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.
The Oklahoma State - Texas Tech rivalry dates back to 1935 when the Red Raiders took down the Cowboys 14-0. The rivalry has blossomed since, and the Cowboys’ Spirit Rider program was started by Tech alumni Dr. Eddy Finley. The Cowboys have the won the last six meetings and hope to knot things up in the all-time series soon.
Cowboys Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The atmosphere around Boone Pickens Stadium and Stillwater, OK on game day is filled with Poke pride as they prepare for kickoff. Tailgating is a sport all on its own at OSU and fans aren’t afraid to show their Cowboy pride. Tailgates are allowed to be set up as early as the Thursday before game day! Over the past few years since the Cowboys won their first Big 12 championship title in 2011, the atmosphere around Oklahoma State has only gotten better.
Tailgating at Oklahoma State offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to party hard or just have a nice day out with the family, you’ll find the experience you’re looking for here. Places like the Stonewall Tavern and The Range will meet the needs of those of you who want to get wild and experience the best parties that Stillwater has to offer. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some family fun then the Hall of Fame Block Party has you covered as you’ll be able to find plenty of fun activities for the little ones here.
Another great aspect of tailgating at Oklahoma State is the food. At OSU you’ll find a wide range of cuisine ranging from Southwestern food to barbecue and much more. Typically people commit to a different theme each week, which means if you have something to share then you’ll likely be able to experience a little bit of everything as Cowboys fans are very friendly. Regarding drinks beer seems to be more popular, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find hard liquor around as people come to the tailgate expecting to party hard.
Tailgating at Oklahoma State is a great experience then any big time college football fan should experience, so put on some orange and black and head on down to Stillwater for a wild and fun weekend.
On game day, two hours and fifteen minutes before the start of the game, the Oklahoma Cowboys walk down Hester Street to Boone Pickens Stadium with Coach Gundy and the Spirit Rider leading the pack. Fans gather on both sides of the road to cheer on and amp up their Cowboys in preparation for game day.
The Block Party offers a great place to tailgate if you’re looking for a family friendly atmosphere. Here you’ll find inflatables, live music, OSU merchandise, coverage of games from across the country, and much more.
If you’d rather catch the game at a local hot spot, then Stonewall Tavern is the place for you. It is right near the stadium and is always packed pre and post game with OSU fans. They even offer a unique Orange Power Shot!
If at all possible, the best time to make it to an Oklahoma State University football game is the homecoming game. It is not nicknamed America’s greatest homecoming for no reason! The Friday before game day, the streets of Stillwater shut down for what’s called a Walkaround, which is a massive town block party for fans, students, alumni, and everyone in between.
This statue located outside of Boone Pickens Stadium pays tribute to the Spirit Rider and his trusty steed Bullet. Stop by and grab a picture on game day, so you’ll have a keepsake of one of Oklahoma State’s best traditions.
Located in the Gallagher-IBA Arena, Heritage Hall is the home to the rich history of OSU spirit and athletics. Containing everything from photos to actual, old school Oklahoma State University (once called Oklahoma A&M) gear, this hall is a must see for any college football fan.
Where to tailgate
South and West Side of the StadiumIf you’re looking to set up a tailgate then anywhere around the stadium is a great place to be. However, the south and west sides are best as they’ll allow you access to The Walk.
Stonewall TavernIf you’d rather catch the game at a local hot spot, then Stonewall Tavern is the place for you. It is right near the stadium and is always packed pre and post game with OSU fans. They even offer a unique Orange Power Shot!
The RangeThe Range is the student tailgating section and is located right outside of Boone Pickens Stadium. Here you’ll find mostly most of the Greek life as well as other student organization tailgates at OSU. The lot is free to everyone, so make your way there if you’re looking to tailgate with fellow students.
Hall of Fame Block PartyThe Block Party offers a great place to tailgate if you’re looking for a family friendly atmosphere. Here you’ll find inflatables, live music, OSU merchandise, coverage of games from across the country, and much more.
Cowboys Stadium Guide
In Game
Oklahoma State’s recent success has transformed the atmosphere at Boone Pickens Stadium from being pretty great to being one of the best in all of the Big 12. The students’ section at Oklahoma State is one of the best as they even go as far as to bang wooden paddles to give the Cowboys any advantage they can. As part of the crowd you’ll take part in many choreographed chants including the waving song and Orange Power chant, so be sure to join in on these fun traditions when you attend an Oklahoma State game.
Boone Pickens has also undergone a lot of renovations over the last decade or so making it one of the premier facilities in college football. The new renovations mean that you’ll find plenty of comfort and amenities when visiting Boone Pickens. You’ll also find that the stadium offers great sightlines regardless of where you’re sitting making your game day experience a pleasant one as you’ll always be able to see what is happening.
The raucous crowd and the fine amenities provided by the newly renovated Boone Pickens Stadium make a Cowboys game a must for all you diehard college football fans out there. You’ll have a great time in Stillwater, which will leave you wanting to come back again soon.
With its first appearance in 1984, the Spirit Rider has become a huge tradition at Oklahoma State. The Spirit Rider leads the Spirit Walk, marches to the field with the OSU marching band, and runs to the 30-yard line after a touchdown.
One of the loudest sections in the stadium is without a doubt the fan section dubbed “the paddle people.” The west end zone of Boone Pickens Stadium is filled with fans who use wooden paddles to bang on the field’s sidewalls to amp up the crowd and players. The section had become so rowdy that recently the Big 12 changed the rules, and they are no longer allowed to “paddle” while the ball is in play but the rhythmic pounding is still an issue for the opposing offense.
Named and designed after a real, bonafide cowboy, Pistol Pete is the mascot for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. A group of students in 1923 saw Frank Eaton leading a parade and asked to use his likeness as the mascot. The history of Frank Eaton can be found here and is definitely worth reading about. Pistol Pete the mascot has become a huge symbol for OSU fans, and he can often be seen around town, at sporting events, signing autographs, and even making wedding appearances.
After every win at Boone Pickens Stadium, OSU players and coaches gather in front of the student section in the northwest corner of the stadium and sing the Alma Mater
Proud and immortal
Bright Shines Your Name
Oklahoma State
We Herald Your Fame
Ever You’ll Find Us
Loyal and True
To Our Alma Mater
O – S – U
Ride 'Em Cowboys
(Cowboys a riding,
Lassoes a-flying,
Under the western sky.
And as they ride,
We rise to sing and shout our battle cry!)
Ride, ride, ride, ride,
Ride’em Cowboys,
Right down the field;
Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!
Fight’em Cowboys, and never yield.
Ride, ride, ride, ride,
Ride on, Cowboys, to victory;
Cross (opponent)?s goal;
Then we’ll sing ?O-kla-homa State!?’
The Waving Song
After touchdowns and game victories, the Cowboy Marching Band bellows the waving song while fans raise their right arm and sway it back and forth.
Oklahoma State! Oklahoma State!
We’ll sing your praise tonight;
To let you know where e’re we go,
For the Orange and Black we’ll fight
We’ll sing your worth o’er all the Earth
And shout: Ki Yi! Ki Ye!
In books of fame we’ll write your name,
Oklahoma State!
OSU Chant
Go! Go! Go Pokes! Go Pokes! Go Pokes! Go!
O! S! U!
OSU, the greatest in the nation!
OSU, the team that’s got the go spirit and the will to win.
Make a score and we’ll shout, “Beat (opponent)!”
OSU, it’s orange and black we’re cheering on to victory today,
and so we’ll say: O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A! STATE! Univer-si-ty!
Plenty of HD TVs,pool tables, electronic dart boards, full service bar areas, an outdoor area locally known as the Beer Garden, and 1 outdoor dance floor!!
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