Visitors coming to Norman for the 2025 University of Oklahoma football season can enjoy many beloved traditions alongside exciting new experiences.

 

The Oval is Open!

For the first time, OU is opening the North Oval for free, public tailgating to all fans! It’s the official tailgating experience for Oklahoma football now, so you won’t want to miss out on The Oval’s debut season.

 

Tailgating kicks off at 7 am on gameday, with:

  • Performances from the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band
  • Appearances from OU mascots
  • Food trucks and kids’ activities
  • A massive LED videoboard showing the day’s biggest games across college football

OU Tailgating Map 2025

 

The Night Before: Crimson Friday Concerts and More

Be sure to plan for tailgating fun and kick off your gameday weekend with Crimson Friday, a growing Norman tradition that brings the community together the Friday before every home game.

  • Claim your tailgating spot at The Oval starting at 6 p.m. – fans are welcome to drop off tents, tables, and other gear early (get specifics here)
  • Then, head over to Asp Ave and White St for the free Crimson Friday Concert Series courtesy of the Campus Corner Association, featuring live music from local and regional acts
  • Explore Campus Corner’s many restaurants, bars, and hangouts
  • Just up the road, Downtown Norman offers even more spots to hang out, with dozens of restaurants, bars, Norman’s Ale Trail for locally crafted brews, shops and more

Crimson Friday Graphic

 

Tips for a Great Tailgating Experience

Bring your gear, it’s football season!

  • Bring your tents, tables, chairs, food, and coolers for the Friday load-in at 6 p.m.
  • There will be a few complimentary tents available on a first-come, first-served basis
  • While OU has many large parking lots throughout campus, there are dozens of neighborhoods surrounding campus with free street parking available, all within a mile and closer of The Oval and the stadium

OU North Oval Procedure 2025
Get more information about OU tailgating at the North Oval here

 

You Don’t Want to Miss This

Immerse yourself in OU’s gameday atmosphere

  • The Oval is hard to beat for the stunning views of iconic university architecture and its proximity not only to the stadium but to historic Campus Corner
  • Thousands of fans flock to Campus Corner on gamedays to grab some last-minute swag or find some food and drinks to enjoy from over a dozen establishments and vendors
  • Visitors can enjoy the excitement of gameday at OU with safety and ease
  • Everything is well within a mile walk, including portable bathrooms, bars, restaurants, shops
     

Campus Corner Must-Visits

Sweet Sips & Sticks

This is a perfect stop for families. Sweet Sips & Sticks has served customers at Campus Corner since 2020 and has found a niche for treats both indulgent and tasty.

Kids will enjoy their elaborate milkshakes, ice cream and baked goods. The Yabba Dabba Do – strawberry ice cream with Nerds, strawberry sour belts, fruity pebbles, donut holes topped with whip cream or the Boomer Sooner (cherry vanilla ice cream with a unique twist).

Of course, the parents and adults will love the boozy choices. It’s gameday after all.

O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grill

O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grill has been a Norman staple and a fixture for Sooner gamedays since it opened in 1968. Since moving to Campus Corner in 2011, it has become the place to be on football Saturdays during the fall.

Sooner fans and visiting fans meet, drink, eat, and enjoy good company at O’Connell’s every season. Whether you want burgers, wraps, or quick snacks, O’Connell’s will take care of you if your tailgate runs out of food. The space is large and can accommodate over 100 patrons but get a spot inside quickly if you want a fun Norman experience.

Volare Pizzeria

In addition to their amazing pizza and pasta options, Volare would give you one of the best views of Campus Corner, the north side of campus, and even the stadium on a gameday. Below you would be a sea of crimson and white all over Asp Ave. all the way into OU’s campus.

It’s one of the tallest buildings in Norman and provides a great viewing experience on their rooftop bar where you can expect great service to go along with the gameday atmosphere.

The NOUN Hotel

If you take a short walk north down University Blvd. from the Oval, you’ll run into the NOUN Hotel, home to the Rally Kitchen & Bar downstairs and the ONE Bar on the second floor. The NOUN always has something going on for Sooner gamedays and has quickly become one of the more exciting places to be before, during, and after the game.

 

2025 is shaping up to be another fun football season in Norman! You won’t want to miss it.