In Norman, on the southern fringe of the campus, after years of meticulous planning and construction, Love’s Field officially debuted with a flourish on Friday morning.
The occasion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony just before Oklahoma’s match against Miami (OH) at 2 p.m.
The stadium stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, featuring deep red bricks, pristine concrete, an impeccably manicured field, ample restroom facilities, sleek concourses, a state-of-the-art clubhouse, coaches’ offices, training facilities, and a cutting-edge scoreboard.
This culmination of efforts represents a significant milestone for the university.
At the heart of this grand achievement stands head coach Patty Gasso, whose influence permeates every aspect of the stadium.
OU athletic director Joe Castiglione lauds her not just for her impressive track record in terms of wins and statistics but also for instilling a sense of purpose and meaning in all who come into contact with her.
Gasso’s leadership has not only cultivated athletic excellence but has also imbued the program with a championship mindset that few thought attainable.
During the opening ceremony, Castiglione, OU president Joe Harroz, benefactor Jenny Love-Meyer, Gasso, and team captains Kinzie Hansen and Tiare Jennings expressed gratitude to the dedicated fan base and alumni for their unwavering support.
Harroz marveled at the speed with which the stadium was completed and expressed admiration for Gasso’s transformative leadership.
He acknowledged that, despite being educators, they have learned invaluable lessons from the softball team under Gasso’s tutelage.
The transition from the beloved Marita Hynes Field to Love’s Field marks the end of an era but also symbolizes progress and growth.
Gasso reminisced about the humble beginnings of the program, recalling days of practicing and playing games at Reaves Park, a city facility nearby. The new stadium represents a full-circle moment for the team, signifying how far they’ve come.
The stadium, boasting a capacity of 4,200, comes with a hefty price tag of nearly $48 million. Castiglione credited the Love family’s initial donation of $9 million for inspiring additional donors to contribute, resulting in a total investment of almost $38 million from over 1,100 donors across 38 states.
Grateful for the overwhelming support, both Gasso and Castiglione expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the project. Meanwhile, Gasso’s current team continues to dominate on the field, boasting a flawless 14-0 record and retaining their No. 1 ranking. With a remarkable 67-game winning streak and three consecutive national championships under her belt, Gasso envisions even greater possibilities in the newly minted Love’s Field, which she describes as the epitome of beauty and excellence in collegiate softball stadiums.
