The University of Oklahoma announced a new gameday tradition this fall: free, public tailgating on the historic North Oval, also known as the Parrington Oval. For the first time in university history, fans have the opportunity to set up their tailgates on one of the most recognizable places on campus, creating an electric atmosphere just steps away from Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
| Tailgating Areas | Occupy the Space | Set Up/Drive Stakes |
|---|---|---|
| The North Oval | 6 p.m. Preceding Game Day | 6 p.m. Preceding Game Day |
The North Oval is set to become the centerpiece of OU’s game day experience. Fans are encouraged to show their Sooner spirit and best tailgate setups to the Oval each home game. Additional policies & code of conduct can be found in the Tailgating and Major Event Day Policy Guide.
Fans can claim spaces on the North Oval beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday by utilizing the below drop-off process.
Stay tuned for further updates on new fan activities and experiences at the Oval, such as mascot appearances, kids area and band performances.
Boomer Bash, OU’s alumni tailgate, will also move to the iconic North Oval, establishing the Oval as the premier tailgating destination on campus. More information can be found on the Boomer Bash website.
August 30 | 5:00 p.m.
Yum Yum Bites
Newman's Firehouse BBQ
Serve Time: Noon - 4:30 p.m.
September 6 | 6:30 p.m.
Cutie Pies
Lalo's Taco Chop
Serve Time: 1:30 - 6:00 p.m.
September 20 | 2:30 p.m.
Lalo's Taco Chop
Newman's Firehouse BBQ
Serve Time: TBD
October 4 | 3:00 p.m.
Let's Do Greek
Newman's Firehouse BBQ
Serve Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
October 25 | TBD
Yum Yum Bites
Serve Time: 8 - 10:30 a.m.
November 22 | 11:00 a.m.
Cutie Pies
Tasty Snow
Serve Time: 8-10:30 a.m.
November 29 | 2:30 p.m.
Let's Do Greek
Yum Yum Bites
Serve Time: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are areas other than the North Oval available for tailgating? | While we encourage fans to tailgate on the North Oval for the best experience, the following areas remain open: North Asp Avenue area, Brooks Street and Lindsey Street. Fans may claim space in these other areas, with the exception of Lindsey Street, beginning at noon the day preceding the game (typically a Friday) but stakes may not go in the ground until 6 p.m. For Lindsey Street, space may not be claimed until 7 a.m. on game day. |
| Where can I park a tailgate trailer? | Tailgate trailers can be parked in paid cash lots. A parking space must be purchased for the trailer and vehicle. Trailers must fit in a parking space and not obstruct traffic. Trailers must not be pulled onto grassy areas. |
| Can I tailgate on Boyd Lawn? | No, Boyd Lawn is currently closed to public tailgating. Stay tuned for exciting tailgate expansion plans in the upcoming seasons. |
| Where can I park on game day? | Paid cash lots are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $30 per vehicle and all vehicles or trailers must fit in the parking space and not onstruct traffic. Please see the game day parking map for more information. |
| When do streets around campus close? | City streets around campus will close approximately five and a half hours before game time. Please see the road closures map for more information. |
| How do I occupy a tailgating space before the 6 p.m. set up time? | Fans may only claim spaces on the North Oval beginning at 6 p.m. the day preceding the game (typically a Friday) by using the scheduled drop off process detailed above. |
| Can I leave my tailgate unattended if I'm going to the game? | The University is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged property. It is at the owner's risk to leave a tailgate and equipment unattended. |
| When do I need to break down my tailgate? | All tailgating equipment and trash must be removed by noon the day following the game, typically a Sunday. |
“This fall, the Oval becomes the tailgate spot to join. At the University of Oklahoma, game day is more than tradition. It is a surge of pride and purpose that unites generations of Sooners. This year, we are elevating that energy by transforming the Oval into the ultimate tailgate experience, designed entirely with the unmatched passion of our fans in mind. This will be an experience unlike any we’ve created before, where friendships form, memories multiply, and the unmistakable cheers of OU spirit echo throughout the day. It will be a true celebration of Oklahoma Football.”
- Joseph Harroz Jr.
President of the University of Oklahoma
"We knew that when we entered the SEC, it would just mean more. More competition, more fierce rivalries, more opportunities to engage with our fans, and more ways to show our Sooner spirit. This year it means establishing a new tailgate tradition, taking the energy and excitement of game day to the Oval. The Oval provides a centralized space for our fans to celebrate their Sooner passion, marking the next chapter in a tailgating tradition that will grow stronger each season. We can’t wait to see how our fans will respond and show out for the Sooners."
- Joe Castiglione
Vice President & Director of Athletics
To promote efficient traffic flow and 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 – cash and cards are accepted. Fans may park at Lloyd Noble Center for free and ride the game day shuttle for $5 roundtrip, per person.
Game day parking information is available at ou.edu/parking and ADA game day shuttle information can be found at ou.edu/cart.
To provide a better atmosphere for tailgating, the University and nearby businesses will close some roads. Learn more about what streets around campus will be closed for the day with our Road Closures Map.
On gameday, look for A frames and trailers to grab your free bags for recycling and trash collection – blue bags for recycling and black bags for trash.
