Bedlam Football Game Could Return Under New Oklahoma Bill

Stillwater and Norman Mayors Push to Restore Bedlam Football Game

The mayors of Stillwater and Norman are teaming up in an effort to bring back one of Oklahoma’s most iconic rivalries — the annual Bedlam football game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU).

Mayors Cite Economic Impact of Bedlam Football Game

Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila say the absence of the Bedlam football game has had a measurable impact on their local economies. From hotel bookings and restaurant traffic to retail sales and game-day tourism, the rivalry historically generated millions of dollars in revenue for both communities.

Since OU’s move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) two years ago, the traditional home-and-home series between OU and OSU has been paused. The mayors argue that restoring the annual matchup would benefit not just fans, but small businesses and municipal budgets in both cities.

Legislation Proposed to Require Annual Rivalry

The two mayors are backing proposed legislation that would require OU and OSU to resume the Bedlam football rivalry on a yearly, alternating home-and-home basis.

Supporters say the bill is about preserving tradition and protecting local economies. Critics question whether lawmakers should mandate scheduling decisions for two major universities, particularly as conference realignment continues to reshape college athletics nationwide.

The proposal now heads to the Oklahoma Legislature for consideration, where lawmakers will debate whether the state should step in to revive one of college football’s most storied matchups.

For now, the future of the Bedlam football game remains uncertain — but the push to restore it is officially underway.

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