Sarah Phipps / The Oklahoman / USA Today Network
The Oklahoma Sooners football program announced they would be substituting their annual spring game with entertainment for the fans and they even came up with a fancy new name for it. “The Crimson Combine” will take place on April 12.
As the name suggests, there will be a timed combine-style event that takes place from 1-2 PM. Afterward they will host what will likely be the most popular events, the autographs and beer garden.
“The Crimson Combine will spotlight our players while also giving our fans the ability to get closer to the action,” said Joe Castiglione, the Sooners athletic director. “We’re planning some unique activities that will highlight our players and provide high entertainment value for everyone in attendance.”
The Grove Bowl Games
In 2024 Lane Kiffin was the first to break stride at Ole Miss by replacing the team’s Grove Bowl scrimmage with a carnival-style festival mixed with sports fun for the fans’ entertainment. Those were:
- Hot dog eating contest
- Slam dunk contest
- 7-on-7 passing contest
- obstacle course
They even had 16-time world champion Joey Chestnut appear for their hot dog eating contest. It turned out to be a wildly successful and innovative move.
Escape the Herd
With the transfer portal amid other complications, teams seem progressively more likely to follow the handful instead of the first one to escape tradition. Other teams such as Texas, Ohio State and USC have followed suit. By next season this trend may become commonplace.
According to The Oklahoman, Mike Gundy suggested that the Sooners and Cowboys play a scrimmage game. Since Bedlam has been taken away from the fans there has been a strong desire on both sides to find a way to reignite the tradition.
