Last Call At Popular Pub In Norman

Gan Matthews, News 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- It's been a fixture near the University of Oklahoma campus for more than four decades, but it's time for the last call at O'Connell's Irish Pub and Grille on Lindsey Street in Norman.

The landmark restaurant and bar will shut down for good Saturday at 2 a.m. because OU has purchased the land for the construction of new housing. Located just across the street from Memorial Stadium at 120 E. Lindsey, O'Connell's became a popular watering place for football fans. Charley Green made his first stop at the pub in 1970.

"My brother-in-law and I would park across the street, come over here, and have a burger and beer, then go to the football game," Green said.

Throughout January, O'Connell's has been holding a farewell party, selling its trademark green beer and commemorative glasses that list some of the pub's quantitative achievements, including more than three million gallons of beer sold since 1968. Owner Jeff Stewart has a rich cache of memories, but has selected one as his favorite.

"Probably one of my most favorites memories is when we had Barry Switzer and [former Nebraska coach Tom] Osborne here together on a Nebraska game day at the same time," Stewart said.

Saturday, Stewart will auction off numerous artifacts from the pub. The proceeds will endow a new scholarship at OU.

Customers can still enjoy beers and OU games at the new O'Connell's on Campus Corner at 769 Asp.