Meet the Sooners Day

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Date	Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011
Location	Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
Admittance	Children ages 14 and younger only (accompanied by one adult)
Schedule	7:00 a.m. - Gate 7 open for Kids Club, General Public line forms at Gate 5  10:00 a.m. - Autograph session begins for Sooner Kids Club only  10:30 a.m. - Gate 5 opens and General Public line enters stadium  Noon - Autograph session concludes

 

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One of the most popular traditions surrounding the OU football program is Meet the Sooners Day. The annual event kicks off preseason practice and gives Sooner fans a unique opportunity to interact with their favorite players and coaches.
 
The 2011 Meet the Sooners Day will be held August 6, at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The event is moving from the rugby fields, which was the site in recent years.
 
Because the event falls on a Saturday this year, a factor that was influenced by summer school dates, Meet the Sooners Day will be restricted to children ages 14 and younger. Each child may be accompanied by a maximum of one adult, but adults will not be permitted to submit items for autographs.
 
Each child may bring ONE item to be signed.
 
"Our desire with Meet the Sooners Day is to accommodate as many fans as possible," said Kenny Mossman, senior associate athletics director for communications. "We've discussed this event at length and examined it from every angle. The bottom line is that our fan support is so great, we realistically cannot accommodate everyone when this event is held on a Saturday. The crowd numbers were very large on weekday mornings and we know that without some modification, those numbers would grow beyond what we can reasonably manage on the weekend. For that reason, we've decided to focus on the children."
 
The General Public line will form at Gate 5 beginning at 7 a.m. The line will flow under the Asp Avenue Parking Facility on the west side of the stadium.
 
Sooner Kids Club members can begin entering the stadium at 7 a.m., through Gate 7. That group is required to check in at the Sooner Kids Club table to receive a membership package. They will then move to the lines under the stadium.
 
As has been the case for several years, the Sooner Kids Club autograph session will begin 30 minutes prior to the general public. The Kids Club autograph session will begin at 10 a.m., while general patrons will be admitted at 10:30 a.m. The session will conclude at noon.
 

Meet the Sooners Day Fan Guide

Autograph Procedure
Each child may bring a maximum of ONE item to be signed -- no exceptions. Adults will not be permitted to submit items for autographs.
 
Autograph items are not restricted as long as they can be transported by one person without holding up the line and do not pose a safety hazard or impede the line. OU Athletics Department staff reserve the right to deny an item if it poses a problem. Players will be arranged by position with tables clearly marked.

Concessions
Concessions stands will NOT be open. Patrons will be permitted to bring their own water and water also will be on sale inside and outside the stadium during the event.
 
Cool Zones
A number of fans and misters will be placed under the stadium to cool those standing in line.

Restrooms
Public restrooms will be available.
 
Parking
Free parking will be available in campus lots, including the Asp Parking Facility on the west side of the stadium. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If my child is not already enrolled in the Sooner Kids Club, can I enroll them on the day of the event to grant them free admission?
No. Due to the large increase in membership, fans WILL NOT be able to sign up their children the day of the event. Phone and mail-in applications will be accepted starting July 1 and must be received no later than noon on Friday, July 29 processing. Fans can also sign up their child by registering online starting July 1. Online registering will close on Friday, July 29 at 5 p.m., and will be unavailable until after Meet the Sooners Day.
 
What if I can't get the autographs I want?
Due to the length of time the players have available and the number of people attending the event, please be advised of the probability that each fan will not get all of the autographs they desire. A public address system will be utilized frequently to make fans aware of how much time is remaining for the event. Autograph signing will end at exactly noon, as the team must report for practice in the afternoon.
 
Am I allowed to take photos with the players?
Fans are not allowed to step behind the tables to have photos taken with players in order to keep the lines moving as quickly as possible. Photos are permissible while the players are signing as long as it does not disrupt the flow of traffic.
 
Am I entitled to my spot in line if I leave to go to the restroom, etc.?
Fans are not entitled to retain their spot in line if they leave for any reason. However, please use common courtesy when dealing with such circumstances. Traditionally, fans are very good about working together to save spots in line when needed.
 
What do I do in case of a medical emergency?
Medical personnel will be on hand in case of an emergency. If an emergency occurs, please find the nearest medical personnel or OU Athletics Department staff member.
 
What happens in the case of rain or inclement weather?
The event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Please monitor SoonerSports.com for the latest updates.