The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents took a major step Tuesday toward one of the largest capital projects in school history — approving the design development phase and authorizing the creation of construction documents for a massive renovation of the west side of Gaylord Family– Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

This approval marks the second-to-last step before full construction approval, with the overhaul slated to begin after the 2027 football season. The total project carries an estimated price tag of $450 million.

“That side of the stadium, as you all know, is over 100 years old and celebrated that anniversary last year,” OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione said after the regents’ meeting. “This allows us to move forward into the construction document phase. Once that’s complete, we’ll return for final approval to break ground. It’s a very, very big step — huge, in fact. And it’s not just about bricks and concrete. It’s a powerful statement about OU’s continued investment in the future of intercollegiate athletics.”

According to the regents’ agenda, the renovation plan will deliver a state-of-the-art fan and media experience, including:

• 47 new suites and 64 loge boxes seating roughly 280 fans.

• 4,000 new club seats plus six premium club and lounge areas.

• A brand-new expanded press box and sideline-oriented lighting system.

• Enhanced sound systems and modern concourse connections linking to the north and south end zones.

• A reimagined upper deck, new tailgate deck level, and additional restrooms and concessions on multiple levels. The ambitious project builds on momentum from prior regents’ actions:

• In September 2024, the board tapped Populous, Inc. as the master plan architect.

• By January 2025, Manhattan Construction Company — the same firm that helped build many of OU’s athletic facilities — was selected as the preferred contractor for the west side work.

• Regents have approved up to $30 million for architecture and construction management services, including $15 million for pre-construction planning.

Castiglione, who has guided OU Athletics since 1998, is set to retire at the end of this academic year but will remain as a part-time advisor through June 2028 — ensuring he’ll be part of the vision he helped launch.

“This is more than just a renovation,” Castiglione said. “It’s a bridge to the next century of Sooner football.”