Oklahoma State Goes "All In" on Spring Football Game

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy made almost a complete about face on Tuesday when he announced that his team needed a game and he had decided that Saturday’s (April 19) Spring Finale is now a full fledged three quarters of real football spring game. Heck, there will be live kickoffs and punts and if the quarterbacks take off then they are live for “thud” contact as well. 

Robert Allen - Pokes Report

It will be full speed, thud contact scrimmage on Saturday.

“We're gonna play a game. We're gonna split teams. We're going to split coaches and we're going to play a real game,” Gundy explained on Tuesday to the media. “This team needs to play a game. I need to see him play a game. I need to see these guys play a game, and then the fans want a game anyway. So I'm thrilled for the fans to make them happy. But more importantly, this team needs to play a game and we've held up from a health standpoint that we can do that.”

Now, you are talking about an athletic department that just hosted over 200,000 people over four days with the biggest concert event in the history of Oklahoma. There is some fatigue, and then the weather forecast doesn’t look great, although Saturday afternoon looks to be the best window for an event.

At first, there was some hesitation, but Thursday afternoon, I received the phone call from a high ranking official with athletics that said to promote it as much as possible. He added that the department knows that football will have 10 official visitors on Saturday and as many as 20 unofficial visitors. They want as big a showing as possible to make this a big deal. Fan attendance and enthusiasm at the spring game could greatly enhance the experience for the recruits. The late notice is tough. The weather may be tough, but it is game on at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday.

Gundy said his coaches will draft two teams on Friday. The coordinators, Doug Meacham on offense and Todd Grantham on defense, will also be observers. The other coaches will split up and draft the teams. 

Gates open at 12:30 p.m., with the game starting at 1 p.m. Upon the game's conclusion, fans will be allowed onto the field to interact with the Cowboys.

Admission and parking are free.

Fan Logistics - Orange and White Game
Parking: Fans are encouraged to park on the south side of Boone Pickens Stadium.
Stadium Entry: Gate 2 on the south side of Boone Pickens Stadium starting at 12:30 p.m.
Amenities: Concession stands in the West End Zone are open. Restrooms on the south side of the stadium are open.
Meeting the Cowboys: Fans are permitted onto the field for 30 minutes upon conclusion of the game

If the weather turns really severe, then pay attention to Oklahoma State athletic department and Cowboy football social media.