OU to consider expanding tailgating, including the Duck Pond

More space for tailgating might be coming to OU soon, according to university president Joe Harroz.

Harroz spoke with SoonerScoop on Thursday at SEC Spring Meetings and revealed that Oklahoma has been considering more changes to where fans can tailgate on football game days. This comes after OU re-opened Lindsey Street for tailgating in 2023.

This time, though, Harroz has his eyes on something bigger — the Duck Pond. Harroz said the university has looked into opening the 10-acre area for tailgating. It wouldn’t be for the 2024 season, but it could happen in 2025.

“There’s more to come on this topic. We expanded it for (the 2023 season),” Harroz said. “One of the things we’ve looked at is is there an opportunity to do something even bigger. One of those areas we’ve looked at is the Duck Pond. Is there an option out by the Duck Pond to create something that’s SEC-scale worthy? We know what The Grove is and we know what Texas A&M (Aggie Park) has done. And it wouldn’t be for this season but for coming seasons, is there a bigger opportunity out there? And the Duck Pond is one of those areas we’re looking at.”

One area Harroz said will be open for the 2024 season is the lawn in front of Jacobson and Carpenter Hall, across Boyd Street from The Porch and Louie’s on Campus Corner.

“Right across on the Jacobson, Carpenter lawn it will be a little more expanded and better,” Harroz said.

Harroz has been proactive in trying to improve the tailgating scene at OU. He and the university put together a committee that visited other SEC schools in recent years to view their gameday atmospheres. The two schools that stood out the most to him for tailgating were Ole Miss with The Grove and Texas A&M with Aggie Park. 

Harroz believes OU can create a similar atmosphere at the Duck Pond. This would still have to be approved by the OU Board of Regents, but it’s clear that the school is considering new options to improve its tailgating scene. 

“It’s 10 acres that are together,” Harroz said. “I don’t know how you take a pass on looking at what that could be. I think The Grove is the model out there. What Texas A&M has done and their investment is exciting. One of the things we have is real estate, so if we can create something there, we’re exploring that.” 

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