It appears that the age of “spring games” in college football is coming to an end, as the Oklahoma Sooners became the latest program to cancel their spring game.
On Monday, OU announced via press release that the traditional Red/White game is no longer being played, and instead the program will present a “Crimson Combine” that will give Oklahoma fans the “unique opportunity to engage with players and coaches.”
In Brent Venables’ first season at the helm, 75,360 Sooner fans piled into Gaylord Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to give OU the highest spring game attendance of any program in the country in 2022.
Now, just a few years later, the Sooners are one of several flagship programs going away from the traditional spring game model.
“The event will feature Oklahoma players and coaching staff members participating in combine-style drills, skills challenges, on-field fan engagement activities, autograph and photo opportunities, and more,” the press release says. “Fans can expect to hear from key football staff, including new general manager Jim Nagy and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. More event information will be available in the coming weeks.
“This is a brand-new spring football tradition for our fans,” said OU athletic director Joe Castiglione. “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. We’re planning some unique activities that will highlight our players and provide high entertainment value for everyone in attendance.”
Teams like Nebraska, Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, and USC all preceded Oklahoma in this decision, and it’s likely OU won’t be the last program to announce this kind of decision.
The Sooners will officially begin spring practice on Thursday, which will conclude with the new “Crimson Combine” on Saturday, August 12, with a start time of 1 pm CT.
