Go Big for Bedlam in Chickasaw Country

Everyone loves a rivalry. Give yourself a minute, and you can think of several off the top of your head. The competition, the competitiveness, the history – the top rivalries have it all. And all of that can be said of Bedlam.

What is Bedlam?

The dictionary definition of the word “bedlam” is a scene of uproar or confusion. The Oklahoman definition is college sports history with the contentious rivalry between Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. The Cowboys (and Cowgirls) and the Sooners.

This rivalry has spanned more than a century, beginning in 1904, and more than 115 football games between the two in-state universities. The competition began with the two schools’ wrestling programs. Even though the rivalry spans several sports, the football rivalry is the most visible and well known. 

What is at stake? The rivalry win of course – and a trophy. Bedlam’s winning team receives a crystal bell – a nod to the bell clapper taken from Old Central Tower’s bell on OU’s campus in 1932.

But this meeting will be even more special as it may be one of the last times the two football teams meet in this rivalry. The University of Oklahoma is moving from the Big 12 Conference to the SEC, a move which should be complete by the end of summer 2025. It is expected that the two will no longer continue the rivalry.

This will be a game to watch – for sure! 

And here is a list of places in Chickasaw Country to watch this momentous rivalry:

Fat Bully’s by the Lake – 3133 Chickasaw Trail, Sulphur, OK

Dallas Cowboys Bar & Grill at WinStar World Casino & Resort – 777 Casino Avenue, Thackerville, OK

The Grille Restaurant & Bar – 2602 West Grant Avenue, Pauls Valley, OK

Sunset Grill – 127 West Main Street, Ardmore, OK

Front Row Sports Bar – 2457 Highway 62 Service Road, Newscastle, OK

For more great sports bars in Chickasaw Country click here.