listed below. In case of an emergency or severe weather, please wait for and listen to instructions from the Public Address Announcements.
• Fans seated in sections 1-10 and west upper
decks, please use west exits - Gates 1-4
• Fans seated in sections 11-19, please use northwest
exit - Gate 5
• Fans seated in sections 20-29, please use northeast
exit - Gate 7
• Fans seated in sections 30-37, please use southeast
exit - Gate 11-12
• Fans seated in sections 38-40, please use southwest
exit - Gate 1
• Fans seated in sections 226-235, please use
the ramp exits to Gate 9
• Fans seated in sections 124-135 club seats and
east side suites, please use East exit - Gate 9 -10
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Miscellaneous Items |
Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages of any kind are prohibited in public areas at OU athletic events.
Animals: No pets or animals of any kind are allowed in the facilities, with the exception of service animals used by disabled guests.
ATM Machines: An ATM machine is located on the east and west side in stadium, between Gates 1 & 2 and Gates 9 & 10.
Band Route: This season, the Pride of Oklahoma's pre-game activities will include a concert on the lawn area just north of Jacobsen Hall, directly across from Campus Corner. The concert will begin one hour and thirty minutes prior to kick off. Additionally, on all home game dates, the Pride will parade to the stadium and will pass through Campus Corner, with the exception of the Homecoming game.
Banners & Signs: Only banners approved by game management may be displayed in designated areas.
Camera Policy: Point-and-shoot cameras are permitted inside the stadium. Video cameras are prohibited inside the stadium.
Chair Back Rental: Sooner seat backs are available at all major entrances of Memorial Stadium for $5.
Checked Items: If a guest has items that cannot be brought into the facility, those items are not to be left at the gate for pickup after the game.
Concessions: The concession stands located throughout the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, offers an exciting menu for fans in 2008. See stadium map for locations. No outside food or beverages are permitted.
Disability Seating: For information on disability seating call the Athletic Ticket Office at 800-456-GoOU or visit their office located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Evacuation: In case of evacuation instructions will be given over the public address system. Gate personnel and ushers will assist directing fans to the appropriate exits.
Exiting After Games: Guests will leave the facilities via the main gates. No guests are permitted on the field.
First Aid: Gomer Jones Medical Facility - located at the North End of the stadium - Section 19 ground level.
Gates Open: Gates 7 & 12 will open two hours prior to kickoff for OU students with a game ticket and valid OU ID; All suites, club and Santee Lounge patrons are allowed in gates 3 & 10 two hours prior to kick-off; All other Gates 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, & 11 will open one and one-half hour or (90 minutes) prior to kickoff.
Guest Service Kiosk: Kiosks will be located near gates 1, 5, 7, 11/12 along with upper decks on east and west. The kiosks are available to provide fans with a convenient location to obtain information, offer suggestions, voice concerns and request assistance during games.
Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, (i.e. dangerous winds, tornado, electrical storm, etc.) all guests must be advised that it is in their best interest to seek shelter. Emergency instructions will be delivered via the public address system and the message boards when possible.
Lost Children: Parents/guardians with a lost child should contact the nearest police officer or event staff member. That person will then contact the proper personnel to insure the quickest remedy to the situation. If a child gets separated from his/her party, he/she should notify the nearest police officer or event staff member. If the child knows his/her seat location, attempts will be made to return the child to that location. A "TAG-A-KID" program is offered to fans attending the game with children. Patrons wishing to participate should visit the TAG-A-KID booth located at Sooner Fan Fest on the North side of the stadium prior to the game. A representative will provide children a wristband containing their parent or guardian's name and seat location, making it easier to reunite the parties should they become separated.
Lost & Found: During the game you may check at the Gomer Jones Medical Facility office located in the North End of the stadium. After the game, all unclaimed items are turned over to the OU Physical Plant, and you may contact them at 405-325-6953 if you have any questions.
Merchandise & Game Programs: Merchandise stands are located along the East side, West side, North End Zone and the South End Zone. Official game programs are on sale for $5 outside the stadium and at select locations inside the stadium.
Radios/Televisions: Single speaker radios and hand held televisions are allowed into the stadium only if they do not interfere with other guests' enjoyment of the game.
Smoking: Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is a non-smoking facility. Designated smoking areas are located at gates 1, 5, 7, 11. (West Side ramp for Santee Lounge & Upper Deck Patrons and near Section 234 for those in the upper deck east side.)
Throwing Items: Throwing items will not be tolerated. The offender will be removed from the stadium and is subject to arrest. A police officer does not have to see this activity to have the person removed.
Tickets: For ticket information call (800) 456-GoOU or order online at SoonerSports.com. The OU Athletic Ticket Office is located on the plaza level of the Asp Avenue Parking Facility immediately west of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The OU Athletic Ticket Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Ticket Office is open at least 3 hours prior to kickoff on game days. The OU Athletic Ticket Office is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the authenticity of any tickets purchased from someone other than the Ticket Office. Will Call is located in the Ticket Office. Photo identification must be presented in order to receive tickets.
Video Cameras: Video cameras are prohibited inside
of the stadium.
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