Get Ready for Gameday!

August in Oklahoma means it’s almost time for college football!

If you’re new to Oklahoma, you might be wondering what to expect on gamedays, especially if you’re considering building a new home in Norman or Stillwater. 

Many people relocating to Norman and Stillwater are drawn there because of their proximity to Oklahoma’s two largest universities – The University of Oklahoma in Norman and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. But that doesn’t mean team spirit is limited to college towns (or even to alumni). 

Here in Oklahoma, college football is for everyone! 

Because Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods is locally owned, we know a thing or two about Oklahoma football. We’ve assembled tips and insider information you need to cheer on the Sooners or Cowboys like a local all season long.

Boomer Sooner!

The Basics: 

• The team: The University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners
• The hometown: Norman
• The colors: Crimson and Cream
• The mascots: Boomer and Sooner. They’re two white ponies. If you happen to bump into them, you can tell them apart by their eyes and jersey color. Boomer has blue eyes and crimson jersey and Sooner has brown eyes and a white jersey.
• First home game: September 4 vs. the University of Texas at El Paso. Get the full 2026 schedule here.

Tailgating

Going to the game isn’t just about going to the game. If you want to really soak in the Sooner Spirit, there’s no better way than by tailgating before a game. You can now tailgate on the historic North Oval and at other designated places on or around campus. You can also make use of the university’s new turnkey tailgating packages. You’ll find everything you need to know about OU tailgating here.

If you’re interested in going tailgating pro, one OU fan we spoke to recommends attending a few tailgates and simply walking around and taking it all in before ever hosting your own. You’ll get to understand the rules, environment, what supplies you need, and in which part of campus you’d prefer to set up. 

If you don’t ever want to pitch your own tailgating tent, there are other options.

“Every tailgate has its own traditions,” said another Sooner alum. “We love it when people from OU or the opposing team stop by our tailgate. As long as you’re nice and offer to chip in a few bucks for food you’re offered, most tailgaters are happy to welcome visitors. Also, if friends or acquaintances invite you to come to their tailgate on gameday, they mean it! You are welcome!”

During tailgating, there are family-friendly activities and special events all across campus. You might even see a national sports broadcast. During the Walk of Champions, you can join fans who line the streets to cheer on the OU players and coaches when they get off their buses and walk to the stadium. 

Go Pokes!

The Basics: 

• The team: The Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys
• The hometown: Stillwater
• The colors: Orange and Black
• The mascot: Pistol Pete. He’s named after a real icon of the Old West, Frank "Pistol Pete" Eaton. 
• First home game: September 12 vs. the University of Oregon. Get the full 2026 schedule here.

Tailgating

If you’re looking to build community after relocating to Stillwater, there’s no better way than by visiting campus on gameday! You don’t have to be an OSU alum to join the fun and cheer on the Pokes!

Everything you need to know about tailgating with the Cowboys can be found here. Along with free tailgating locations, you can also reserve tailgating packages.

A favorite tailgating tradition at OSU is The Walk. Before every game, you can join thousands of fans who line campus streets and cheer on the players and coaches as they walk from Atherton Hall to Boone Pickens Stadium. 

Among the many special things in Stillwater are the local restaurants that have long ties to university life. For many OSU tailgaters, a trip to Eskimo Joe’s, the original Hideaway Pizza, or Aspen Coffee Company is a necessary part of their tailgating tradition.

We met up with a family who has been tailgating at OSU games for a decade. They passed along insider tips just for you. 

• Arrive early to get parking, especially if you’re carting in coolers, chairs, and other tailgating supplies. 
• It’s a family-friendly atmosphere, so don’t worry about whether or not you’re allowed to bring the kids along. There are even tailgating spots away from the main roads, which are best for young families.
• Come ready to have fun and make a few (thousand) new friends!

Putting Down Roots in a College Town

There is something incredibly special about living in a college town. It comes from the annual influx of students who venture from near and far, from the faculty and staff who each bring their unique expertise to the community, and from the eclectic restaurants and shops that become local staples.

There may be a touch more traffic on gamedays, but Norman and Stillwater residents wouldn’t have their towns any other way.

While football participation is not mandatory to live in Oklahoma, you might just find that you get swept into team spirit.

If you’re ready to purchase a new home or build a customizable floor plan in Norman or Stillwater, Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods is here to help you put down roots. We have more than thirty years of local expertise building in Oklahoma, so our roots run deep.

Ready to have a house that comes with its own home team? Explore available homes and customizable floor plans throughout the OKC metro, including Norman, Edmond, Stillwater, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.