Oklahoma is home to highly competitive sports teams. The University of Oklahoma (OU) calls all of its 19 varsity sports teams the Sooners, a name that harkens back to the land rushes of the 19th century. OU’s sports teams consistently rank high among US college sports programs. The Sooners Football team has earned many distinctions, including Big Seven Championships, the 2000 Bowl Championship Series National Championship, and Associated Press (AP) National Championships. In fact, OU has the highest percentage of wins since the AP started keeping track in 1936. The games are so popular fans have to shop early to get in-demand Oklahoma football tickets. OU football coaches Bennie Own, Barry Switzer, and Bud Wilkinson earned places in the College Football Hall of Fame. Under their leadership and the leadership of other outstanding coaches, OU football players have earned numerous Heisman Trophies and other awards and distinctions.

The University of Texas is the Sooners’ main rival. The annual game between University of Texas and University of Oklahoma (called the Red River Shootout) draws enthusiastic crowds to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Another well-known rivalry is between OU and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys. Their annual competition, which usually takes place in late November, is referred to as the Bedlam Series. Both teams rank high among college football teams. Basketball is another big sport in Oklahoma. Sooners Basketball and the Oklahoma State Cowboys draw big crowds to their home games. Oklahoma is also home to professional basketball. The Oklahoma City Thunder is an NBA basketball team with a home arena at Oklahoma City’s Ford Center. The Thunder moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 from Seattle, where it was known as the Seattle Supersonics. The New Orleans Hornets NBA team also relocated to Oklahoma City, but only for two seasons following the devastation of New Orleans by hurricane Katrina.

Oklahoma sports fans are not just armchair game watchers. They show their support of their state’s teams by attending games–home and away– by the droves. And that means fans can’t expect to be able to buy tickets at the box office on the day of the game. The big 12 Championship, Oklahoma Bowl games, Bowl Championship Series (BCS), and Texas/OU games are in particularly high demand. Regular season college football tickets and premium college bowl game tickets often sell out well in advance.

Winter brings with it numerous opportunities for fun and recreational activities for everyone. If you are looking for a winter workout in Oklahoma City, Braum’s Ice skating rink in front of the Civic Center Music Hall, Downtown is the best place to visit. Exciting Features of Braum’s Ice Skating Rink. The 62 by 150-foot rink is said to be one of the largest outdoor rinks in the Southwest. This means the rink has increased its size by 50 percent compared to the year before with an intention to accommodate more visitors and give additional space for skaters to show off. The entertainment stage of the rink offers a host of activities such as singing and dancing. On special nights you get to enjoy with Santa, as well. All these add to the festive mood of December. Participants can visit the Braum’s Ice Rink Café for coffee, soda, hot cocoa, hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream.

Important Things to Know About Braum’s Ice Rink. The skating season starts from November 25 and runs through January 1. All these days the rink is open from noon till 10 in the night. Braum’s Ice Rink is also open during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the same hours. For skating, you can bring your own skates or get shiny new skates for rent from the rink. Skates are available in all sizes. If you rent the skates, the ticket rates may go up to $8, otherwise, you need to pay just 5$.

Additional Entertainment Activities in Oklahoma City. Besides giving room for ice skating activities, Braum’s ice skating rink in Downtown, Oklahoma City offers a range of other entertainment activities which include snow tubing at the Brick, evening cruises on Bricktown Water Taxis, boating near The Oklahoman Christmas tree and much more. Many of the hotels in this place offer their guests special shuttle services to all interesting locations.