Chad Richison Stadium

Last updated
Chad Richison Stadium
Chad Richison Stadium
Former namesWantland Stadium (1965–2021)
Location Edmond, Oklahoma
Owner University of Central Oklahoma
OperatorUniversity of Central Oklahoma
Capacity 12,000
SurfaceField Turf
Construction
OpenedSeptember 18, 1965
Renovated2005, 2022
Architect CDFM2 (now 360 Architecture) for 2005 renovations
Tenants
Central Oklahoma Bronchos (NCAA) (1965–present)
Memorial Bulldogs (OSSAA) (1965– 2016)
Santa Fe Wolves (OSSAA) (1993–2015)
Ed. North Huskies (OSSAA) (1994–2016)

Chad Richison Stadium (formerly Wantland Stadium) is the on-campus football facility for the Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team in Edmond, Oklahoma. The official seating capacity of the stadium, following recent renovations, is 12,000, making the 7th largest Division II stadium, and the largest in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. [1]

Contents

History

The stadium opened in 1965, and was originally named Wantland Stadium after former Broncho head coach Charles W. Wantland. [2] The Stadium also hosted the 1982 NAIA Championship Game. The Bronchos played against Mesa State. The Bronchos clinched their 2nd crown winning 14–11, in front of a national audience on the USA Network. [3]

Artificial turf, new lighting and a new scoreboard were added to the facility in 2003. [4] Chad Richison Stadium underwent a dramatic facelift in the summer of 2005 with the addition of a three-level press box that includes club seating and new stands on both sides of the field. In 2014 a new videoboard was installed. [5]

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. As part of the lease EPS collected all revenue from ticket sales, and concessions. [6] In February 2015, voters passed a $91 million bond issue which included expansion of a football field near Santa Fe High School. [7] Later that year, Edmond Santa Fe opened their football stadium and the other EPS schools shifted their games to on-campus stadiums.

In 2017, the university began construction of a 45,000 square foot sports performance center located along the north end zone. [8] The Sports Performance Center opened during the 2018 season.

During the 2021 season after a $10 million donation from Paycom CEO and former Broncho wrestler Chad Richison, the university renamed the structure Chad Richison Stadium. [9] [10]

Structure and facilities

The stadium is a dual sided with a grass berm that imitates a horseshoe-shaped facility with its long axis oriented north/south, with the south end enclosed by grass and the north end bounded by the Sports Performance Center. Visitor seating is on the east sideline. The student seating sections are in Section 102 located in the west stands on the south side, next to the UCO Stampede of Sound which is near the south goal line. [11] The Bronchos' bench is also located along the west side. [12] The most recent renovation expanded the vistors grandstand and replaced a staircase behind the south end zone with a waterfall. [13]

Events

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 also has hosted the class 6A Oklahoma Bandmaster's Association (OBA) Marching Contest several times. The stadium hosted a preseason Major League Soccer game in 2003 between the Kansas City Wizards and the Columbus Crew, and in 2004 between the Wizards and the Dallas Burn. [4] [14] [15] In 2016, the stadium hosted the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) Class 5A football championship game. [16]

Since 2019, Chad Richison Stadium has been the host stadium for all the OSSAA 11 man football state championship games. The stadium is expected to host the games through the 2027 season. [17] [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edmond, Oklahoma</span> City in Oklahoma, United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Central Oklahoma</span> Public university in Edmond, Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is a public university in Edmond, Oklahoma. It is the third largest university in Oklahoma, with more than 17,000 students and approximately 434 full-time and 400 adjunct faculty. Founded in 1890, the University of Central Oklahoma was one of the first institutions of higher learning to be established in what would become the state of Oklahoma, making it one of the oldest universities in the southwest region of the United States. It is home to the American branch of the British Academy of Contemporary Music in downtown Oklahoma City.

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The Central Oklahoma Bronchos, often referred to as Central Oklahoma, Central State or UCO, are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, Oklahoma. The 14 men's and women's varsity teams are called the "Bronchos", with a unique use of the letter H. The school's identification as Bronchos dates back to 1922, when the wife of football coach Charles W. Wantland suggested it for the school's mascot. The official colors of the teams are bronze and blue, which the institution adopted in 1895. The Bronchos compete in the NCAA's Division II and in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association in all sports except women's rowing, which competes in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The Bronchos have won 22 national championships, with the most recent coming in 2023 as the wrestling program won the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The university's current athletic director is Stan Wagnon, who has served in the position since 2020.

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The Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team represents the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in college football. The team is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), which is in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Bronchos football program began in 1902 and has since compiled over 600 wins, two national championships, and 27 conference championships. As of 2022, the Bronchos are ranked fifth in NCAA Division II for wins. In 1962, the Bronchos went 11–0 on the season and defeated Lenoir–Rhyne University (NC) 28–13 in the Camellia Bowl to claim its first NAIA national championship. Twenty years later, Central Oklahoma defended its home turf and defeated Colorado Mesa University 14–11 in the NAIA national championship game to take its second title and finish the season with a 10–2 record. Despite its rich history in football, Central Oklahoma has struggled beginning in the late 2000s. The program has not participated in the NCAA Division II playoffs since 2003. The Bronchos play their home games at Chad Richison Stadium, a 12,000-seat football stadium built in 1965, and remodeled in 2022. The Bronchos have enjoyed nine undefeated home seasons and are 5–1 in playoff games at Wantland Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team</span> American college football season

The 2013 Central Oklahoma football team represented the University of Central Oklahoma during the 2013 NCAA Division II football season, and the 108th season of Broncho football. The Bronchos played their five home games at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma, which had been Central Oklahoma's home stadium since 1965. The 2013 team was coming off a 2-8 record in 2012. The 2013 team was headed by second year head coach Nick Bobeck. 2013 was the Bronchos 2nd as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team</span> American college football season

The 2012 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team represented the University of Central Oklahoma in the 2012 NCAA Division II football season, the 107th season of Broncho football. The team was led by first year head coach and UCO alumn, Nick Bobeck. They played their home games at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma. This was the Bronchos first year as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team</span> American college football season

The 2011 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team represented the University of Central Oklahoma in the 2011 college football season, the 106th season of Broncho football. The team was led by fourth year head coach Tracy Holland. They played their home games at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma. The Bronchos were playing this season as an Independent because they were changing conference membership from the Lone Star Conference to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Oklahoma–Northeastern State football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The Central Oklahoma–Northeastern State football rivalry, commonly referred to as the Battle for the President's Cup, is an American college football rivalry game played annually between the Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team of the University of Central Oklahoma from Edmond, Oklahoma, and the Northeastern State RiverHawks football team of Northeastern State University from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Both schools currently compete in the NCAA Division II level, and are members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Central Oklahoma, formerly Central State, has a 53–27–2 advantage in the series but Northeastern State has kept the series record close since the introduction of the President's cup in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team</span> American college football season

The 2010 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team represented the University of Central Oklahoma in the 2010 NCAA Division II football season, the 105th season of Broncho football. The team was led by fourth year head coach Tracy Holland. They played their home games at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma. The Bronchos were playing this season in their final year of membership in the Lone Star Conference, because they were changing conference affiliation to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team represented the University of Central Oklahoma during the 2014 NCAA Division II football season, and completed the 109th season of Broncho football. The Bronchos played their six home games at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma, which has been Central Oklahoma's home stadium since 1965. The 2014 team came off a 2-8 record for the second season in a row. The 2014 team was headed by third year head coach Nick Bobeck. 2014 was the Bronchos 3rd as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The team finished the regular season with an 8-3 record and made the program's first appearance in the Mineral Water Bowl.

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Nick Bobeck is an American football coach, who formerly served as the head football coach at the University of Central Oklahoma, and Navarro College, a junior college in Texas. In 2008, Bobeck received the NJCAA Coach of the Year honors after leading the Bulldogs to a 10–1 record. Bobeck's team followed that up two years later with the 2010 NJCAA National Football Championship.

The 1982 Central State Bronchos football team represented Central State University (OK) during the 1982 NAIA Division I football season, and completed the 77th season of Broncho football. The Bronchos played their five home games at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma, which has been Central's home stadium since 1965. The 1982 team came off a 6–3 record from the prior season. The 1982 team was headed by coach Gary Howard. The team finished the regular season with a 7–2 record and made the program's fourth appearance in the NAIA playoffs after a three-year absence. This time they won their second NAIA Football National Championship with a win over Mesa, 14–11.

Charles William Wantland was an American athlete and coach. Wantland served as a sports coach and athletic director, and dean at Central State Teachers College in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Gary Howard is a former American football coach. He served as the head football coach at the University of Central Oklahoma—from 1977 to 2002, compiling a career college football record of 161–106–6, four NAIA playoff appearances, three NCAA Division II playoff appearances, two conference championships, and a national championship. He is winningest coach the history of the Central Oklahoma program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team</span> American college football season

The 2016 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team represented the University of Central Oklahoma in the 2016 NCAA Division II football season. The Bronchos played their home games since 1965 at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma. 2016 was the 110th season in school history. The Bronchos were led by fifth-year head coach, Nick Bobeck. Central Oklahoma has been a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association since 2012.

Dale Hamilton was an American athlete and coach. Hamilton served as a sports coach and athletic director, at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma.

References

  1. ↑ "Wantland Stadium" (PDF). University of Central Oklahoma Athletics. July 27, 2009. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
  2. ↑ "Hall of Fame-Charles Wantland". Purcell Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Wantland Stadium". University of Central Oklahoma Athletics. Retrieved November 7, 2014.
  4. 1 2 Ojeda, Francisco (February 3, 2003). "Beauty is inside the beast Aged Wantland intrigues MLS". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Wantland Stadium". University of Central Oklahoma Athletics. Retrieved November 7, 2014.
  6. ↑ "High schools: Edmond high schools hope to play football on campus". newsok.com. The Oklahoman. Retrieved 2015-02-10.
  7. ↑ "Edmond School District's $90.6 million bond issue passes easily". Edmond Sun. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Oklahoma Scene: 2017 UCO football schedule released". newsok.com. The Oklahoman. April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  9. ↑ Brannick, Chris (October 20, 2021). "UCO Renames Football Facility Chad Richison Stadium". Bronchosports.com. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  10. ↑ "UCO to rename football facility as Chad Richison Stadium, unveils extensive stadium improvements". KOCO. October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Wantland Stadium Map" (PDF). University of Central Oklahoma Athletics. July 25, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2014.
  12. ↑ Central Oklahoma Wantland Stadium at d2football.com
  13. ↑ "Chad Richison Donates $10 Million to UCO Athletics". KFOR. October 20, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Wizards Fall To Crew 1–2 in Exhibition Game". Our Sports Central. March 29, 2003. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  15. ↑ Ojeda, Francisco (February 16, 2006). "Major League Soccer MLS returning with exhibition game in March". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  16. ↑ Unruh, Jacob (December 3, 2016). "Carl Albert fends off Bishop McGuinness for Class 5A state title". newsok.com. The Oklahoman. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  17. ↑ "UCO to host State High School Football Championship Games". KWTV. November 14, 2019. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  18. ↑ Hart, Hallie (February 8, 2023). "UCO will remain host for Oklahoma high school football 11-man state title games". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 15, 2023.

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