Hot Weekend Ahead: Ways To Stay Safe, Hydrated At College Football Games In Oklahoma

The upcoming weekend of college football is a big one with No. 12 Utah visiting Stillwater and No. 6 Tennessee traveling to Norman.

Unfortunately, fall weather is not in the forecast, and heat indexes could reach into the triple-digits.

Fans attending the Top 25 matchups this weekend will need to prepare for hot weather, especially in Stillwater with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. The Sooners start at 6:30 p.m.

Boone Pickens Stadium has “Cool Zones” with hydration stations for fans. OU offers cooling stations around the stadium and “water monsters” that allow fans to fill multiple water bottles at once. Sooners fans can bring in a clear, empty bottle up to 17 oz, per OU athletics.

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The OU and OSU athletics websites both have more game-day information for fans.

Here's what fans going to the Oklahoma or Oklahoma State football games need to know this weekend:

Hydrate Early and Often

1. Start hydrating the night before: Don't wait until you're in Stillwater or at the College Gameday set in Norman to start drinking water. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after tailgating or attending the game.
2. Bring a refillable water bottle: Both OU and OSU stadiums have refill stations, and bringing your own bottle ensures you’re never without water.
3. Avoid too much alcohol or caffeine: Both can dehydrate you quickly, especially in the sun. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to keep yourself balanced.

Wear Weather-Appropriate Gear

1. Light, breathable fabrics: It may be fall, but it will be HOT, so opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing.
2. Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses, you can make them orange and black or crimson and cream!
3. Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, especially if you're sweating.

Plan for the Heat

1. Seek shade when possible: If you’re tailgating, try to set up near shaded areas or bring a tent or canopy.
2. Cool off with damp towels: Bringing small, damp towels or portable fans can help cool you down in the stands or at a tailgate.

Know the Stadium’s Safety Protocols

1. Hydration stations: Check where the nearest water refill stations are in the stadium. The maps can be seen above.
2. First aid locations: Familiarize yourself with first aid stations and medical assistance locations in case of heat-related illness or injury.
3. Emergency plans: In case of severe weather or other emergencies, know the evacuation routes and protocols.

Take Care of Each Other

1. Look out for signs of heat exhaustion: If someone in your group looks flushed, is sweating heavily, or seems confused or dizzy, get them to a cool place and offer water.
2. Stay together: In large crowds, it’s easy to get separated. Have a meetup plan and communicate throughout the game.

EMSA HEAT SAFETY TIPS

1. HYDRATION is key in preventing heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement drinks several hours before and during long exposure to the summer heat.
2. Wear light-colored, loosefitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if working outdoors, and take plenty of shade breaks.
3. No alcohol or caffeine.
4. If you do not have air conditioning, find a cooling station or public space (such as libraries or malls) during the day.
5. Don’t limit your use of air conditioning.
6. Use the buddy system if working outdoors and check on elderly neighbors.
7. Keep a cellphone on you at all times when outdoors, including walking, running daily errands, yard work or sports and physical activity.