In addition to its vote to allow alcohol sales at select University of Oklahoma athletic venues, the OU Board of Regents on Wednesday approved $14.9 million for the next phase of upgrades to Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
This phase will not be as dramatic as the last few — rounds that have enclosed the stadium on the south end, revamped the team facilities and created a plaza outside that end of the stadium, or upgraded the video board on the north end.
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.
Work will begin after the end of Oklahoma's season. It won't affect the ability for the stadium to host the annual spring football game or commencement activities, but some seating areas may be unavailable at those events as work continues.
This phase will not be as dramatic as the last few — rounds that have enclosed the stadium on the south end, revamped the team facilities and created a plaza outside that end of the stadium, or upgraded the video board on the north end.
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.
Work will begin after the end of Oklahoma's season. It won't affect the ability for the stadium to host the annual spring football game or commencement activities, but some seating areas may be unavailable at those events as work continues.
