Parking regulations change for game days

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Okla. -- Kickoff of the new OU season is just 26 days away and getting to the stadium may involve a new game plan for fans.

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 Rd. to Oklahoma Ave. and from Symmes St. to Timberdale Rd., 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," Capt. Leonard Judy.

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 Ave and Lindsey Street.

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