Fansville has a new address in Sooner Nation. The Dr Pepper makeover of Norman’s Lindsey Street water tower is complete, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Nov. 13 at 11 a.m., according to OU Nightly. The station’s video report shows the tower sporting a red tank with a white Dr Pepper logo, bringing a familiar piece of college football’s commercial landscape to life near OU’s campus. OU Nightly report
For Oklahoma fans, the connection goes beyond a soft drink advertisement. Former Sooners linebacker Brian Bosworth plays the sheriff in Dr Pepper’s Fansville commercials, which turn the rivalries, superstitions and emotional swings of college football into small-town comedy.
Now, the town where “The Boz” became a star has a landmark tied to his television role.
“Norman is the perfect Fansville town…all passion ALL OF THE TIME…Boomer!!” Bosworth told OU Daily in a text message when the project was taking shape this summer. The tower stands roughly half a mile from Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, near Lindsey Street and Classen Boulevard. OU Daily
The Fansville campaign has built its own staying power. Dr Pepper launched its ninth season in August, continuing a series that draws humor from the subjects dominating fans’ conversations, including coaching rumors, the transfer portal and conference realignment. Keurig Dr Pepper
Norman’s tower brings that branding beyond the screen through a 10-year agreement under which Dr Pepper will pay the Norman Utilities Authority $500,000. The arrangement also allows a kickoff event and up to five hosted events annually, creating opportunities for the site to become a gathering place for fans. Yahoo Sports
The surrounding area is getting attention, too. Norman City Council approved a lighting contract and $50,000 for landscaping on Oct. 20. Plans include lights around the tank and beneath the tower, along with a pocket park featuring murals and walking paths. Those improvements are funded through the city’s guest tax on overnight stays.