The University of Oklahoma is excited to launch a new suite of signature student experiences designed to foster connection, school spirit and memorable traditions among the student body. The Soval Series, taking place this fall on the historic South Oval on OU’s Norman campus, will feature three signature student experiences.
The South Oval, formally named Van Vleet Oval, is the central green space on OU’s Norman campus. In recent years, it has affectionately become known as the “Soval.”
The Soval Series will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 8, starting at noon with a revamped Beat Bevo Bash, a high-energy tradition for the OU community to showcase their spirit, pride and connection ahead of the Red River Rivalry in Dallas, Texas. The state fair-inspired experience will feature Bevo Burgers, limited edition “Beat Texas” shirts, rides, photo opportunities with the OU Spirit Squad and a Sooner version of Big Tex: Big Boomer.
To see highlights from Beat Bevo Bash, please view our photo gallery.
Showtime on the Soval featuring Dan + Shay will take place during Homecoming Week on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Over their storied 12-year career, three-time Grammy Award-winning duo Dan + Shay have become one of country music’s most recognized artists. Their most recent, fifth studio album, Bigger Houses, features their tenth No. 1 country single, “Save Me Trouble,” which also received the 2024 CMT Music Award for Duo/Group Video of the Year. The duo is the only group to win the GRAMMY Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance three consecutive times. They have also earned multiple CMA and ACM Duo of the Year awards while amassing nearly 13 billion streams worldwide. In 2024, Dan + Shay became the first-ever coaching duo on NBC’s Emmy-winning program The Voice.
OU will also bring the community together to ring in the holiday season with an expanded Holiday Lights event on the South Oval on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. The event will serve as the kickoff to a nightly light show projected onto Bizzell Memorial Library, which will continue throughout the holiday season. OU students, faculty, staff, and the general public are invited to join this year’s festivities. Other activities include live reindeer, food trucks, s’mores, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The reimagined Holiday Lights event is an opportunity for friends and families to create a new tradition and connect with loved ones while celebrating the festive season alongside the OU community.
This new slate of signature events directly supports OU’s “Lead On, University: The Next Phase” Strategic Plan, Pillar 2, Strategy 2 by fostering the social and emotional growth of students via signature experiences and a top-tier residential community. These events are designed to create lasting traditions, strengthen a sense of belonging, and enhance the overall student experience.
Learn more about OU’s bold new vision for the future at ou.edu/leadon.
