OU regents ready to make massive decision on Memorial Stadium overhaul

In 2014, the Oklahoma Board of Regents approved a master plan for major renovations to Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. This week, the regents will vote on the design proposal for the next phase of the stadium improvement project, which involves a redesign and facelift of the west side of the 100-year-old facility proudly known within Sooner Nation as The Palace on the Prairie.

The proposed new design to the west side of the stadium includes 47 suites, 64 loge boxes with seating to accommodate 280 people and approximately 4,000 new club seats. The project also includes a new expanded and updated press box, as well as a new sideline-oriented sports lighting system and sound-system enhancements.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $450 million, with construction projected to start following the 2027 season.

Board of Regents voting on Memorial Stadium west-side renovation design proposal

Beginning early in the 2000s following Oklahoma's 2000 national championship season in Bob Stoops' second season as head coach, Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium has undergone several phases of renovation, beginning with the expansion of the east side of the stadium, which included the addition of an upper deck that increased overall seating capacity to 82,112.

A new $4.5 million video board was constructed atop the south end zone in 2008, and the Switzer Center underwent significant improvements in 2009. In 2019, the seating bowl in the south end zone was expanded and fully enclosed, and new fan amenities and concession areas were added.

It's been a steady, evolving process with the most recent changes and proposed construction plan all designed to bring the Oklahoma football program and its facilities in line and competitive with the top programs in the country, as well as the best the Southeastern Conference has to offer.

The agenda for this week's OU Board of Regents meeting also called for action to be taken on improvements for L. Dale Mitchell Stadium, Oklahoma's baseball facility. OU president Joseph Harroz Jr. has asked the board to authorize phase two of the baseball stadium renovation for which work is already underway.

The total cost of the baseball stadium renovation and upgrades is estimated at $41.7 million. The upgrades include a new clubhouse, premium seating enhancements and a modern performance center.

Additionally, the board will vote on renaming the stadium "Kimrey Family Stadium" to honor the Kimrey Family's financial contribution to the improvements of the baseball facility. The Kimrey family has donated $25 million since 2018. L. Dale Mitchell, a former standout OU baseball player in 1942-46 and the current name of the stadium, will become the name of the plaza on the concourse of the stadium.