I enrolled at the University of Oklahoma in 2019. Since then, I have called the student section home to watch Sooners football. As someone who actually watches the games from there, I can say this: yes there is an issue with the student section, and it’s been an issue for awhile.
However, we need to give them a free pass for yesterday. If the student section starts emptying out before halftime against Kansas State in three weeks or even against Kent State next week, we can have this discussion, but for now, hear me out.
The entire east side of the stadium was completely covered with sunlight for the entirety of the game. I came out of that stadium a bit more tan than I was when I entered. It was hot, it was sunny and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky.
I was there, and I was feeling the heat near the end of the game. “Hydrate or diedrate” as they say. I, however, am a person who enjoys football way too much for his own good. I don’t blame the people who left early.
The heat was just too much. The temperature went over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the field and the fans could feel every bit of it. Multiple people were reportedley carried out on stretchers and I personally saw someone carried out of the stands to receive medical attention.
Over 83,000 fans showed up. That’s what we should be focusing on. This isn’t a program that struggles to fill it’s building or one that needs to cover seats, unlike a few programs out west.
This is what the student section looked like before people started leaving:
#UTEPvsOU The student section at kick. It was loud and students were enthusiastic. Then the heat started making people drop like flies. In the space of 7-8 minutes I watched 4 people pass out in the concourse. As in face plant fall-out. If you weren’t there, please stop. pic.twitter.com/faCRMkWSUk
— Robert Miles (he/him) (@SoonerAlum06) September 4, 2022
Seems pretty full to me.
Yes, the lack of energy in the student section is a problem, and it has been for years. However, we now live in world with Brent Venables as our head coach. He asked for a packed house for the spring game. He got it. He asked for a nightmare for opponents at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. He will get it.
If the student section is half-empty against Big 12 opponents in late September and October, we can have this discussion again. Until then, let’s hold off.
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