Football Parking To Change In Norman

Kickoff of the new OU season is less than a month away and getting to the stadium may involve a new game plan for fans.

News On 6 reporter Kirsten McIntyre reports on game day the signs of Sooner pride are all around, but this season, there are new signs fans cannot afford to miss.

For years, football fans have been able to park on both sides of the street in residential areas near the stadium. Starting this season, Berry Road to Oklahoma Avenue and from Symmes Street to Timberdale Road, drivers can only park on one side of the street.  New signs are already in place.

Norman Police plan on ticketing drivers who don't abide by the new parking regulations.

"The reason for this is we've had reoccurring problems with emergency vehicles being able to travel those streets when both sides are backed up with traffic," Norman Police Capt. Leonard Judy said.

Mark Griffin had had a front row seat to the parking problems for 10 years. He understood why the new plan was necessary.

"You can't have two cars going down the street at the same time. Someone has to back off or back away and I'd hate to an emergency vehicle," Griffin said. "As crowded as it is, it's going to make it hard for fans."

To help with the loss of parking, OU plans to add paid parking in this lot at George Avenue and Lindsey Street.

There will be no grace period. Free parking at the Lloyd Noble Center will still be available.