Marita Hynes Field Set for Massive Renovation Project: A New Era for Oklahoma Sooners Softball

A Historic Home for the Oklahoma Sooners

For over two decades, Marita Hynes Field has been the heart of Oklahoma Sooners softball, serving as the stage for some of the program’s most legendary moments. Since opening in 1998, the field has been the home of one of the most dominant softball programs in NCAA history, fostering a winning culture and hosting thousands of passionate fans over the years.

With an extraordinary home record of 548-62 (.856), the Sooners have built a fortress at Marita Hynes Field, celebrating nine Super Regional victories and 17 Regional championships on this historic turf. It has been a place where All-Americans, Olympians, and future Hall of Famers have showcased their talents, leaving an indelible mark on the program and its supporters.

However, as Oklahoma softball has continued to rise to national prominence, the university has faced increasing pressure to upgrade its facilities to match the team’s elite status. The program has consistently outgrown the limitations of Marita Hynes Field, which, even with temporary seating, could accommodate only about 1,700 fans. The demand for tickets far exceeded capacity, and the program’s sustained success warranted a stadium that could better serve its players, fans, and future recruits.

Now, after years of planning and anticipation, the University of Oklahoma is set to embark on a massive renovation project that will transform Marita Hynes Field into a world-class facility.

The Vision Behind the Renovation: A Bold Step for the Future

The decision to renovate Marita Hynes Field was not made lightly. It came as part of a broader vision to maintain the Sooners’ dominance while elevating their facilities to meet the standards of a championship-caliber program.

The Oklahoma Board of Regents recognized the urgent need for a facility that could accommodate larger crowds, provide cutting-edge resources for student-athletes, and enhance the overall fan experience. This led to the university’s ambitious decision to build a new stadium—Love’s Field—while simultaneously modernizing Marita Hynes Field to serve as a key part of the program’s future.

One of the main goals of this renovation project is to preserve the legacy of Marita Hynes Field while adapting it for future generations of players and fans. The historic field has been the site of countless unforgettable games, and rather than demolish or replace it entirely, the university is committed to keeping its spirit alive through significant improvements.

Love’s Field: The Next Chapter in Oklahoma Softball

As part of the program’s expansion, the Sooners officially unveiled Love’s Field in 2024—a state-of-the-art stadium designed to meet the program’s growing needs. Located just half a mile south of Marita Hynes Field, Love’s Field represents the next step in Oklahoma softball’s evolution, offering an upgraded experience for both players and fans.

Key Features of Love’s Field:

✅ Seating for 3,000 fans—nearly doubling the previous capacity, with room for future expansion
✅ 10,500-square-foot indoor training center equipped with cutting-edge technology and amenities
✅ New team facilities, including locker rooms, a weight room, a film room, and a players’ lounge
✅ State-of-the-art concessions and fan experience areas for an enhanced game-day atmosphere
✅ Expanded media and broadcasting facilities to showcase the Sooners on a national stage

Love’s Field was designed to be more than just a stadium—it is a recruiting tool, a training powerhouse, and a home for championship softball. The new facility ensures that Oklahoma remains at the forefront of collegiate softball, giving the team every advantage as they continue to chase national titles.

A Farewell to Marita Hynes Field: Honoring a Legacy

While the Sooners are embracing the future with Love’s Field, the renovation of Marita Hynes Field is a recognition of the past. Named after Marita Hynes, a trailblazer in women’s athletics at Oklahoma and a longtime supporter of the softball program, the field has been the heart and soul of Sooners softball for over 25 years.

Countless Sooners legends, including softball icons like Keilani Ricketts, Lauren Chamberlain, and Jocelyn Alo, have made history on this field, helping shape Oklahoma’s reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.

With this renovation project, the university aims to preserve the field’s historic significance while updating it to remain an integral part of Oklahoma softball’s future.

How Marita Hynes Field Will Be Used Post-Renovation:

• Training and Development: The field will continue to serve as a practice facility for the team, providing additional space for workouts and training sessions.
• Youth and Community Engagement: The university plans to use the field for youth softball camps, training clinics, and local tournaments, ensuring it remains a vital part of the Norman softball community.
• Historical Site: Portions of the stadium will be preserved as a tribute to the Sooners’ rich history, featuring memorabilia, trophies, and interactive exhibits highlighting Oklahoma softball’s greatest moments.

While Love’s Field will take center stage as the primary home for Oklahoma softball, Marita Hynes Field will remain a living testament to the program’s past, present, and future.

What’s Next? A New Era of Sooners Softball Begins

With the renovations and transition to Love’s Field underway, Oklahoma softball is entering an exciting new chapter. The program is poised to continue its dominance on the national stage while offering fans, players, and recruits an unparalleled experience.

Key Upcoming Milestones:

📅 Final Games at Marita Hynes Field – A farewell ceremony is expected to honor the history of the field before the transition is complete.
📅 Completion of Love’s Field Expansions – Additional seating and amenities will be added in the coming years.
📅 Recruiting Boom – With state-of-the-art facilities in place, the Sooners are expected to attract even more elite talent.

This investment in Oklahoma softball is a testament to the program’s continued pursuit of excellence. With an enhanced home field, expanded resources, and a passionate fan base, the Sooners are well-positioned to remain at the top of the college softball world for years to come.

The renovations to Marita Hynes Field and the opening of Love’s Field symbolize not just the growth of the program but also the legacy of Oklahoma softball—one that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Boomer Sooner!