Oklahoma expanding taligating for inaugural season in the SEC

The Oklahoma Sooners and the City of Norman have endeavored to make both the campus and the city SEC ready. Leaders from the community visited campuses last fall to get an idea of what a gameday environment looks like in the SEC.

Well, it appears the University of Oklahoma have heard the cries of Sooner Nation to expand tailgating for gameday in the fall and will heed that advice. With SEC media days ongoing in Dallas, Texas, Oklahoma Athletic Department released detailed plans for gameday festivities this fall, which includes expanded tailgating areas.

According to the release, tailgating will be available throughout campus, including Boyd Lawn and along Asp Avenue.

Oklahoma also announced a new route for the pregame “Walk of Champions.”

The team buses will drop off at the corner of Jenkins and Brooks and the team will walk through the “Party at the Palace” before entering through gate six.

Full Release from the University of Oklahoma

OU Sets the Stage for Inaugural SEC Season With Expanded Public Tailgating

NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma today announced a significant expansion of its public tailgating options ahead of its debut football season in the Southeastern Conference. Beginning this fall, OU is establishing new public tailgating areas at prime locations on campus, including the Boyd Lawn, along Asp Avenue and near Oklahoma Memorial Union.

“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,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “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.”

OU invites fans to tailgate anywhere on campus except for a limited number of areas marked as restricted on the university’s tailgating map. For the best experience, OU 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. Public 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.

“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,” said OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. “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. 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. We’re also eager to share information on other fan amenities we have in store for this inaugural season, as we know they will elevate the game day experience even more.”

Discover the new tailgating areas on campus, as well as the university’s tailgating policies, at ou.edu/tailgating.

Set-up Times

Fans wishing to set up tailgate equipment at any of the designated areas, not including Lindsey Street, will be permitted to begin at 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding a home football game. Space may be occupied starting at noon, but stakes may not go into the ground until 5 p.m.

Out of respect for students who reside on campus, fans setting up tailgate equipment at the Lindsey Street area will be permitted to begin at 7 a.m. on the day of a home football game. Space may be occupied beginning at 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the game, but stakes may not go into the ground until 7 a.m. on game day.

Other Game Day Events and Gatherings

Game Day Traffic, Road Closures and Parking

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 traffic, parking and ADA game day shuttle information is available at ou.edu/tailgating

More information for Fans and Visitors

Kickoff for the first OU football game against the Temple Owls is set for 6 p.m. on Friday Aug. 30, at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets at SoonerSports.com/tickets.