OU announced Monday updates to its game day tailgating policy and the creation of new areas for fans to set up tailgate equipment following the Sooners' recent move to the Southeastern Conference.
Beginning this fall, new public tailgating areas will be available on the Boyd Lawn, along Asp Avenue and near Oklahoma Memorial Union, according to an OU press release.
Fans will also be allowed to tailgate anywhere on campus except for a limited number of areas including the North and South Ovals, near student housing or directly in front of the stadium.
OU also encourages fans to set up in the recommended tailgating spaces marked on the map at the Boyd Lawn and north Asp Avenue area, Brooks Street, Lindsey Street and Duck Pond, according to the release.
The tailgating areas are free and available on a first-come basis. Other campus areas designated for public and private tailgating will remain the same as last season.
“Game day in Norman has always united generations of Sooners, and as we gear up for our first football season in the SEC, we’re excited to make enhancements that will take the OU tailgating scene to the next level,” OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. said in the release. “With more fans than ever expected to join us this year, the energy and passion of the OU Family will make this season unforgettable, showcasing the unrivaled spirit of Sooner Magic as we enter this thrilling new chapter in the SEC.”
Those setting up tailgating equipment in designated areas will be permitted to begin at 5 p.m. on the day before a home football game. The space may be occupied at noon, but stakes can not go into the ground until 5 p.m., according to the release.
Out of respect for students who reside on campus, those setting up tailgate equipment in the Lindsey Street area will be permitted to begin at 7 a.m. on the day of a home football game. The space may be occupied beginning at 5 p.m. the day before the game, but stakes may not go into the ground until 7 a.m. on game day, according to the release.
“Tailgating, of course, is a huge part of the game day experience, and these changes will continue to ready us by creating an environment for both OU and visiting team fans,” OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione said in the release. “We appreciate the university’s efforts to expand our tailgating locations. We know a raucous tailgating scene is a huge pride point in our new conference, and we want Norman to show the rest of the SEC what Oklahoma is all about."
To aid traffic flow and ensure pedestrian safety, certain roads near campus are closed or restricted on game days. Public parking on campus is limited on game days but is available in certain parking lots for $30. Both cash and cards are accepted at these lots.
Fans may also park at Lloyd Noble Center for free and ride the game day shuttle for $5 roundtrip, per person.
According to the release, other game day events and gatherings include:
• Celebrations of the 100th season of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
• Allstate Party at the Palace
• OU Alumni Association Boomer Bash
• SooneRVillage at Lloyd Noble Center
• Fall Family Weekend will be held Sept. 13-15
• Homecoming activities will be held Oct. 13-19
“Our first season in the SEC will be like no other — from opponents to stadium energy to the level of play we’ll all enjoy — and we’re so excited to see how our fans meet the moment with their enthusiasm and support,” Castiglione said in the release.
Kickoff for the first OU home football game against the Temple Owls is set for 6 p.m. on Aug. 30. Fans can purchase tickets at SoonerSports.com/tickets.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza.
