Behind the Scenes: The Making of the OU Sooners Mascot Costume

By admin

The University of Oklahoma, also known as OU, has a unique and spirited mascot known as the "Sooner Schooner". The Sooner Schooner is a replica of a covered wagon that was used by pioneers during the Land Run of 1889, which opened up the Unassigned Lands in Oklahoma Territory for settlement. The Land Run was a significant event in Oklahoma's history, making the Sooner Schooner a fitting symbol for the university. The Sooner Schooner made its first appearance as the official OU mascot in 1964. It is pulled by two white ponies named "Boomer" and "Sooner" after the university's famous fight song. The mascots themselves are real ponies, carefully selected and trained to handle the excitement and crowds of football games.

Luttle rykes maguc table

The mascots themselves are real ponies, carefully selected and trained to handle the excitement and crowds of football games. The Sooner Schooner is a beloved and iconic symbol of pride for the OU community. It is often seen at home football games, driven by members of the RUF/NEKS and OU Spirit squad.

Little Caesars Arena

Little Caesars Arena in The District Detroit serves as the home of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and countless other sports, entertainment and community events. Little Caesars Arena also features state-of-the-art technology, fan amenities and active community spaces like the Via, the BELFOR Training Center and the Chevrolet Plaza.

The XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena is located on Woodward Avenue, adjacent to the Chevrolet Entry Northeast.

REGULAR HOURS
Monday – Friday: 11:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Open on event days only

EVENT DAY HOURS
11:00 am - 60 minutes after event start time

TICKET LIMIT POLICY

The maximum number of tickets that can be purchased for a show is restricted to the published ticket limit of that show. Most events have an 8 ticket limit. The ticket limit can be viewed on the individual event page through the Ticketmaster website. This applies for the entire duration a show is on-sale and includes all points of purchase. 313 Presents reserves the right to cancel ticket limits on specific shows or offers at any time that exceed the policy. There is a four event per transaction limit (or a maximum of 32 tickets). If you wish to purchase more than four events, we politely ask that you get back in line (if applicable).

Accessible Entry

  • We have four main entries that are all Accessible. Our Huntington Entry NW is located on Sproat St. just west of Woodward Ave., our Chevrolet Entry NE is located on Woodward Ave. and Sproat St., our Comerica Entry SE is located at Woodward Ave. and Henry St. and our Meijer Entry SW is located at Henry St. and Park St.
  • These entries allow guests to enter the venue directly from the streets of Downtown Detroit and into our Street Level Concourse.
  • To ensure the highest level of safety and security, all guests are subject to a security screening upon entering Little Caesars Arena.
  • For guests who park in the Trinity Health Garage located on Cass Ave. and Sproat St. and have access to one of our premium spaces, they can access the Skybridge which connects to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Suite Lounge. Guests must clear the screening procedures above.

Accessible Access to the Floor

  • For most concerts, family shows and Detroit Pistons games, we offer accessible floor seating which can be accessed by using the Southeast elevators located between Mike's Pizza Bar and The Mixing Board, across from PORTAL 9.

Accessible Parking

  • Accessible parking is available in all of Olympia Development of Michigan’s parking lots at a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • View Accessible Parking Map

Accessible Drop Off

  • The Trinity Health Garage, United Wholesale Mortgage Garage, and Temple West Garage have the closest accessible parking spaces to the Little Caesars Arena at a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • The accessible drop-off & pick-up area is along the West Fisher Service Drive, near Park Street and the UWM Garage. View Accessible Parking Map.

Concession Stands

  • All fixed concession stands at Little Caesars Arena are wheelchair accessible. Accessible counters are available for guests in wheelchairs and can be found throughout the venue. Accessible tables and service counters are available for guests in wheelchairs in all Club locations and at all restaurants adjacent to Little Caesars Arena.
  • Accessible drinking fountains are available at the following locations:
    • Street Level Concourse: PORTALS 1, 4, 10 and 13
    • Upper Level Concourse: PORTALS 21, 29 and 62

    Accessible Seating

    • Accessible seating can be purchased through all announced ticket sales locations, based on availability.
    • Additional companion seating may be purchased based on availability by calling 313-471-7929. All entrances are accessible. Accessible seating is available at every price point in the venue. If a guest requires accommodation after their ticket purchase, they should contact the number above for assistance. If a guest is at the venue and needs to be relocated, they should visit the XFINITY Box Office across from PORTAL 5 for assistance.
    • If accessible seating is needed after the purchase of regular seats, please call 313-471-7929 to see if an exchange is possible.

    Assisted Listening Devices

    • For guests with hearing impairments, assisted listening devices are available at the Guest Service Office on the Street Level Concourse outside PORTAL 10.
    • The devices operate on an FM system. Guests wishing to check out a device must leave a driver’s license or credit card, which will be returned upon receipt of the device.
    • Devices are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are provided free of charge.

    Sign Language Interpreter

    • A sign language interpreter can be provided; however, a four-week notice is required before an event.
    • To request a sign language interpreter, please fill out the form here.

    Sensory Kits & KultureCity

    • Little Caesars Arena has partnered with KultureCity to make all events hosted at the arena sensory inclusive. This initiative promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with sensory needs. Event staff are trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to best handle a sensory overload situation.
    • Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue card are available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Strobe cancelling glasses and weighted lap pads are also available. Guests wishing to check out sensory items must sign a waiver and leave a driver’s license or credit card, which will be returned upon receipt of the sensory items in the same condition. Sensory items are available at the Guest Service Offices at PORTALS 10, 20, and 67 and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are provided free of charge.

    Ticket Issues

    • For guests experiencing challenges with their tickets, please reach out to one of our Guest Relations colleagues to assist you.

    Quiet Spaces

    • For guests who need a quieter environment, guests have access to the Mothers Room (located near PORTAL 20).

    Service Animals

    • The only animals allowed inside Little Caesars Arena are those serving as a guide, signal or service animal to aid guests with disabilities. Guests escorted by service animals may not take up any additional seats unless a ticket has been purchased for the adjacent seat.

    Wheelchairs

    • Wheelchairs are available at each entrance for transportation to and from the seating areas. Upon entry, please ask any colleague for wheelchair assistance and they will be happy to help you.
    • Wheelchairs are not available for individual use during events. During periods of heavy volume, guests may be asked to wait until a wheelchair becomes available to transport them either to their seats or back to the doors. In the event of a medical emergency in which wheelchair service is required, please contact the nearest colleague.
    • Guests are permitted to bring their own wheelchairs to Little Caesars Arena.
    • For guests who wish to transfer from their wheelchair into an arena seat, we will store their wheelchair at one of our Guest Service Offices and return the wheelchair to the guest when desired.
    • BAGS, PURSES & CLUTCHES LARGER THAN 4" x 6" x 1.5" ARE PROHIBITED.
    • SINGLE COMPARTMENT BAGS, WALLETS & CLUTCHES SMALLER THAN 4" x 6" x 1.5" WITH OR WITHOUT A HANDLE OR STRAP ARE PERMITTED.
    • Exceptions to this policy include:
      • Bags, wallets and clutches needed due to medical necessity. Medical necessity include Diaper bags, Breast pumps, Oxygen, Insulin, Epi-pens and other medical devices
      • Medical or diaper bags must measure smaller than 14” x 14’ x 6’ and are required to be x-rayed upon entry at either the Meijer Entry NW or Comerica Entry NE.

      Little Caesars Arena is a smoke-free venue, smoking and vaping are prohibited. Guests that violate the smoking policy are subject to ejection from the venue.

      Ou sooners nascot

      The RUF/NEKS are an all-male spirit organization, while the OU Spirit squad consists of male and female cheerleaders. These individuals work together to energize the crowd and support the Sooners football team. The Sooner Schooner, with its vibrant crimson and cream colors, adds a visual spectacle to every game it attends. It parades across the football field after every OU score, providing fans with an exciting and celebratory moment. The crowd eagerly cheers as the ponies charge down the field, symbolizing the unstoppable spirit of the Sooners. However, it is worth noting that the Sooner Schooner has faced some incidents over the years. In 2019, during a home football game, the Schooner tipped over while attempting to make a sharp turn. Fortunately, the ponies were unharmed, and the incident served as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions. Despite the occasional mishap, the Sooner Schooner remains a cherished symbol of the University of Oklahoma. It represents the university's rich history and the determination of early settlers who ventured into the unknown Oklahoma Territory. The Sooner Schooner embodies the spirit of the Sooners and continues to be a source of pride and excitement for all members of the OU community and fans worldwide..

      Reviews for "The OU Sooners Mascot: An Iconic Symbol for Oklahoma Sports"

      1. John - 2 stars
      I have to say, I was really disappointed with the Ou sooners nascot. It just didn't live up to the hype for me. The design felt outdated and didn't really capture the spirit of the team. I would have loved to see a more modern and dynamic mascot that could really energize the crowd. Overall, it was a letdown.
      2. Sarah - 1 star
      I didn't understand the choice of Ou sooners nascot at all. It seemed like a strange and random choice that didn't make any sense for the team. The costume itself looked cheaply made and didn't have any real personality. I would have preferred a mascot that had more character and uniqueness, something that could truly represent the team and its fans.
      3. Michael - 2 stars
      The Ou sooners nascot was just plain boring. It lacked creativity and originality. It felt like a generic mascot that you could find at any college or sports event. I think the team missed an opportunity to create something memorable and iconic. Overall, it was a forgettable mascot that didn't bring any excitement or enthusiasm to the games.

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