OU Regents To Consider Buying Property Near Football Stadium

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- University of Oklahoma regents will consider whether to buy a plot of land near the university's football stadium that contains a popular restaurant.<br/><br/>The $4.5-million

Wednesday, September 13th 2006, 6:05 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- University of Oklahoma regents will consider whether to buy a plot of land near the university's football stadium that contains a popular restaurant.

The $4.5-million purchase could affect several businesses, including O'Connell's Irish Pub and Grill.

The restaurant is located at the same intersection as Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and long has been a favorite of OU football fans.

According to an agenda item for today's regents meeting, the OU Foundation recently entered into a property agreement with the owner of a 2.3-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Jenkins Avenue and Lindsey Street in Norman.

The stadium is on the northwest corner of that intersection.

The current owner of the property is John M. Traw of Norman, according to the Cleveland County Assessors' website.

O'Connell's has been located at its current site since 1968. Restaurant owner Jess Stewart says it's not yet known what will become of the businesses currently on the property.