The original name of the University of Oklahoma (OU) football stadium was Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, also commonly referred to as Memorial Stadium.
Dedicated in 1923, the stadium was established to honor OU students and personnel who died during World War I. While the stadium as a whole has long been associated with the name "Owen Field," it's crucial to understand that Owen Field specifically refers to the playing surface within the stadium, named during the 1920s to honor legendary coach Bennie Owen. In actuality, the playing field and the stadium are distinct entities with separate naming histories.
Evolution of the Stadium's Naming
The OU football stadium has undergone several naming transformations throughout its history, reflecting different eras and contributions:
- 1923: Initially dedicated as Oklahoma Memorial Stadium or Memorial Stadium. This name honored World War I veterans.
- 1920s: The playing surface within the stadium was officially named Owen Field in honor of Bennie Owen, a highly successful football coach and athletic director for the Sooners. This distinction is key, as the stadium itself and the field within it have had separate official designations.
- 1920s - 2003: The stadium continued to be widely known as Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with the playing surface recognized as Owen Field. However, the entire facility was often colloquially referred to as Owen Field due to the prominence of the playing surface's name.
- 2003: The stadium received its current name, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, following a significant donation from the Gaylord family.
Below is a summary of the naming history:
| Naming Period | Stadium Name | Playing Surface Name | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1923 - 2003 | Oklahoma Memorial Stadium | Owen Field (since 1920s) | Honored WWI veterans; Owen honored coach. |
| 2003 - Present | Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium | Owen Field | Recognizes significant donation; Owen's honor remains. |
Understanding Owen Field's Distinction
It is a common misconception that Owen Field was the original name of the entire stadium. As noted, Owen Field was designated specifically for the playing surface to honor Bennie Owen. Although the stadium as a whole has long been called Owen Field by many, the field and the stadium are, in reality, two separate objects with two separate official names. This clear distinction highlights the specific recognition given to Coach Owen for the athletic achievements on that particular field.
Key Naming Details
- Original Stadium Name: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (or Memorial Stadium)
- Playing Surface Name: Owen Field (named in the 1920s)
- Current Stadium Name: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
- Current Playing Surface Name: Owen Field
For more comprehensive information regarding the stadium's history and facilities, you can visit the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Wikipedia page.
