The University of Oklahoma is offering fans a chance to attend press conferences following home football games, but the privilege comes at a price.
As reported by The Associated Press, postgame press conference access is one of the "Sooner Magic Memories" offerings the OU program has created this season to give a heightened experience for fans — at least those willing to pay extra.
According to the AP, the cost for two people to sit in on the media session after the Sept. 6 Michigan-Oklahoma non-conference game is $692.11. For the Southeastern Conference home opener Sept. 20 against Auburn, it’s $576.86.
“Get exclusive postgame media access for you and one guest and see where real-time reactions unfold,” the school's marketing states. “Hear OU coaches and players address reporters moments after the final whistle. Watch the story take shape through the questions, the insights, and the atmosphere that set the headlines.”
The Michigan and Auburn numbers might seem steep, but the cost for the Illinois State season opener on Aug. 30 is $461.61 — and it’s already sold out.
"This price point is seen as staggeringly high especially for an event that is widely available to the public for free via streaming services like YouTube," according to as.com. "Critics also argue that the experience itself is not worth the high cost. Attendees are not allowed to ask questions and are essentially paying to watch journalists do their job. While some fans might find it a 'behind-the-scenes' thrill, many feel it’s an overpriced novelty and more about bragging rights than an actual valuable experience. The general sentiment is that watching a coach give standard, often non-controversial, post-game remarks is not an engaging or entertaining event for a steep price."
(AB Today could not confirm the aforementioned restrictions using a search of soonersports.com, the official OU athletics website.)
Other OU offerings include pregame photos on the 50-yard line, flyover viewing from the stadium roof, a high-five tunnel, game ball delivery and halftime field access.
"Athletic departments across the country are looking for new revenue sources as the cost of fielding teams and attracting top talent rises in the NIL era," the AP reported. "The House settlement that took effect July 1 allows each participating school to share up to $20.5 million in revenue directly with their athletes even as more than $2.5 billion is paid back to current and former athletes who sued over restrictions on their ability to earn compensation."
