Oklahoma Board of Regents approves $370 million stadium expansion project (Video)
The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents officially approved plans for a major renovation of the Sooners’ Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The stadium’s capacity won’t expand much beyond the current 82,112 mark, but the school plans to close out the south end zone to form a bowl and make other changes in the estimated $370 million project.
“It’s incredibly exciting,” Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said. “It shows you the great commitment that’s here at the University of Oklahoma from President Boren and the Board of Regents, through all the administration to continually push forward and pursue greatness.”
According to a release from the university, there will be various new seating options available with the redesign, as well as increased restroom and concession amenities for fans.
Additionally, an “expansive 46,000-square foot fan plaza and covered upper concourse” will be built on the south end and there will be a “major redevelopment of the Barry Switzer Center” that will result in “nearly 50,000 square feet of new space for student-athletes.”
Other parts of the project include escalators and elevators, expanded concourses, “nearly 60,000 square feet of academic space” in the north side of the stadium and a brand new entrance to the OU athletics main administrative offices.
In the release from Oklahoma, the school confirmed that “no state-appropriated funds and no funds from student tuition” would be used in the expansion project.
The renderings for the expanded stadium and information about the expansion plans can be accessed at this website set up by Oklahoma.
For more Oklahoma news, visit SoonerScoop.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
