Big 12 Stadiums, Ranked - Part 2

Last week, we took a look at the 2 least appealing stadiums in our conference, with Baylor at #10, and UT at #9. 1 week closer to the season, we take a look at 2 stadiums that don’t seem to be too well planned out for expansion, as both look to have been patched together. Like an 8-year old’s Lego set, these schools put seats wherever they can, instead of where they would offer a good viewing angle for football.

#8. Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - University of Oklahoma

Real Facts

• Originally built in 1923, permanent seating constructed in 1925, with a capacity of 16,000
• Was originally called “Oklahoma Memorial Stadium” from 1923-2002 to honor those who lost their lives in World War I
• Capacity last season was listed at 82,112, with recent renovations and construction, this season’s capacity is increased to 83, 489. When all construction is completed, the stadium is expected to seat 84,000
• Permanent lighting for TV broadcasting was not installed until 1997
• Oklahoma has lost only 1 of the top 10 attended games at the Gaylord, a 30-13 loss to Notre Dame in 2012. This game saw 86,031 attend, the most in the stadium’s history

Fun Facts

• The reason TV lights weren’t installed until 1997 is that nobody wanted to have to watch a game at the Gaylord due to the incessant noise of their 2-word fight song
• “For decades, the demand for premium seating has been incredibly high”. Yes, the demand has been higher than the supply. A supply that is very close to zero
• Barry Switzer actually believes OU invented the idea of a champion
• Team and individual bests for rushing yards have NOT been against Texas Tech
• When the current renovations are completed, the stadium will have a more bowl-like appearance

#7. Amon G. Carter Stadium - TCU

Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Real Facts

• Named after famous Ft worth philanthropist Amon G. Carter, who donated a large amount of money to build the current stadium in 1930.
• TCU defeated Arkansas 40-0 in the 1st game played at the current site
• When it was originally constructed, there were plans to make it expandable to up to 60,000 seats. The current official capacity is 45,000
• The largest crowd to watch a game at the stadium was 50,307 in a 55-28 win over Utah in 2009
• The $13 million expansion in 2008 was completely funded by only 9 donors

Fun Facts

• The northeast stands height and slope of the stairs is such that a Terminator, who can only walk up a slope of 8.5%, would be unable to climb
• TCU claims that they used up all of the season’s fireworks in the 2014 82-27 annihilation. Clearly, planning is not a strong suit for the Froggies
• Expanding to make the stadium a bowl-shape was too difficult, so the stands just expanded up. Straight up