OU Board of Regents to consider construction firm for west side stadium renovations

Posted by author January 29, 2025 Football

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NORMAN — The OU Board of Regents will consider construction firms for the Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Master Plan Updates project during its Thursday meeting in Oklahoma City.

The proposed action item asks the board to rank in order the construction management firms underconsideration, which include Manhattan Construction Company and Flintco, LLC, both based in Oklahoma City. It also includes approval to negotiate the terms of an agreement, execute the contract and make payments with a cost of $12 million with an option to increase to $15 million.

“The work is anticipated to address improvements and enhancements to the west lower seating bowl, the west upper deck, the press box, and all encapsulated or adjacent spaces or operational elements impacted,” the item reads.

The Regents previously approved the master plan updates that have been developed thus far in 2014. Since, the Sooners have undergone south end zone improvements, north scoreboard improvements and seating bowl improvements.

Funding for this portion of the project has been identified, is available and budgeted from the athletic department and other private funds, according to the agenda.

OU Board of Regents to consider approval to disburse funds to NIL collectives following Gov. Kevin Stitt’s executive order

The Board will consider approval to disperse funds to collectives following Gov. Kevin Stitt’s executive order on Jan. 9, allowing Oklahoma’s colleges and universities to facilitate direct payments to student-athletes for the use of their NIL.

The Sooners‘ primary NIL collective is the 1Oklahoma collective.

Stitt’s order will automatically expire upon the settlement of the federal NIL litigation or with the enactment of a federal law governing student-athlete payments.

OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. released a statement shortly following the action, saying it “strengthens our ability to recruit, retain and cultivate extraordinary talent, positioning our student-athletes for success in every aspect of their lives.”

Approval of new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, offensive analyst Jon Kuceyeski’s contracts

The Regents will also consider contracts for recently hired football coaches offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and offensive analyst Jon Kuceyeski.

Kuceyeski’s contract under consideration is an annual salary of $200,000. The terms of Arbuckle’s contract weren’t listed but it’s reportedly a three-year deal.

Kuceyeski’s role is expected to be as a senior offensive assistant/assistant quarterback coach.

Arbuckle brought Kuceyeski, who he worked closely with at Washington State, to Norman after he was hired. Kuceyeski helped develop John Mateer and Cam Ward.