The University of Oklahoma has taken a key step in one of the most important infrastructure projects in the history of the Sooners football program. The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents has approved the transition to the construction design phase for the modernization of the west stands of the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

A next-generation stadium for decades to come

The Palace Project is a generational initiative aimed at transforming the fan experience from entry to the final whistle. Approved renderings show a stadium designed for comfort, accessibility, and fan engagement. The project includes widened concourses, a full renovation of food and restroom facilities, and new shared spaces designed to make the stadium a destination even outside game days.

The modernization of the west side also aims to strengthen one of OU football’s greatest advantages — home-field dominance. Improved acoustics, advanced sports lighting, and infrastructure that enhances fan noise will create a more intense game-day atmosphere.

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Scope: stands, suites, and media facilities

The project involves reconfiguring western entrances and creating new circulation levels connecting the stands to the north and south corners of the stadium. New elevators, improved access points, expanded restrooms, and modern marketplace-style food zones will be added. All existing seating will be replaced, with more accommodations for fans with disabilities, and a new fan zone will be created at the upper west stands.

A centerpiece of the project is a continuous media suite along the full length of the west stands, including workstations for press, broadcast teams, radio and television crews, as well as operational and coaching staff facilities.

The project also includes 47 skyboxes, 64 loge suites for approximately 280 guests, and nearly 4,000 new club seats. Six exclusive clubs and premium lounges will offer varied viewing experiences, reflecting growing market demands.

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Oklahoma Memorial Stadium renovation timeline

Construction is scheduled to begin after the 2027 season and conclude before the 2029 season. The project will involve a comprehensive seat reassignment process starting before the 2028 season. The university will maintain direct contact with all season ticket holders, providing a transparent seat-selection procedure.

The estimated cost of the west-stand modernization, including significant infrastructure upgrades, is $450 million. The project is funded entirely by private donors — no state funds, tuition, or student fees are involved. OU’s partners on the project are the renowned Populous design firm and Manhattan Construction.

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Capacity and future plans

As part of the modernization, the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium capacity will decrease by approximately 7,000 seats. This decision is based on long-term analyses of demand, demographic trends, and modern stadium standards. The university emphasizes that fewer seats mean greater comfort, improved sightlines, and higher ticket value. A future phase in the stadium’s north corner could revisit overall capacity.

Regardless of the final numbers, the University of Oklahoma is clear: the renovated stadium will serve generations of fans, strengthen the Sooners’ national football presence, and merge tradition with modernity in one of the most iconic college football venues in the USA.