The Red River Rivalry will start with the Soval Series’ Beat Bevo Bash, an event with a state fair inspired atmosphere that promises fun experiences and photo opportunities for OU students.
Organized by Student Affairs and funded by the OU Foundation, the Beat Bevo Bash aligns with OU’s strategic plan, specifically the idea of making everyone feel welcome and at home at OU. The event is designed to foster community and help students feel more connected.
“‘Beat Texas’ is part of our OU DNA, and it's just a way to have a good time together on the South Oval, an iconic part of campus,” said Erin Simpson, assistant vice president for student affairs and assistant dean of students. “It just feels like a really good way for us to come together seven weeks into the semester and enjoy each other's company as a big OU community.”
OU's annual Bevo Bash, which spans generations of Sooners, is planned to be bigger than ever this year. The first thousand people to arrive will receive a free Bevo burger. During the event, students will have opportunities to receive free, limited edition “Beat Texas” shirts and take photos with inflatable Big Boomer, OU’s version of Big Tex.
There will be a button making station for students to make their own “Beat Texas” buttons for the game. There will also be a 47-foot-tall ferris wheel in the middle of the South Oval.
“I'm pretty pumped about the ferris wheel,” Simpson said. “I just think it's really cool that you're going to step out of your class in Dale Hall and hop on a ferris wheel and take this panoramic picture of our absolutely beautiful campus.”
With OU going undefeated into the Red River Rivalry this season, especially after a crushing loss to Texas last year, Simpson expressed her desire to have students excited going into this event.
“This is a cool tradition, OU-Texas is a tradition that’s not like anything else, Red River Rivalry, there’s no other thing like it, and our students get to be a part of one of the oldest traditions and coolest traditions in college football, …” Simpson said. “I just want them to feel connected to OU and excited that this is where they chose to go to college.”
The Union Programming Board will continue their tradition of Bevo Breakfast 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Union Courtyard, where students can grab free waffles before the Beat Bevo Bash.
The Beat Bevo Bash starts at noon Wednesday on the South Oval.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
