NORMAN, Okla. — The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents gave the green light Tuesday for a $42 million budget to build Love’s Field.

Continuing the momentum from a Women’s College World Series win this month, OU said the new multimillion-dollar facility will solidify the Sooners as a dominating force in college softball.

“It’s the best softball program in the country,” said Mike Houck, the associate athletics director at OU.

The Board of Regents approved the $42 million budget, of that Houck says $28 million has already been raised.

OU said the new stadium will give fans exactly what they want: more seats.

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“Our current stadium sits just over 1,600 fans. Love’s Field will have an initial capacity of 3,000 so almost doubling in size but it’s also being designed to allow for expansion,” Houck said.

Highlights:

• Doubling seat capacity
• New concession stands and restrooms
• OU Softball championship display
• Doubling current practice facility
• Several team spaces including a training room, locker room and classroom
• Access to existing parking in the immediate vicinity

Along with tripling the athlete’s training facility, OU said the expansion will help continue through the Sooners’ legacy.

“Just a sense of pride,” Houck said.

OU said the new stadium will break ground in the coming months and will open to fans for the 2024 season. Love’s Field will be constructed at the northwest corner of South Jenkins Avenue and Imhoff Road, just south of the current stadium.

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