Chad Richison Stadium, located in Edmond, Oklahoma, is the on-campus football facility for the Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team. Formerly known as Wantland Stadium, it has a rich history and has undergone significant transformations over the years. This article explores the stadium's history, features, and its importance to the community.
Central Oklahoma Bronchos Campus
Early History and Naming
The stadium opened in 1965 and was originally named Wantland Stadium after former Broncho head coach Charles W. Wantland. In September 1965, the UCO Bronchos played their first game in the stadium, shutting out College of Ozarks (Ark.) 31-0. Over the years, the Bronchos have achieved nine undefeated home seasons. As of 2021, their home stadium record stood at an impressive 176-103-5.
The stadium also hosted the 1982 NAIA Championship Game, where the Bronchos faced Mesa State.
Renovations and Upgrades
In 2003, the facility received its first major upgrades with the addition of artificial turf, new lighting, and a new scoreboard.
UCO To Host Season Opener In the New Chad Richison Football Stadium
Read also: The Life of Chad Everett Harris
Chad Richison Stadium Renovation
Chad Richison's Contribution
Further solidifying himself as the University of Central Oklahoma's largest donor, Chad Richison, company founder and CEO of Oklahoma City-based Paycom, donated $10 million to the school to improve and expand Broncho athletics. This donation led to the stadium being renamed Chad Richison Stadium on October 20, 2021. Richison, a 1993 graduate of UCO and a former member of the wrestling team, has invested a total of $25 million in the university's athletic department.
The Chad Richison Stadium improvement and expansion project included extensive landscaping, featuring hundreds of boulders surrounding a new waterfall feature. An upgraded video board was also installed, and new stands on the east side of the stadium added more than 1,900 seats, increasing the capacity to almost 12,000. The upper level includes new seating with a concourse, restrooms, concessions, and a new ticket office. The renovation was completed in 2022.
Richison has also supported other athletic projects, including the expansion of the Hamilton Field House, which now houses one of the largest wrestling rooms in the country.
“I am passionate about higher education and collegiate athletics,” Richison said. “I appreciated the experience I had at UCO and hope this gift inspires others to accomplish something they may not have dreamed possible.”
Read also: "Married to Evil": Chad Graves
Stadium Features and Layout
The stadium is dual-sided with a grass berm that imitates a horseshoe-shaped facility, oriented north/south. The south end is enclosed by grass, while the north end is bounded by the Sports Performance Center. Visitor seating is located on the east sideline.
Events Hosted
Chad Richison Stadium has hosted numerous significant events over the years:
- The Stadium also hosted the 1982 NAIA Championship Game.
- UCO has hosted the Oklahoma All-State Football Game in the facility six times since 1994.
- The stadium also hosts the annual UCO Stampede of Sound's Invitational Marching Band Contest.
- It has hosted the class 6A Oklahoma Bandmaster's Association (OBA) Marching Contest several times.
- Since 2019, Chad Richison Stadium has been the host stadium for all the OSSAA 11-man football state championship games.
High School Usage
Chad Richison Stadium was the home field for all three Edmond high school teams: Memorial, Santa Fe, and North. Edmond Public Schools leased the facility from UCO for $7,252 per game.
Team Records
The stadium has witnessed numerous outstanding performances. The following table highlights some of the key team records achieved at Chad Richison Stadium:
| Category | Record | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Most Points, One Team | 82 | Nov. 9, 2019 |
| Most Points, Combined | 111 | Oct. 16, 2010 |
| Biggest Winning Margin | 68 | Nov. 9, 2019 |
| Most First Downs | 35 | 2013 |
| Rushing Yards | 471 | Nov. 11, 1980 |
| Passing Yards | 522 | 2013 |
| Total Yards | 699 | 2013 |
| Rushing Attempts | 77 | Sept. 28, 1974 |
| Pass Attempts | 68 | Oct. 16, 1999 |
| Pass Completions | 42 | October 16, 1999 |
Read also: Vallow-Daybell Trial: Key Evidence
Popular articles:
tags: #Chad
