NORMAN — OU football announced details for its April 12 fan-centric Crimson Combine, the program's replacement for a spring game, on Thursday.
The Sooners will take the field at 1 p.m. and offensive/defensive linemen, linebackers/defensive backs and quarterbacks/running backs/wide receivers/tight ends will complete a series of combine-style drills.
Following drills at about 2 p.m., the north end of Owen Field will open to fans for “Party in the Palace,” while players sign autographs on the south end of the field in the stands. The event will include interactive inflatables, a Jordan Brand shoe box retail shop and a beer garden.
The program previously announced general manager Jim Nagy and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle will address fans at the event.
The decision to move away from the spring game comes as other major programs are adapting to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. Mississippi and coach Lane Kiffin paved the way last season, hosting a dunk contest, 7-on-7, tug-of-war and a hotdog eating contest instead of a traditional game.
"This is a brand-new spring football tradition for our fans," Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione previously said. "Crimson Combine will spotlight our players while also giving our fans the ability to get closer to the action and have the chance to engage directly with our team and coaching staff."
Texas, as well as several Big Ten programs including Nebraska, Ohio State and USC are also canceling spring games. Earlier this offseason, Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule mentioned tampering as a reason his team wouldn’t be hosting a spring game.
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy pitched an idea last week that the Cowboys should pair up with OU for a spring scrimmage.Past exhibitions have been revenue generators for some programs and OU set a spring attendance record with 75,360 in head coach Brent Venables' first season in 2022.
The event will conclude at 3 p.m.
