When the board of regents approved the $370 million Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium expansion last wek — something that was a foregone conclusion after stories about it circulated Norman two months ago — I couldn’t help but have some nostalgic regret.
I have lived through a half dozen stadium expansions since my first game — an Oklahoma vs. Kansas game in 1967. I have seen the old wooden bleachers in the south end zone replaced with a poorly designed concrete monstrosity (although one that I like becauses of its 83 rows of exercise when I muster the energy to do it).
There was the west side upper deck in the early 70s (offering a view of the game somewhat akin to the perch from a passing jetliner at 30,000 feet), and, more recently, the east side upper decks and suites.
All those had added seats and tended to balance out the aesthetics of the original U-shaped bowl.
But, this expansion is another story. There won’t be any more seats. Yes, there will be more bathrooms and walkways and escalators (which I appreciate as I get older). Most importantly to the money-making business known as the OU Athletic Department there will be more suites for corporate donors and fat-cat plaintiffs lawyers who like to show off how important they are, Oklahoma-style. That is where the money is; and, with the regents also elevating Coach Bob Stoops’ salary to second highest in America, goodness knows we are going to need more money to feed this runaway train.
Don’t interpret my tone as being harshly critical. I will likely oooo and ahhhh over the construction once it is complete. The conceptual drawings are impressive. It will make the stadium look to non-fans like the shrine to Sooner football history that we fans already think it is.
The story this week is how Stoops is already touting the upcoming changes to recruits. It will look spic and span new. I will accept it and brag about it, I’m sure.
But, I like the look now. There is a timeless feel to the place. To know that Leon “Muletrain” Heath, Jimmy Harris and Steve Owens ran these very same steps in practice. That Rod Shoate’s view of Section 11 was pretty much the same as it would be today. Or that Barry Switzer led his ’75 champions down that same ramp over there.
Still, I am sure former OU Coach Bennie Owen, for whom the football field this stadium encircles is named, and whose statue casts a look at the place from across Jenkins Street, would not recognize the place even now — before these changes are made.
Change is inevitable. I will get used to it. And to my grandchildren this new Oklahoma stadium will bring its own memories.
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