What is the capacity of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium?

Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, known as the "Palace on the Prairie," holds 80,126 and is the largest sports venue in Oklahoma. Named to honor those who died in WWI, it hosted its 100th season in 2024. OU boasts a .820 all-time home record and seven national championships.

🏛️History

Origins

Dedicated November 7, 1925 at a cost of $293,000, honoring University personnel who died in WWI. The playing surface is named Owen Field for Coach Bennie Owen. Originally 16,000 seats with grandstands on east and west sides.

Major Renovations

1950North end enclosed

1975Upper tier added to west stand

2006$54M east upper deck with club seating and 27 suites (86,112 capacity)

2017South corners built out; bowl fully enclosed

Notable Moments

Nov 11, 2017Record crowd of 88,000+ for Top 10 matchup vs TCU

Oct 12, 2024First SEC home game vs Texas in renewed Red River rivalry

2024100th season celebration with "Stadium Scrapbook" campaign

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections 127-130 offer club amenities, 50-yard line views, and chairbacks. West side has afternoon shade. Sections 104-106 provide midfield views with shade. Visitor sections are in 226-228, 233-235 (upper) and rows at back of 19-22 (lower). Student section is the loudest.

Parking Tips

Public parking is $30, first-come basis. Use Waze app—other GPS won't show road closures. Arrive 3-4 hours early for big games. Free shuttle from Lloyd Noble Center runs starting 3 hrs before kickoff. North Oval is the official tailgate destination.

Game Day

Campus Corner north of campus is gameday central—restaurants, bars, Sooner merch. Watch for the Sooner Schooner pulled by ponies Boomer and Sooner after every TD! Gates open 2 hrs early. Clear bag policy (12" x 6" x 12"). No re-entry allowed. Enter via Gates 14-17 by southeast practice turf.