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OU President: Stadium Improvements In The Works

Allison Meier
/
Flickr Creative Commons
The Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium during a November 10, 2012 football game against Baylor University.

University of Oklahoma President David Boren says the Board of Regents will likely consider upgrades to OU's stadium when the panel meets next month in Ardmore.

Boren tells The Norman Transcript plans are in the works for major stadium improvements — though he doesn't expect a significant expansion beyond the current seating capacity of 82,112.

“I think it would be very foolish of us to make a huge expansion and try to bring our capacity to 110,000 or something like that,” he said. “We’re not seeking to build that kind of thing.” Owen Field is currently the 17th largest stadium in the country and trails only Texas’ Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in the Big 12. OU has sold out every home game since the 1999 season, and it’s a string Boren doesn’t want to put in jeopardy. “We’re looking to make a much more comfortable place to come and a much more accessible place for our fans with concessions and restrooms and all those things,” Boren said. “It’s a matter of upgrading the quality of the stadium, rather than increasing the capacity.”

Boren says the plan calls for new suites on the west side upper deck, along with a new press box. He says the goal is to make the stadium more fan-friendly with a greater variety of seating options.

Boren didn't reveal a total cost for the plan, but says it will be funded by athletic department revenue and donations.

The plan requires approval from the Board of Regents, which next meets June 23-25.

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