Sooners Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Brent Venables

Team Mascot: Sooner Schooner

Year Opened: 1923

Capacity: 80126

City / State: Norman / Oklahoma

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Bedlam

Rival Team: Oklahoma State Cowboys

The intra-state/conference rivalry between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State offers a great tailgating experience for fans. It is the biggest home game of the year and a fan favorite tailgating experience to be a part of. OU and OSU have been competing on the gridiron since 1904 and although OU holds a substantial lead in the all-time series the rivalry is still strong between these two schools.

Sooners Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Football is huge in Norman Oklahoma as the Sooners are one of the most successful teams in college football having claimed seven national championships since 1950. Likewise, tailgating is huge in Norman making a Sooners tailgate the place to be on game day. You’ll find that tailgating is a huge deal to Sooners fans as they get things kicked off at noon on the day before games. You’ll need to get to the lots early if you want to get a good spot, so don’t dawdle, or you’ll miss out.

The lots around Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium are packed with tents, grills, and coolers on game day. All you’ll see is a sea of crimson and red tents as you make your way through the tailgates here. You’ll also smell the delicious aromas of some of the best barbecue in the nation as well as many other tailgate favorites including burgers, chicken, and much more.

Campus Corner also offers a nice change of pace for those of you looking for something a bit different from the traditional tailgate set up. Here you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants that will surely wet your whistle or feed your appetite. The great thing about Campus Corner is that unlike some places where going to the bars takes you away from the game day traditions here in Norman the band marches right through Campus Corner, so you won’t miss a beat.

Traditions

Pregame March

Witness the Pride of Oklahoma march through Campus Corner before the Sooners kick some ass on the field. The March is a great way to show off your Sooners pride and get into the game day spirit, so make sure to check it out.

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SooneRVillage

SooneRVillage is the premier RV tailgate spot that features all the amenities you could ever want. Here you’ll be able to be a part of appearances by the band, spirit squad, and even student athletes.

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Sooner Fan Fest

If you’re looking for pregame entertainment for the whole family then look no further than Sooner Fan Fest. Here you’ll find a wide variety of interactive activities, food stands, a live band, and you can even see the Sooner Schooner and ponies up close in person.

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Campus Corner

Here you’ll find over 70 restaurants, bars, and shops making it the perfect place to stop by before the game if traditional tailgating isn’t your thing. The Pride of Oklahoma also passes through here making it a great spot to be to get into the Sooner spirit as well.

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Where to tailgate

Sooners Stadium Guide

In Game

Over the years Oklahoma has developed a rich football history and in doing so, the team has built up an impressive fanbase. The first thing you’ll notice when attending a game in Norman is how lively the atmosphere is here. Learn the chants and cheers before coming to the game so that you can take part in one of the most classic atmospheres in all of college football.

Oklahoma is a school steeped in traditions when it comes to football. Before things even kickoff you’ll be able to tell that you’re about to witness one of the most classic game day experiences in all of college football. One of the most famous traditions at Oklahoma is the Sooner Schooner, which is run out to the fifty-yard line after every Sooner score. Everyone loves the Sooner Schooner, so be sure to grab a video of this great tradition if you get the chance.

The rich tradition and history of the Sooner football program, make the trip to Norman well worth it for big time college football fans. You’ll love being able to take part in the great traditions that go on during the game and you’ll experience the treat of watching one of the best teams in the nation do their thing.

 

Things to check out

The Sooner Schooner

Oklahoma University’s mascot is one of the most iconic mascots in all of college football. Pulled by two white ponies named Boomer and Sooner, the Schooner is a smaller sized replica of a wagon used by settlers in the late 1880’s. It is brought onto the field after each score by the all male RUF/NEK spirit squad while students chant “Boomer! Sooner!”

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RUF/NEKs

The RUF/Neks are an all-male pep squad and hold the honor of being the oldest all-male pep squad in the country. One of the RUF/NEKs most famous traditions is running down the field with OU flags and sliding into the goal posts. Once they reach the goal post they perform the FADADA chant, which gets the crowd into a frenzy. Keep your eyes peeled for the RUF/NEKs, who really get the crowd pumped on game day.

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Pride of Oklahoma

With great school pride comes to a great marching band. One of the only school marching bands to appear in both the Rose Bowl Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade the Pride of Oklahoma is one of the best bands in the country. Make sure to stay in your seat at halftime as you wouldn’t want to miss their fantastic halftime performance.

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Play Like a Champion Today!

Since the 1940s Sooners players and coaches have been touching the Play Like a Champion Today! Sign on their way out of the locker room. The Sooners even have a travel sign they take on the road allowing them to continue the tradition wherever they go. The saying is so ingrained into Oklahoma football tradition that the team runs out onto the field under a crimson Play Like a Champion Today! banner.

Giant Video Scoreboard

The giant scoreboard at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is the 8th biggest in all of college football, and it will get even bigger thanks to a recently approved $370, which will see the scoreboard’s size increase to a massive 8,750 square feet. Check out this massive scoreboard as there is a good chance you may even get to see yourself on it.

Legends Lobby at the Barry Switzer Center

The Legends Lobby is an impressive shrine to the history Oklahoma University Sooners football. The lobby is filled with an extensive memorabilia collection including biographies of OU’s greatest, Heisman trophies, championship trophies, and features former Coach Merv Johnson as a tour guide. Regardless of your team affiliation, this lobby is a must see for college football fans everywhere.

Fight Songs

  1. The O.U. Chant

    Everyone who wears the crimson and cream of the Oklahoma Sooners is expected to stand and raise one finger in the air during the OU Chant. Written in 1936, the Chant fires up the crowd, as well as the athletes, while the index finger in the air symbolizes the unity of Sooner nation. Join in on the OU Chant to feel a part of Sooner Nation.

    O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A

    Our chant rolls on and on!

    Thousands strong

    Join heart and song

    In alma mater’s praise

    Of campus beautiful by day and night

    Of colors proudly gleaming Red and White

    ‘Neath a western sky

    OU’s chant will never die.

    Live on University!

  2. Boomer Sooner

    Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner

    Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner

    Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner

    Boomer Sooner, OK U!

     

    Oklahoma, Oklahoma

    Oklahoma, Oklahoma

    Oklahoma, Oklahoma

    Oklahoma, OK U!

     

    I’m a Sooner born and Sooner bred

    and when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead

    Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma

    Rah Oklahoma, OK U!

  3. Fight For O.K.U

    Oklahoma, Oklahoma

    Marching on to victory

    Oklahoma, Oklahoma

    Red and White we’re proud of thee

    Ever singing victory bringing

    For the school we’re loyal to

    Give a cheer! Rah! Rah!

    For the team! Rah! Rah!

    As we fight for O-K-U!  

     

    Fight, fight, fight,

    Show the team we’re here!

    Yell, yell, yell,

    Give a mighty cheer!

    O- K-L-A-H-O-M-A  

  4. O.K. Oklahoma

    O.K. Oklahoma, K.O. the foe today.

    We say O.K. Oklahoma, the Sooners know the way. ‘Ray!

    S double-O-N-E-R-S! We’ll win today or miss our guess.

    O.K. Oklahoma, K.O. the foe today.

    We’ll march down the field with our heads held high,

    Determined to win any battle we’re in,

    We’ll fight with all our might for the Red and White.

    March on, march on down the field for a victory is nigh.

    You know we came to win the game for Oklahoma,

    And so we will or know the reason why!

    We’ll march down the field with our heads held high,

    With ev’ry resource we’ll hold to the course,

    And pledge our heart and soul to reach the goal.

    March on, march on down the field as we sing the battle cry.

    Dig in and fight for the Red and White of Oklahoma,

    So we’ll take home a victory or die!

Sooners Bars & Restaurants

  1. Hideaway Pizza

    Hideaway Pizza

    Local chain featuring build-your-own pies, a variety of Italian fare & a kids' menu.

    577 Buchanan Ave, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-372-4777

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  2. Logan’s Roadhouse

    Logans Roadhouse burger beer fries

    Down-to-earth chain offering American standards like burgers & ribs, plus signature cocktails.

    1250 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-801-3994

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  3. Louie’s Grill and Bar

    Louies Grill and Bar

    http://louiesgrillandbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Louies-8.5x14Menu-ALL_May2017_Web.pdf

    301 W Boyd St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-366-6291

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Blue Bonnett Bar

    Beys Sports Bar

    A watering hole and live music venue in historic downtown Norman, OK.

    321 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-928-4550

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Campus Corner

    Campus Corner dip

    Campus Corner is a small college oriented shopping district, including 4 blocks of unique retail shops mixed in with a variety of restaurants and nightlife.

    765 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-928-1509

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  6. Bison Witches Bar

    Mamas Country Showcase Beer 33 West Ale House and Grill Beer Tequila Hoppers Bar & Grill Beer Dee Fords West Beer Sams Hideaway Beer Augis Sports Grill Beer Tipperarys Pub Beer

    Combination pub & sandwich shop known for hefty portions, bread-bowl soups & happy-hour specials.

    211 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-364-7555

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Library Bar & Grill

    LIbrary Bar

    Venerable watering hole with 32 beers on tap, pizzas & burgers on the menu & a secluded patio.

    607 W Boyd St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-366-7465

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. The Mont

    The Mont

    Family & student-friendly, venerable American & Mexican eatery with a popular landscaped patio .

    1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, OK 73071, USA

    405-329-3330

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  9. The Diner

    Norman Diner

    Breakfast & lunch spot renowned for its chili, huevos rancheros & hearty American fare.

    213 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-329-6642

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Greek House

    Greek House

    Long-running outfit serving gyros, falafel & other Mediterranean staples in an old-school diner.

    768 Jenkins Ave, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-364-6300

    Bar website

    european - $$

  11. Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe & Cantina

    Tarahumaras mexican

    Their cuisine is created from authentic, Mexican recipes from the state of Chihuahua and the freshest ingredients.

    702 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071, USA

    405-360-8070

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  12. Victoria’s Pasta Shop

    Victorias

    http://www.victoriasthepastashop.com/menu.html

    3000 SW 104th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73159, USA

    405-759-3580

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Pizza Shuttle

    Pizza Shuttle

    Enjoy an extensive menu of freshly prepared pizza, hot subs, and delicious desserts.

    1506 W Lindsey St l, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-364-4440

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  14. Billy Sims BBQ

    Billy Sims BBQ burger

    Fun, family-oriented, tailgate kind of atmosphere and some of the tastiest brisket and ribs around.

    2226 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-573-1979

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  15. The Garage

    The Garage

    The Garage offers everything from bison, turkey, angus beef burgers, fork and knife hotdogs, tacos, and fresh cut fries. They take these ingredients and add MAGIC.

    307 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-701-7035

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Van’s Pig Stand

    Vans Pig Stands

    Local BBQ chain serving ribs, sandwiches, burgers & Southern sides in a casual setting.

    320 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071, USA

    405-703-3000

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  17. Tiffany’s

    Tiffanys Restaurant

    For local residents, its more than just the food that keeps them coming back.

    101 Main St, Noble, OK 73068, USA

    405-872-7576

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. Blackbird Gastropub

    Blackbird Gastropub

    Campus Corner hangout known for its pot roast nachos, elevated pub grub & wide whiskey selection.

    575 S University Blvd, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-928-5555

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Classic ‘50s Drive-in

    burger

    Home of the Sprittle (sprite+skittles)! We make our cherry and vanilla syrups, slush, pickle-os, and onion rings every day!

    1521 W Lindsey St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-321-2271

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

    Fuzzys Taco Shop

    Fuzzy’s Taco Shop’s corporate-owned and franchise locations are now serving fresh, handmade Baja-style Mexican food

    752 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73069, USA

    405-701-1000

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $