Backyard Bowl Gets Change Of Scenery

By Emory Bryan, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Jenks versus Union in the Backyard Bowl, it's Tulsa's biggest rivalry and it's usually it's on Tulsa's biggest field, but not this year.

It's been pared down from 30,000 to 10,000 seats and not by choice. The other stadium was unavailable and so this year the game returns to Union Tuttle Stadium where every inch of turf will be taken.

Friday afternoon was spent on the finishing touches for the stands and the stadium. The field is ready and for the first time in five years the Jenks-Union game will be played at a high school.

"To me I think it's where the put the ball down, these two teams will play hard," said Union Head Coach Kirk Fridrich.

Last year, the teams met at Chapman Stadium and played to overtime before a huge crowd. This year, that stadium is under renovation and not quite done.

"We want to have it there because we can maximize having 30,000 plus fans in the stands," said Union Assistant Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall.

Playing at Union Tuttle Stadium gives Union the home field advantage.  For the fans, the stands will be evenly divided.  The tickets were divided half and half on each side between Jenks and Union.

The biggest problem is the size of the stands. Ten thousand seats were sold, and a thousand other fans will be packed into the corners of the field.

"In this environment, a sell out and standing room only, it will be loud, the stands are close to the sidelines," said Jenks Head Coach Allan Trimble.

The capacity crowd will jam up traffic, but there are plenty of parking spots if drivers are patient. The coaches promise the game will be worth it.

"This game brings out the best in high school football," said Fridrich.

There is plenty of parking available at Asbury Methodist Church and at the high school.