Those living near Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium may be surprised to hear fireworks late Sunday evening. No, it’s not an early Fourth of July celebration, nor is it already football season.
That’s still two months away.
At midnight on July 1, Oklahoma’s move from the Big 12 Conference to the Southeastern Conference will be official.
The university is planning several celebrations across the state early next week to usher in a new era of Sooner football.
The festivities begin at 11 p.m. on Sunday evening with a 5K glow run across OU’s campus, ending at the football stadium. When the clock strikes 12, there will be a firework show and those who attend will have the first opportunity to buy officially licensed OU/SEC gear.
“This day is years in the making, so it’s appropriate for us to come together and celebrate,” OU vice president and athletics director Joe Castiglione said in a statement. “We couldn’t be more excited to join the SEC. Our teams are poised for success and look forward to the competition with many of America’s most outstanding universities.”
The celebration will conclude with the “Party In the Palace,” from 5-10 p.m. on Monday evening. All events will be free to attend and free public parking will be available at the Duck Pond.
Here’s a look at all the events happening across Norman this weekend to celebrate the Sooners’ move to the SEC:
Race to the SEC 5K Glow Run / Midnight Madness Sale
Spots for Sunday’s 5K are sold out, but fans are encouraged to join in on the fun. Those participating in the race can receive their bibs starting at 9:30 p.m. at McCasland Field House on race day.
The race will begin on Brooks Mall, located just north of the stadium and south of the Field House. The course ends inside the stadium at the 50-yard line on Owen Field.
After midnight, a Jordan Brand pop-up store will be set up on Owen Field as part of the “Midnight Madness” sale, offering fans a chance to buy gear to represent their new conference.
Fans wishing to attend at the stadium can enter through Gate 7 and 12. The school’s clear bag and water bottle policies will be in affect. For more information on these policies, go to soonersports.com.
Pep Rallies / Tailgating / Hop and Shop Challenge
The Pride of Oklahoma and OU Spirit will be making appearances around the city on Monday. They’ll lead a pep rally in downtown Norman starting at 10:30 p.m. and at Campus Corner starting at noon.
Brooks Mall, located north of the football stadium will be open to the public for tailgating throughout the day.
By using the VisitNorman app, fans can embark on the “Hop and Shop Challenge” for a chance to win OU/SEC gear. Check in through the app when visiting participating businesses to earn better odds at winning.
In order to be eligible to win, shoppers must check in at least three of the seven participating districts in Norman. The seven districts are Sooner Mall, Brookhaven Village, Lindsay Street, The Main District, Downtown Norman, Campus Corner and University North Park.
A complete list of participating businesses can be found on the app or at soonersports.com.
Athletics Summer Sale / Open Houses
Oklahoma’s annual equipment sale will also be held on Monday from 2-7 p.m. at the mosier Indoor Track Complex. Football helmets, jerseys, cleats will be on sale in addition to OU baseball equipment and more.
Fans can also attend open houses at Love’s Field and the Switzer Center from 5-7 p.m.
The Party at the Palace
The day will end with a big party at the football stadium featuring a DJ, a bounce house, a basketball court, face painting, pop-up retail stores, food and drinks, a brew garden and more. By entering the stadium through Gate 12 on the southeast corner of the stadium, fans can enter Owen Field through the team tunnel the same way the Sooners do on game days.
Fans will be permitted to bring lawn chairs, blankets and strollers into the stadium. Two “cool zones” will be set up to help beat the heat as well as a giant water refill station.
Live music will begin at 6 p.m. followed by speeches from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, OU president Joe Harroz and Castiglione.
Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports. You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript.com
