What makes OU softball's new stadium stand out? Here are the top features of Love's Field
NORMAN — Love’s Field lives up to its billing as a softball mecca.
While parts of the new OU softball stadium and the surrounding area are still very much under construction, the place is already gleaming.
Here are my five favorite features of Love’s Field.
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1. Oklahoma scoreboard
The Oklahoma-shaped scoreboard is really cool. Kudos to athletic director Joe Castiglione for coming up with the idea.
Think the panhandle is a waste of digital space? Think again. The narrow stretch is the perfect place to display the line score.
2. Yankee Stadium-inspired frieze
You know the decorative white railing (it’s called a frieze) that lines the top of Yankee Stadium? Love’s Field sort of has an inverted version of that.
The Love’s Field frieze is gray, the same color as the roof it sits atop, as opposed to white. It’s more of a muted architectural accent than the iconic one at Yankee Stadium.
Cool touch, though. The Sooners are softball’s Evil Empire.
3. Batter’s eye
Dozens of small evergreen shrubs dot the area above center field, creating a natural backdrop that doubles as a batter’s eye.
It’s much more aesthetically pleasing than a dark wall/tarp batter’s eye.
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4. Outfield wall padding
The white lettering against the crimson background is sharp.
Alternating panels in left field list OU’s seven national championship seasons. A replica of those panels is also on display in the concourse.
5. Wide concourse
There’s plenty of room to walk around the stadium. Even with a packed house, the concourse doesn’t feel crowded. A-plus for that.
There’s an especially spacious grassy area behind the seats in right field. Picnic tables and food trucks line the area. I imagine it’ll be a popular place for kids to play catch.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New OU softball stadium, Love's Field, stands out with 5 key features