OU hits the field, college football begins

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Okla. -- The 2008 college football season has officially started.

An estimated 85,000 fans will be cheering for the Sooners Saturday when they play against the Chattanooga Mocs.

The fans may notice major changes when attending the home game.

Many fans said they are anxious to see the new team intro video, displayed on the new high definition video screen. There are also some new ribbon boards. The grounds crew was putting the finishing touches on the field Friday morning, as fans Terri and Mickey Wynn watched.

"Our daughter is in Oklahoma City having a baby," Terri Wynn said. "We have some time to kill before she's ready for us to be there."

Mickey Wynn said he approves of the upgraded stadium.

"Oh, I love it," Mickey Wynn said. "I'm really excited to be down here."

Commuting fans will also experience new parking rules. In the past, fans parked on both sides of streets near campus. This season, signs warn that only parking on one side is permitted.

Campus Corner's newest business addition is the O'Connell's Irish Pub. The familiar watering hole by the stadium will now quench thirsts on Asp Street.

On Friday, former Sooner coach Barry Switzer received a haircut and had encouraging things to say about the upcoming season.

"I think they're a well-coached football team," Switzer said. "They're young, they should be good offensively."

The day before the opening game was designated College Colors Day, and there were many people wearing Crimson and Cream.

South of the stadium, along Lindsey Street, fans were ready to set up their tents for tailgating, but security guards made sure no one staked their claim before noon.

As 12 p.m. arrived, fans began setting up their areas, marking the start of college football season in Norman.