Located in the heart of campus just north of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the Howard McCasland Field House provides a first-class training and competition venue for the OU volleyball and wrestling teams. In 2005, the Field House underwent a $6 million face lift that included a complete interior renovation. The historic floor was resanded and repainted with four efficient practice courts and chair-back seating that offers fans more comfort was added. In addition, the entire facility was repainted and improvements were made to the HVAC system, sound system, lighting and scoreboards. The Sooners also enjoyed renovations to the training room as well as an upgrade to both teams' locker rooms. "The renovations are a signal to the Big 12 and the nation that the University of Oklahoma and its community are serious about Sooner volleyball," head coach Santiago Restrepo said. "A large part of why I came here is because of the support the volleyball program has at OU, Restrepo said. "The renovations are a great example of the commitment our university has in making Oklahoma volleyball a top-notch program. We will do our part to make sure that happens."
History Originally constructed in 1928, the Field House was once the home of the men's basketball team. More than 5,000 fans were in attendance for the facility's first game as the Sooners beat the Kansas Jayhawks, 45-19. Since its construction, the Field House has been home to numerous sports. In addition to the basketball programs, volleyball, women's and men's gymnastics and wrestling have all featured events here. In addition to sporting events, the Field House has hosted several notable musicians and entertainers in its history. Oklahoma students have watched acts including Jimi Hendrix (1970), Bill Cosby (1968), Henry Mancini (1963), Sonny and Cher (1969), Nat King Cole (1956) and Duke Ellington (1956). Former President Bill Clinton spoke at the Field House during the 2008 presidential campaign.
MCCASLAND FIELD HOUSE TOP 10 VOLLEYBALL CROWDS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3,162 1,903 1,815 1,356 1,340 1,118 1,024 1,011 883 861
vs. Texas A&M vs. Kansas vs. Iowa State vs. Texas vs. Nebraska vs. Nebraska vs. Texas vs. Texas A&M vs. Texas vs. Connecticut
Howard McCasland A former captain and center for the Oklahoma basketball team from 1914-16, Howard McCasland was an outstanding player who local Sooner fans flocked to the gym to watch. During his senior campaign in 1916, McCasland totaled 407 points in the season which accounted for half of the team's entire points that season. The Field House is named in his honor.
THE UNIVERSIT Y OF OKLAHOMA SOONERS
10-17-2003 10-20-2004 9-27-2000 10-1-2008 11-1-1996 10-13-2007 10-17-2007 9-27-1996 9-28-1996 9-21-1990