With Oklahoma’s football home opener just 11 days away, OU Athletics is rolling out a fresh set of game day driving maps and traffic recommendations aimed at making the trip into Norman smoother, especially around Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
The new guidance was released Monday by OU Athletics in coordination with the Norman and OU police departments. Their message is simple: the best way to avoid a headache is to plan before you leave.
That starts with figuring out the right route, knowing where you’re parking and giving yourself more time than usual to get in and out safely. Fans are also being urged to lean on the new routing maps rather than GPS, since standard phone and mapping apps do not account for game day road closures and can steer drivers toward blocked roads.
The departments outlined a series of reminders for fans heading to campus. They include reviewing traffic routes, parking locations and likely congestion before departing; choosing the best route based on where you’re coming from; and leaving early, since heavy traffic is expected several hours before kickoff.
Officials also say to follow posted game day signs and direction from law enforcement and traffic personnel, since routes may not match normal travel patterns. Fans should arrive with a parking destination already in mind, because entering the area without one can create even more delay.
Traffic around campus is expected to be slowed by pedestrians, road closures and a high volume of vehicles. Drivers are being told to check real-time traffic updates before leaving and, when safe, while on the way. Carpooling is encouraged as well, both to ease traffic flow and to help with parking availability.
Safety reminders were included too. Fans should stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists and traffic control personnel throughout the game day environment.
OU Athletics also advised locking vehicle doors, rolling up windows, taking keys or fobs with you and keeping valuables out of sight. And near the tracks, the warning is blunt: always stay clear of railroad tracks, and if a train stops for any reason, never crawl under, over or through it.
More game day parking information is available here. The Nov. 21 Texas A&M game is sold out.
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