Norman City Council Approves Limited Bar, Restaurant Capacity For OU Home Game Days

Norman bars and restaurants will be limited to 75% capacity during University of Oklahoma home game days.

The ordinance was adopted with a 7 to 1 vote.

Restaurant and bar owners were already making changes in anticipation of Tuesday’s decision.

“We’ve already taken out half of our seating,” said Diamond Dawgs owner Kim Robertson.

Under the new ordinance bars and restaurants could operate at 75% capacity--some believing this year's crowds would be far smaller than in years past.

“As of today, hotels are running 30-50% occupancy typically they’re sold out, pay per view purchases are up,” said Norman Mayor Breea Clark,       

Council members emphasized that business owners on Campus Corner are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of their patrons.

“We have a motto here on Campus Corner that is ‘Campus Corner cares,’ so making sure everyone is safe while still having a good time,” said Robertson. 

Travis Case, owner of Sideline Bar and Grill, is confident they can operate safely even below the new ordinance.

“For us we can do that at 65% capacity, just given our space our business can uphold all protocols while operating at 65,” said Case.

With many businesses already facing an uphill battle many are eager to see what this season will bring. 

“We opened this during a pandemic and that’s been a challenge,” said Case.        

Businesses in the area are counting on the traffic brought in from the games.

“Football season is where a lot of us create our profit and so it's substantial,” said Case.

Council members said the ordinance will be strictly enforced with a team of fire marshals closely monitoring occupancy. Council members will review it before the next home game.