The estimated $175 million price tag will land the Sooners not only on par with their soon-to-be conference counterparts in the SEC but could (at least momentarily) set the new standard in a facilities boom that has unfolded across major college football over the last two decades.
In 2013, Oregon unveiled a shiny, $68 million football facility that became the model of the time for football programs across the nation. Ten years later, OU is set to embark on its new football-specific facility at 2½ times the cost.
Of the four SEC football programs to complete facility overhauls since 2021, none has eclipsed a budget greater than the $91.9 million Auburn spent on the Woltosz Football Performance Center, which opened late last year. Florida’s Heavener Football Training Center, which opened in August 2022, was built for an estimated $85 million. Georgia’s latest football-specific development cost the Bulldogs $80 million; South Carolina dropped $50 million on the new facility it’s called home since 2021.
Outside the SEC, Nebraska could move into its $165 million football complex as soon as this summer. The facility that Florida State broke ground on in December is estimated to cost between $75 million and $100 million.
“Comparative analysis is always a part of it,” Castiglione said. “Sometimes (the media) frame it as keeping up with the Joneses. I don’t think it’s as much as it is that the quest to recruit the best and the brightest is as competitive as it’s ever been. And it’s an entirely new landscape.
“So we have to provide a comprehensive approach that makes Oklahoma the most attractive definition for the best and the brightest and do what we do best,” he continued. “Facilities are definitely part of that, and they always will be.”
Tuesday marked the first regents meeting since OU secured its 2024 departure for the SEC. OU President Joe Harroz explained that the board will meet in the coming weeks to formally approve the early exit from the Big 12.
“All the loose ends will be tied up,” he said.
Castiglione teased plans for facilities projects beyond football following the November regents meeting. Tuesday came with approval for a $75 million “student-athlete success center” and upgrades that will benefit at least 12 additional programs on campus, including softball ($47.9 million), baseball ($45 million), gymnastics ($13.75 million), and the golf, tennis and track programs.
Also approved is a $9.5 renovation to the men’s and women’s basketball team suites inside the Lloyd Noble Center.
On Monday, OU men’s basketball coach Porter Moser said his focus remains on a new basketball venue. Castiglione explained Tuesday that OU is probing multiple plans related to a new arena and expects to know more on the future home of the Sooners’ basketball programs.
“When we get the right results, then we can make the best decision,” he said.
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