University of Oklahoma to Assess Stadium Needs

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DALLAS – The University of Oklahoma is considering improvements to its football stadium.

The OU Board of Regents reviewed plans to assess the stadium’s needs at a meeting in Lawton, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

“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 prepared statement.

Amid a $3.3 billion boom in college football stadium expansions over the past two years, Oklahoma has phased in improvements in its stadium in the Oklahoma City suburb of Norman since 2003, when it added suites, an upper deck addition and concourse expansion.

The sixth phase of improvements was completed this year, including additional restrooms and general upgrades to the stadium’s basic structure.

OU regents renamed the former Owen Stadium as Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at Owen Field in 2002 after receiving $50 million in donations from the family that owns the Daily Oklahoman newspaper.

The assessment of the existing stadium by the Kansas City design firm Populous will review team facilities, fan amenities, concessions and the press box. The university developed a master plan for the stadium in 1993, with updates in 2000. 

“The objective will be to develop the most realistic, yet creative revenue and fundraising opportunities and build upon the brand to create the ultimate Sooner Football Experience,” according to the athletic department.

OU’s revenue bonds issued in the name of the board of regents carry ratings of AA-minus from Standard & Poor’s, Aa2 from Moody’s Investors Service, and AA from Fitch Ratings.

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