University of Tulsa – Thomas Plaza

Small Field, Big Dreams at Thomas Plaza

Tulsa, OK

Sometimes, to dream big, you gotta start small.

Imagine this – a mini football field where little ones can show off their skills right next to the real deal. Yep, that’s the scene at Thomas Plaza on the University of Tulsa campus. It’s like a warm-up for the big leagues, giving kids a taste of the action and sparking dreams of playing in the main stadium one day.

Thomas Plaza knows how to keep the fun going with bounce houses and a cool zone. It’s a mini paradise for the young crowd.

Now, let’s talk about the $438,000 project. It’s not just turf and goals. This mini-field comes with decorative metal railings, a sprinkler system, sodded areas, and chill-out spots with granite surfaces. And when the sun sets, three light poles step in for a nighttime game under the lights.

Adding the University of Tulsa logo to the field? No simple task.

The surface required a specialty paint product to provide the field lines and logos. Crossland worked with a vendor out of California to test their product on a sample of the surface. Stencils were crafted in Seattle and shipped to Tulsa, making sure that the iconic logo got its place on the field. Our crew spent weeks painting the field to perfection.

But, as with any project, there were hurdles. Some parts of the subgrade didn’t hold up, thanks to an irrigation leak and pour drainage during a week of rain. Our teams got to work quickly and cut out and replaced the surfacing just two weeks before the grand opening. Crisis averted!

Despite the challenges, the project wrapped up right on schedule and within budget. And the best part? Kids love it. During TU football games, you’ll find them having a blast on the mini-field, living the dream, one pint-sized touchdown at a time.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Educational
Cost: 438361
Size: 8,010
Delivery Method: Private
Self-Perform: Earthwork, Demo, Concrete
Owner: University of Tulsa
Engineer: Wallace Design Collective