Construction Ends in Time for Tailgating Land Run on Lindsey Street

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The land run for choice tailgating spots begins tomorrow. Fans had been worried construction on Lindsey Street would hinder their pre-game rituals.

A construction project shut down that stretch of Lindsey all summer long. Tailgaters worried whether their favorite spot would be available for the first game.

But not to worry, this week crews worked around the clock to open Lindsey Street for game time.

"Much of the green space that surrounds Lindsey Street will be open for tailgating. I would say ninety percent of it will be open," said the OU President's spokesman Chris Shilling.

By noon Friday, Sooner tailgaters can move in and claim choice spots south of the stadium.

"When it's all set up and ready to go, it's like a fair atmosphere. I mean, it is literally like a midway at the fair," said Larry Pace, who's been an OU tailgater for 10 years.

Besides a prime location, there are other ingredients for a successful tailgate.

Pace recommends good food and plenty of beverages. It also helps to have a special tailgating van.

Larry Pace and other Lindsey Street regulars are happy to be able to score their favorite tailgating spots for the season opener.

Most of the parking spaces used by tailgaters along Lindsey Street will also be open.