Future Oklahoma Memorial Stadium upgrades are taking shape, as university regents have signed off on an upcoming $14.9 million round of improvements.
The University of Oklahoma has been working over the last several years to modernize Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with a major south end zone expansion project being one of the highlights. Another series of upgrades is in the works, focusing on several aspects of the stadium.
Wi-Fi infrastructure will be added throughout the venue, while new handicapped-accessible seating will be installed in the north end and west side. Those improvements, along with several other upgrades, are part of a $14.9 million package that was approved by the OU Board of Regents on Wednesday. Work on the renovations will begin after the 2018 season. More from NewsOK.com:
This phase will include the addition of Wi-Fi infrastructure throughout the stadium, additional handicapped-accessible seating and amenity areas in the north end zone. It also will include handicapped-accessible seating on the west side of the stadium, additional handrails and intermediate steps as well as the re-cladding of bench seating throughout the stadium and preventative maintenance on the structure.
The moves will also standardize the seat size throughout the stadium at 18 inches. Currently, many seats are less than 18 inches.
The changes will have an affect on the venue’s capacity — lowering it — but it’s one that was expected when the series of projects was undertaken several years ago.
Athletic director Joe Castiglione said that many ticket-holders affected by the loss of seats in those areas already have been accommodated.
Known officially as Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the facility originally opened in 1923 and has received numerous upgrades over the years. Several improvements were completed in recent years, including the installation of a new north end videoboard prior to the 2018 season.
Image courtesy Oklahoma Sooners.