The University of Oklahoma has unveiled plans for a $450 million renovation of the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.
KOCO-TV reports that the so-called "Palace Project" is set to begin after the 2027 football season and conclude before the 2029 season. The upgrades will add new suites, club seating, a press box, and updated amenities and reduce overall stadium capacity by 7,000 seats.
The renovation is funded by private donors and athletics funds, not state funding or student tuition and fees.
The university says the the renovation is "the most critical construction initiative in the history of OU Football" and seeks "to ensure the future success of its program while holding fast to the rich traditions and excellence that define OU Athletics."
The renovation will introduce new gates on the west side of the stadium and will lead to ground-level and second-level concourses that connect to the north and south end zones. The west concourse and upper deck will get new elevators, improved access points, expanded restrooms, and new marketplace concession stands; all chairback and bench seating will be replaced, and additional accessible seating options will be added.
A new press box spanning the length of the west side and sitting atop the upper deck will feature a camera deck and a level for working press, game operations, emergency management, television and radio broadcast and coaching booths.
Other elements that will enhance the game-day experience and home-field advantage include a premier sideline-oriented sports lighting system and upgraded sound.
The architect is Populous.
