Best Seats At Boone Pickens Stadium
Boone Pickens Stadium is one of college football’s most underrated must-visit venues — a 100-year-old stadium that still manages to feel like a living, breathing thing on gameday. Built in 1919 as Lewis Field and renamed in 2003 after T. Boone Pickens’ $165 million investment in OSU athletics, the place has been steadily upgraded into a legitimately modern facility while keeping every ounce of its identity. The Paddle People are hammering on the walls behind the end zone, Bullet is waiting in the tunnel for the first score, and about 52,000 people dressed in America’s Brightest Orange are about to lose their minds. One honest reality: Stillwater is a college town (and a fun one), not a major city, so you need to plan your logistics more carefully here than at a pro venue — parking, hotels, and even cell service require thought. But if you want a pure, unfiltered college football experience at a venue with real traditions and a legitimately great fanbase, Boone Pickens is the real deal.
Seating Guide
Boone Pickens Stadium holds approximately 52,168 fans following its 2022–2024 renovation, which upgraded seating throughout the south and north sides. The stadium has an east-west field orientation — which is rare among FBS venues and matters a lot for sun exposure — with the OSU home sideline on the south side and the visitor sideline on the north. Levels are numbered (100, 200, 300, 500, and Suite), with the 100s being the lower bowl closest to the field and the 500s sitting just below the suite level. Your primary decisions here are sideline vs. end zone, south vs. north, and how high you want to be.
A note on orientation: Because the field runs east-west, day games mean the north side (visitor side) faces south and gets the sun square in your face for most of a noon or early afternoon kickoff. The south side has the sun at your back. This is the single most important seating decision for early-season games in August and September.
Best Non-Premium Seats
South Sideline Lower Bowl — Sections 104–106 (100 Level): These are the seats right along the OSU sideline, within 14 rows of the field, and they deliver exactly what you want from a college football seat — you’re close enough to see faces, feel the noise, and watch coaches on the sideline. Sections 104 and 105 specifically put you near midfield on the home side. The tradeoff is that you’ll miss some of the deep field when plays go to the opposite end zone, but for atmosphere and proximity to the action, this is where the game feels best.
South Side Upper Midfield — Sections 205–206 (200 Level): If lower bowl midfield is sold out or outside your budget, the 200 level directly above on the south side is the next best thing. These sections sit at the 50-yard line and offer a fuller view of the field than the 100 level can provide. The sightline is genuinely excellent — you can see route development, formations, and defensive positioning in a way you simply can’t from field level. Sections 205 and 206 are widely recognized as among the best non-premium seats in the building.
South Side 500s — Sections 501–504: Just below the suite level on the south side, these sections are partially covered and get noticeably more shade than anything below them. For a brutally sunny September noon game, this is real value — you’re elevated enough for a great panoramic view, and the sun isn’t cooking you for four hours. The seats are narrower here, and you’ll feel the height, but the overall experience is genuinely solid, especially for visiting fans who aren’t attached to the OSU sideline side.
Best Value Seats
South Side 300 Level — Sections 301–310: The 300 level on the south side has historically been the most shaded section in the stadium for afternoon games, and at a price tier that makes sense for what you get. You’re elevated, the view is wide, and you avoid the sun problem entirely on the home side. Visiting fans sometimes sit in sections 301 or 302, which actually makes for an unexpectedly fun experience as the surrounding crowd has plenty to say.
Budget Option
North Side 300 Level — Sections 320–330: These are bench-style seats on the visitor side, and yes, they’re facing south into the afternoon sun for day games. If you’re on a tight budget and the game kicks after 6pm or you don’t care about the sun, they’re fine — you get a full sideline view and the cheapest available tickets in the building. But for an August or early September 11am kickoff, budget an extra few dollars and move to the south side.
Our Pick
Sections 104–105 in the lower bowl on the south side, anywhere in rows 5–12. You’re right on the OSU sideline in mesh chairback seats (updated in 2024), close enough to feel the game rather than just watch it. This is the seat you hand a first-time visitor who wants to understand what makes Boone Pickens Stadium worth the trip.
Weather & Shade Reality
Boone Pickens Stadium’s east-west orientation (very unique!) makes this the most consequential stadium-orientation decision you’ll make in Big 12 football. For any game kicking before 3pm, the north side (visitor side, sections 300–330) faces south with no overhead cover — that’s direct Oklahoma sun for the entire game. The south side 300s and 500s get the most shade in the building, with the 500s getting structural cover from the suite level. Late-season Big 12 games (October and November) reduce this problem significantly, and Stillwater nights can turn cold fast in November — bring a layer regardless.
What to Avoid (and What’s Worth Trying Once)
North Side 100–200 Level for Day Games: It’s not that the view is bad — it isn’t. It’s that Oklahoma in September is legitimately brutal, and the north lower and mid levels have no shade protection. For a noon game, you’ll be in direct sun from the first snap. If you end up here, arrive with sunscreen, hydration, and realistic expectations.
West End Zone Upper Sections: These sections exist and are sold for capacity games, but the corner angle to the field is awkward, and you’ll spend a lot of time straining to follow the action on the far side. They fill demand; they don’t create memories.
Worth It Once — The East End Zone: The east end zone is where the Paddle People live and where Bullet enters from. It’s loud, it’s strange, and it’s exactly the kind of experience that you won’t get at any other college stadium in America. The sightlines aren’t ideal for tracking the full field, but for atmosphere and spectacle — especially if OSU scores a few times and you get multiple Spirit Rider laps — it’s the most uniquely Boone Pickens seat in the house. Do it once.
Premium Seating Options
The premium landscape at Boone Pickens runs from the climate-controlled club lounge to traditional suite boxes to the newest addition for 2025 — field-level suites that didn’t exist until this season.
The BOK Club Level: The main club offering at Boone Pickens is a western-themed, air-conditioned club lounge with indoor and outdoor seating areas, TV monitors, upscale food and beverage, and semi-private restrooms. Club seat tickets include access to the lounge, and the seats themselves offer wider chairbacks with extra legroom on both the north and south sidelines near the top of each sideline level. For Oklahoma fans used to pro stadium clubs, this is a legitimate comparable — the western décor is actually well done and not cheesy. Club ticket holders enter through Gate S6 or N6.
New — Field-Level Suites in the East End Zone: OSU introduced six on-field suites in the east end zone for the 2025 season, each accommodating up to 14 patrons with premium food, drinks, and an experience that simply didn’t exist here before. These are the closest thing at Boone Pickens to a sideline field pass. If you want to entertain and be right at field level, this is the option. Inquire at okstate.com — they sold through the inquiry process at launch.
Traditional Suites: 123 luxury suites are distributed across the west side of the stadium. Suite holders enter through the stair towers. Group pricing and full-game packages are the norm; individual game suite availability does exist but is limited for marquee games.
Boone Pickens Stadium Seating Chart
Boone Pickens Stadium, the home of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, boasts a seating capacity of approximately 55,509 fans. This is down from 60,000 after seats were widened about 5 years ago. To explore the stadium’s seating arrangements in detail and select your preferred seats for an upcoming game, you can access the official seating chart here.
Tickets for Oklahoma State Football Games
OSU football occupies an interesting ticket market: it’s a legitimate Big 12 program with a passionate fanbase, but it’s not in a major metro, which keeps prices reasonable for most games. Here’s how to work it.
Know which games to plan around. Bedlam was the guaranteed sell out every year, and just a fantastic atmosphere. But college football has gotten idiotic so that doesnt exist for the time being. Games against Texas Tech, Kansas State, TCU and other perceived Big 12 heavyweights see moderate demand. Games against FCS opponents or lower-tier conference foes are frequently available below face value in the week of the game.
The secondary market is your friend for non-marquee games. Because Stillwater is remote and requires real travel commitment, casual fans often list tickets they can’t use. Check Vivid Seats (partnership, see below), SeatGeek, and StubHub in the 7–10 days before the game for sideline seats that were originally above your budget. For a non-rivalry Saturday, it’s not unusual to find lower bowl tickets at a discount to face value by Thursday or Friday.
Buy early for rivalry and marquee games. For any ranked-opponent matchup, buy as soon as the schedule comes out. Demand in the Stillwater area is real — alumni networks, the Cowboy Corral, and POSSE donors gobble up the good inventory fast, and secondary prices for the best lower bowl seats for these games rival Big Ten markets.
Recent OSU alums can save 50%. If you graduated from Oklahoma State within the last five years, OSU offers up to a 50% discount on season tickets. This is a significant deal — call the ticket office at 877-255-4678 or check okstate.com. Limit of 4 tickets per account.
Faculty, staff, and groups. Current OSU faculty and staff get 20% off (not applicable to suites or BOK Club). Buying 4+ tickets in select sections can also save up to $100 per ticket — worth asking about if you’re bringing a group.
Mobile tickets only — prep before you arrive. With the exception of suites, all tickets are mobile. Cell service around Boone Pickens Stadium gets strangled by 52,000 people simultaneously trying to use it. Download your tickets and parking pass to your mobile wallet before you leave for Stillwater. Do it the night before. This is not a “figure it out when you get there” situation.
The Go Pokes App is actually useful. Beyond mobile tickets, the app handles in-seat food ordering (QR codes at every seat), ticket transfers, and parking. Download it, set it up, and have it ready before gameday.
Don’t forget parking. Parking passes go on the secondary market too, and some campus lots accept credit card at pay stations or via the ParkMobile app on game day for around $25. POSSE-allocated lots are reserved, but campus and civic lots fill in quickly. If you wait until game day without a plan, you’re in trouble. Budget the parking as part of your ticket cost.
Face value is available. The OSU ticket office at okstate.com still sells individual game tickets for most non-sellout matchups. Check there first before going to secondary.
Click Here For Oklahoma State Football Tickets. For tickets to OSU Athletics or any event on the planet check out our partnership with vivid seats.
Boone Pickens Stadium Bag Policy
Boone Pickens Stadium follows a full clear bag policy. Permitted bags are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12″x6″x12″; clear drawstring bags up to 12″x12″; one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags; and small clutch purses up to 4.5″x6.5″. Each person is limited to one clear bag plus one small clutch. Backpacks — clear or opaque — are not allowed, full stop. There are no bag check options at the gates, and OSU is explicit: if you bring something prohibited, it’s your problem to deal with before you get in. Leave the day bag in the car.
Other Key Policies To Know
Cashless or Cash? There are no ATM machines inside Boone Pickens Stadium. Concessions and merchandise operate cashless — credit card, debit card, or mobile pay. Come prepared. If you only have cash, convert it before arriving in Stillwater.
Accessibility ADA seating is available throughout the stadium, with accessible sections concentrated at the walkway level separating the 200 and 300 levels on both the north and south sides. Wheelchair assistance is available at the gates, and there are ADA shuttle options for fans with mobility challenges. Companion seating is available adjacent to ADA spots. Baby changing stations are in all public restrooms in accessible stalls; note that baby strollers and carriers are not permitted inside the stadium. For detailed accessibility information or advance accommodations, contact OSU Athletics at 877-255-4678.
Outside food and beverages: Not allowed, with one notable exception — you may bring in one unopened clear plastic water bottle. That’s it.
Re-entry: Not permitted. Once you leave, you’re out. Plan your tailgate exit accordingly.
For the most up-to-date and complete list of all Boone Pickens Stadium policies, visit the official Oklahoma State Athletics website at: okstate.com/gameday
Getting To Boone Pickens Stadium
Boone Pickens Stadium sits on the Oklahoma State campus at 700 W Hall of Fame Ave in Stillwater, about an hour from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. There’s no light rail or urban transit grid — your options are driving, rideshare, and the city shuttle.
Driving & Parking: POSSE donor lots closest to the stadium are reserved and require booster club membership. For general fans, the best accessible option is pay-to-park campus lots for approximately $25 per game, payable by credit card or via ParkMobile. Civic organization lots near Duck Street (around Eskimo Joe’s) run $20–$40 and are within easy walking distance of both The Strip and the stadium. Arrive by 9am for a noon kickoff — lots fill quickly and post-game exit traffic around Stillwater is slow. Download parking passes to your mobile wallet before arriving.
Downtown Shuttle (Recommended): Free parking at 7th and Lewis in downtown Stillwater with free round-trip shuttle service to Boone Pickens starting 3 hours before kickoff. Runs approximately every 15 minutes. Resumes in the third quarter and continues until postgame crowds clear. This is the cleanest logistics solution for fans without POSSE parking, and it puts you in the middle of the postgame bar scene automatically.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate in Stillwater but availability is tighter than in a major city, especially postgame when 50,000 people are looking for rides simultaneously. Arrange pickup well away from the stadium (a few blocks toward The Strip) and expect wait times of 20–30+ minutes postgame for marquee games. Surging is real.
Boone Pickens Stadium Insider Tips
Stillwater is a college town that takes its football seriously — maybe more seriously than a 52,000-seat stadium would suggest. The gameday culture here is deeply ritualized, the fan knowledge runs deep, and first-timers often say they didn’t expect it to feel this big. Here’s how to do it right.
Arrival & Logistics
Get your phone ready before you arrive. Cell service around Boone Pickens Stadium becomes unreliable during peak arrival windows. Download your tickets and parking pass to Apple Wallet or Google Pay the night before. Don’t assume you’ll have signal to pull up a PDF or refresh your email at the gate.
Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff for general admission, 2 hours for club and suite holders. Show up 2 hours before for a day game — you want time for The Walk, the pregame show, and the Band’s performance before kickoff. For night games, gates open earlier and the atmosphere is different.
The free downtown shuttle is legitimately useful. Park at 7th and Lewis in downtown Stillwater — free — and take the shuttle to the stadium starting 3 hours before kickoff. It runs every 15 minutes or so and resumes in the third quarter. This solves the parking headache entirely and leaves you in downtown after the game with the postgame bars already in reach.
Civic lots near Eskimo Joe’s are a sleeper option. Local organizations (including a Boy Scout troop that runs tailgate parking near Duck and Elm) sell spots for around $20–$40 near The Strip. These aren’t just cheaper than campus lots — they position you for the pregame and postgame scenes without fighting stadium traffic to exit.
The Walk — Don’t Miss This
The Walk begins 2 hours and 15 minutes before kickoff. The entire OSU football team, coaching staff, Cowboy Marching Band, spirit squads, and Pistol Pete walk from the Atherton Hotel in the Student Union down Hester Street to Boone Pickens Stadium through a tunnel of fans. This is not optional for a first-time visitor. Position yourself on Hester Street at least 30 minutes early and stand on the west side for the clearest view. The crowd noise when the band starts is a preview of what’s coming.
Traditions You Need to Know
Bullet and the Spirit Rider: After every OSU score, a student rider on a black American Quarter Horse named Bullet races from the east end zone to the 30-yard line and back. The PA announces “HERE…COMES…BULLET” before the first kickoff — when you hear it, the stadium genuinely erupts. Watch it happen from the south sideline for the best angle.
The Paddle People: Fans positioned along the wall padding at field level in the end zone bring custom wooden paddles and beat the walls on every play. The rhythmic pounding echoes through the lower bowl in a way that doesn’t make sense for its volume. You’ll notice it immediately.
The Waving Song: After OSU scores, the Cowboy Marching Band plays and every fan waves one arm in unison. It’s been a tradition since 1941 and it genuinely looks remarkable from the upper bowl. If you’re a first-timer sitting in the lower bowl, look back at the upper deck when it happens.
Pistols Firing: When the stadium announcer calls “COWBOYS,” the response is “RIDE.” When prompted for “PISTOLS,” the crowd fires finger guns. Learn these before you go.
Food & Concessions
In-seat ordering is real and it works. Every seat in the stadium has a QR code for food delivery through the Go Pokes App’s Stadium Drop feature. For a Saturday afternoon game with long concession lines, ordering from your seat during the second quarter is significantly smarter than standing in line during halftime.
Los Primos, Rib Crib, and Freddy’s are inside. The concessions aren’t generic stadium fare — OSU brought in actual Stillwater restaurant partners. The Orange Cowboy Paloma is the signature cocktail if you want something beyond beer.
Eat before you go. Stillwater’s pregame restaurant scene (especially Eskimo Joe’s) is genuinely good. Use it.
Photo Ops
The Boone Pickens Legacy Experience in the west end zone is a 10,000-square-foot exhibit on the life of T. Boone Pickens — free admission, open from roughly 11am to 4pm on game days, but reservations are required for game days. It’s worth 20 minutes before kickoff and gives you context for what Pickens actually built here.
The orange stadium exterior facing Hall of Fame Avenue is the signature shot — shoot from across the street in the afternoon light before gates open. The brick Georgian façade with the orange flags is one of the better stadium exteriors in college football.
Families & Kids
The Hall of Fame Block Party on Hall of Fame Avenue (between Knoblock and Washington streets) opens 3 hours before kickoff and is free for all ages. There’s a Kid Zone with face painting, prizes, and the chance to meet Bullet and BB (the mascot horses). OSU’s Pistol Pete’s Partners program provides free admission for children 2 and under as a lap child — you need to show the PPP lanyard/activity card at the gate. Seat cushions are allowed for kids. Strollers are not permitted inside the stadium, so plan for a backpack-style carrier instead. Family-friendly sections are available — call the ticket office to discuss options.
Autographs & Player Access
Fan Fest opens 3 hours before kickoff in the area outside the stadium and includes a designated autograph session with OSU players and photo opportunities with the spirit squad and Pistol Pete. This is your best and really only reliable window for player access — position yourself near the stage or autograph tables early. The Walk down Hester Street also provides up-close access to players as they pass through the crowd, though the pace is moving and it’s not a signing situation.
Tailgating
Tailgating is a major cultural event at Boone Pickens, not an afterthought. Lots open at 8am regardless of kickoff time. Designated tailgate areas are spread across campus — check the OSU tailgating map at okstate.com before arriving, as some areas near the stadium are alcohol-restricted. The Cowboy Corral hosted by the OSU Alumni Association runs until 30 minutes before kickoff at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center and is a legit pregame option for those who want organized tailgating with food and alumni networking. Premium tailgates in Stadium West, Spears Walk, and Classroom Lawn are bookable through REVELxp.
Note on the #OrangeGlow: On Friday night before home games, residents and businesses throughout Stillwater switch their exterior lights to orange bulbs. If you’re arriving Friday, drive around campus and downtown at night — it’s genuinely striking and worth seeing.
The App
The Go Pokes App handles mobile tickets, parking passes, in-seat food ordering, and ticket transfers. Download it and set it up before arriving in Stillwater — connectivity issues around the stadium make in-the-moment setup a frustrating experience.
Merch
The OSU team store on campus sells gameday apparel, but the real merch move in Stillwater is the annual collectible Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt. It’s a separate destination from the stadium store and a Stillwater tradition going back decades. Grab it as part of your pregame stop at Joe’s.
Hotels Near Boone Pickens Stadium
Stillwater is a college town with a limited hotel footprint, and for big games, rooms go quickly. Book as soon as the schedule drops for any marquee matchup — rooms within a mile of campus routinely sell out by mid-summer for rivalry weekends. For away fans without strong local connections, the rule of thumb is: if you’re not booked two months out for a big game, start checking Tulsa or OKC and plan on commuting.
Best Areas to Stay
On or Near Campus: The ideal base is within a mile of Boone Pickens Stadium, putting you within walking distance of The Walk, the pregame scene, and a direct shot to the stadium. The Atherton Hotel on campus is the clear first choice here — it’s where the team stays, it’s walking distance to everything, and it’s a legitimate boutique property. Book it early; it sells out for big games.
The Strip / Downtown Stillwater: Staying near The Strip (west side of downtown, close to Eskimo Joe’s) gives you walkable pregame and postgame options and a short drive or shuttle to the stadium. Several hotels cluster within 1–2 miles of this area.
Hotels in Stillwater
The Atherton Hotel at OSU — On Campus: The first-choice option. It’s on the OSU campus adjacent to the Student Union, walkable to Boone Pickens, and a legitimate boutique hotel with a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an atmosphere that fits the gameday weekend. This is where the Cowboys football team sleeps the night before home games. Luxury/mid-range tier. Book well in advance.
Hampton Inn & Suites Stillwater — Near Campus: Consistently the highest-rated hotel in Stillwater (4.7/5 on TripAdvisor). About an 18-minute walk from the stadium, free parking, and a reliable mid-range option. Fills up quickly for big games.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Stillwater: Free breakfast, pet-friendly, 4.6/5 rating, free parking. Good mid-range choice. Suites give you more space for a game weekend with a group.
Wyndham Garden Stillwater: About a mile from the stadium, solid mid-range with free parking. Good option if the Atherton and Hampton are sold out.
Best Western Plus Cimarron Hotel & Suites: Budget-friendly, decent ratings, walkable to several Strip restaurants. Families do well here.
Budget Options
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stillwater-University Area: About 4 miles from the stadium — not walkable, but cheap, well-rated, and fine if you have a car and parking plan. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Stillwater is in the same tier and similarly positioned. Both are significantly more available for big games when everything closer is gone.
If Stillwater is sold out: Tulsa (about 70 miles east) and Oklahoma City (about 65 miles southwest) both have abundant hotel inventory at all price points. Budget a 1–1.5 hour drive each way and you’ll have far more flexibility.
Gameday in Stillwater: Where To Go
The pregame culture in Stillwater is centered on The Strip — the stretch of bars and restaurants along West Elm Street near Duck Street — and it starts early. Most of the action clusters within a few blocks of Eskimo Joe’s, which functions as the de facto hub of OSU football culture. Fans begin gathering 3–4 hours before kickoff with tailgates, The Strip bars, and the Hall of Fame Block Party all running simultaneously.
Eskimo Joe’s is the anchor. This place is legendary, i’ve been here multiple times over the decades. Located at 507 W. Elm Street, it’s been serving Cowboys fans since 1975 and was named by Sports Illustrated as one of the top ten college sports bars in America. The world-famous cheese fries are mandatory, the bar gets loud and packed well before kickoff, and the collectible annual t-shirt is an OSU gameday institution. Expect a wait for a table; grab a beer from the outdoor vendors and enjoy the scene outside if the wait is long.
The Garage Burgers & Beer and George’s Stables round out the West Elm Street corridor — both within a block of Joe’s, both lively on gamedays, both better for a faster grab before walking to the stadium.
Louie’s Grill & Bar and Finnegan’s Fighting Goat on South Main Street run a slightly more local vibe, away from the peak tourist foot traffic. If you want a real Stillwater bar without the first-timer crowd, head south on Main.
Bad Brad’s Bar-B-Q is the go-to for a full Oklahoma barbecue sit-down the morning of or the evening before a game — ribs, brisket, pulled pork. It’s worth planning around.
Mexico Joe’s (sister restaurant to Eskimo Joe’s) handles the Mexican food contingent well and is slightly easier to get into than the main Joe’s on game days.
The Hall of Fame Block Party on Hall of Fame Avenue runs 3 hours before kickoff and gives you live music, food vendors, and a free family-friendly atmosphere that bridges the tailgate-to-game transition well. If you’re new to Stillwater, this is the easiest way to absorb the pregame scene without needing to know anyone.
Some Solid Restaurants
Hideaway Pizza – The original location founded in 1957 near OSU campus, famous for their hand-breaded fried mushrooms (a Stillwater staple), Pizza Supreme, and unique atmosphere.
Mexico Joe’s – Part of the Eskimo Joe’s family of restaurants, this Mexican-themed spot rounds out the dining trio that started in 1987 and offers authentic flavors with the same quality and fun atmosphere fans expect from the Joe’s brand.
Game days in Stillwater mean The Strip stays buzzing until 2 AM, while downtown offers a perfect blend of craft beer culture and Red Dirt music that makes this college town truly special!
Things to Do In Stillwater, OK
Stillwater, Oklahoma, is not just the home of Boone Pickens Stadium; it’s also the heart of Oklahoma State University. This vibrant college town is known for its warm hospitality and strong ties to the university. Stillwater offers a charming mix of tradition and modernity, making it an ideal destination for both students and visitors. Here are some great things to do when visiting for a football weekend:
Visit Oklahoma State University (OSU): Explore the beautiful campus of Oklahoma State University, known for its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and historical landmarks. You can also catch a sporting event or attend cultural events on campus.
Karsten Creek Golf Club: Golfers can enjoy a round of golf at the Karsten Creek Golf Club, a challenging and picturesque course designed by Tom Fazio. It’s consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the country.
The Botanic Garden at OSU: Take a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens on the OSU campus. You’ll find a wide variety of plants, themed gardens, and educational exhibits.
Lake McMurtry: Head to Lake McMurtry for outdoor recreation. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, and even paddleboarding. The lake’s serene surroundings make it a great place to relax and unwind.
National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum: OSU is a wrestling mecca and a national power in the sport.. Wrestling fans should visit the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, which pays tribute to the history and achievements of wrestling in the United States.
Gallagher-Iba Arena: If you’re in town during basketball season, catch an Oklahoma State University Cowboys basketball game at this iconic arena. The atmosphere during games is electric.
Downtown Stillwater: Explore the charming downtown area, which is home to boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s a great place to walk around and soak in the local culture.
Why You Should Go
Boone Pickens Stadium is the rare college football venue that punches above its capacity in atmosphere — 52,000 fans in orange, with traditions that actually mean something and a gameday culture built around community rather than corporate hospitality. It’s not the biggest stadium in the Big 12, but on a night game against a ranked opponent when Bullet is running and the Waving Song is going and the Paddle People are hammering the walls, there are fewer better places to watch college football. Stillwater earns the trip.
Check out all of our College Football Guides and these other Big 12 and regional gems:
AT&T Stadium in Dallas (Home of the Big 12 Championship Game)
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.