Breaking: After Setting a New College Softball Attendance Record, Patty Gasso Reconsiders Hosting a Sooners Softball Game at OU’s Football Stadium
In a stunning development that could reshape the landscape of college softball, Oklahoma Sooners head coach Patty Gasso is now seriously reconsidering the idea of hosting a Sooners softball game at the University of Oklahoma’s football stadium, Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. This comes just days after her team shattered the NCAA college softball attendance record, drawing over 18,000 fans to a neutral-site game in Oklahoma City.
The Sooners, perennial powerhouses in the sport and winners of multiple national championships under Gasso’s leadership, have long been known for their dominance on the field. But the latest attendance milestone has signaled something much bigger — a cultural shift in how college softball is perceived and supported, particularly in Norman and across the state.
“We always believed our fan base was strong, but what we witnessed the other night was something on a different level,” Gasso said in a press conference Wednesday morning. “The energy, the passion, and the sheer volume of people showing up for these athletes — it made us rethink what’s possible.”
OU’s softball stadium, Love’s Field, already boasts state-of-the-art amenities and regularly sells out. However, its capacity — roughly 4,200 — pales in comparison to the massive 80,000-seat football stadium just across campus. While previously considered logistically challenging and potentially impractical, the idea of staging a game in the football stadium is gaining serious traction following the historic turnout.
“There are still a lot of variables,” Gasso acknowledged. “Weather, field setup, sightlines, and the integrity of the game — all those things matter. But I’m not ruling anything out anymore. Not after what we saw.”
The buzz is already electrifying the softball world and igniting speculation among fans and analysts alike. Could this be a one-time spectacle game or the beginning of a new era where women’s college sports are treated with the same grandiosity as their male counterparts?
Athletic Director Joe Castiglione has expressed tentative support, noting the university is “open to exploring all avenues that elevate our student-athletes and enhance the fan experience.”
Social media lit up following the announcement, with fans urging OU to “make it happen” and others imagining a packed football stadium cheering on the three-time defending national champions.
While no date or opponent has been mentioned yet, sources say early planning discussions are underway. If realized, it could mark another barrier shattered by Gasso and her trailblazing Sooners squad — proving once again that Oklahoma softball isn’t just a team, it’s a movement.
