Sooners announce game-day policies, seating information

NORMAN — OU announced game-day procedures for 2020, with the stadium capacity reduced to approximately 25% of its normal number due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The capacity will be based on "family" seating pods of two to eight based on ticketholders' requests. Each pod will be separated from other groups. Suites and loges are separate pods as well.

The pattern, developed with the assistance of sports architecture firm Populous, is designed differently depending on each seating area and the number of pods in that section. No seat will be occupied in the row directly in front of or behind a family pod. The closest pod in a row will be separated by at least three empty seats and each pod will have direct access to an aisle without crossing any other pod in the same row.

The six rows closest to the field will be closed as well.

The pattern will allow a stadium capacity of approximately 22,700 — approximately 20,300 in the seating bowl and approximately 2,400 in suites and loge boxes.

The SoonerSports2Go app has been updates to include digital ticketing, parking assistance, a free digital program and the ability to order concessions. The iOS version is live with the updated Android app being released in the coming days. The Waze feature on the app will direct fans toward parking locations.

All ticketing beginning this season will be digital.

Sooner Club members will receive parking info in the coming days and parking passes for those donors will be digital.

All fans must wear masks in the stadium and elsewhere on campus, except when eating or drinking. Masks must be cloth or surgical- style, covering the nose and mouth completely. Clear face shields, gaiters, buffs, bandanas and masks with valves are not permitted. Approved masks will be sold in The Sooner Shop locations in and around the stadium.

The clear bag policy will continue this season, with all bags — outside of a non-transparant clutch no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches — required to be made of clear plastic. Clear bags can be a maximum of 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one- gallon freezer bag. Medical equipment is an exception and fans with those bags can go through the marked medical lanes at each gate. Other bags, including diaper bags, must meet the clear bag standards. Each fan may only bring one bag.

Fans can bring an empty clear plastic water bottle less than 17 ounces into the stadium as well.

Shuttles from Lloyd Noble Center will be available only to patrons 65 and older or ADA patrons this season. Buses will operate at 50% or less capacity, though more buses will be in operation.

Some portable toilets and sanitizer stations will be available in RV lots and the check-in process for those lots will be remote and cashless.

The pregame "Party at the Palace" will be held north of the stadium. Masks will be required, with vendors spread out. Several food trucks, including from Midway Deli, The Meating Place and Kona Ice, will operate in the spot this season. Tables and seating areas will be removed and giveaways limited to prepackaged items.

Barriers will be in place at ticket booths and visiting team ticket areas to facilitate social distancing and minimize contact. Ticket resolution areas will be located at Gates 5 and 7 and visiting team ticket allotments have been reduced in accordance with Big 12 guidelines.

Tickets will indicate preferred gate entry based on seat location and self-serve pedestal scanner will be in use. ADA patrons, premium ticket holders and those needing extra time will be allowed in the stadium 2 1/2 hours before kickoff, with other fans allowed in two hours before kick.

By entering, fans attest that they agree to OU's fan code of conduct, do not have COVID-19 symptoms and will follow COVID19 prevention protocol, including wearing a mask.

An increased number of bag-free express lanes will be available.

Inside the stadium, pathway maps will guide fans. Fans will use the outer concourese for movement around the stadium and the inner concourse for concession, restrooms and seating-bowl entry. Concourse seating will be limited or eliminated.

Elevator capacity will be reduced to facilitate social distancing.

All high-touch areas and the seating bowl will be disinfected prior to gates opening. Around 230 hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the stadium and addition staff will be dedicated to keeping restrooms and other hightraffic areas. Bottle-filler stations have been added around the main concourse. Restroom capacity will be controlled, touchless features added and one-way traffic implemented.

Concessions and retail stands will be 100 percent cashless, with Apple Pay available at all locations. Cash-to-card kiosks will be available for fans to purchase prepaid debit cards with cash to use at games. Concessions will feature packaged condiments instead of condiment stations and fans using refillable popcorn or soda programs will receive prepackaged items.

In suites, buffet lines will feature an attendant serving food and prepackaged items will be used when possible.

Real-time stats, rosters and promotions.offers will be available as part of the "Digital Seat" tags accessed by aiming a mobile-device camera at the seat armrest or bleacher.

The Pride of Oklahoma will have an 80-member pep band in the stands and will move to section 27 to allow for distancing. The band will not march on the field this season.

No tailgating is allowed on campus this season.