By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Soon OU students will be able to play and watch sporting events under the lights on the Upper Pioneer Fields. Lights recently were installed on OU’s upper fields and now the intramural and club sports programs, along with other student organizations, will be able to play at night under the lights. A ceremony to celebrate the installation of the lights is planned for Thursday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Upper Pioneer Fields.

“We’re absolutely excited about being able to bring this capability to our program,” said Greg Jordan, director of campus recreation. “The Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to improving campus life, as evident through the opening of the Student Technology Center and the renovations to Vandenberg Dining Center. This is just one more link in that chain.”

Located just south of the University Student Apartments, the Upper Pioneer Fields are primarily used for intramural and club sports. Without the lights, participants had to play games during the day, which lowered participation as afternoon times conflicted with work and schools, Jordan said.

The lights allow teams to play into the evening and for the season to be extended. Jordan credits the lights, along with the hard work of the Intramural Sports Department, for the increase in participation. One sport, flag football, has a 76 percent increase in the number of registered teams. And, for fall 2006, intramural sports is planning an expanded softball program.

Jordan believes the addition of the lights will not only increase the number of active participants but also the number of people who go out to watch the games and use the Upper Pioneer Fields for other events.

“It opens the door for other and new student activities to use the upper fields,” Jordan said. “The lights will become a beacon to the upper fields.”

On Oct. 20 at 6 p.m., the campus community is invited to the Upper Pioneer Fields for “We’ll leave the lights on for you,” the formal event to celebrate the installation of the lights. 

For more information on the Intramural Sports Program or club sports at OU, visit the Recreation Center Web site or call (248) 370-4REC.