The Soval Series, the University of Oklahoma’s suite of signature student experiences, will return to the historic South Oval on OU’s Norman campus this fall, including Showtime on the Soval featuring Chris Young, Beat Bevo Bash and Holiday Lights. The Soval Series is designed to foster connection, school spirit and memorable traditions among the student body and entire OU community.
The first event of this year’s Soval Series, Beat Bevo Bash, took place on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Taking place the week of the Red River Rivalry, Beat Bevo Bash is a high-energy tradition giving the OU community a chance to showcase their spirit, pride and connection ahead of one of the biggest rivalries in college football. The state fair-inspired experience featured 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 2026, please view our photo gallery:
2026 Beat Bevo Bash Gallery
During homecoming week, the university hosted Showtime on the Soval featuring Chris Young on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Named one of Billboard’s Top 20 country artists of the decade, Young has amassed more than 11 billion global streams with 14 No. 1 singles as an artist and 11 as a songwriter.
His 56 RIAA certifications include multiplatinum tracks “I’m Comin’ Over,” “Famous Friends,” “Tomorrow,” “Gettin’ You Home,” and “Think of You.” He has won two CMT Awards trophies for “Collaborative Video of the Year for “Famous Friends” (2021) and “Performance of the Year” for “Drowning” (2020). Young was inducted into the membership of the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 17, 2017. His most recent album, I Didn’t Come Here to Leave, released on the eighth anniversary of his Opry induction.
To see highlights from Homecoming 2026, including Showtime on the Soval, please view our photo gallery:
Homecoming 2026 Gallery
The OU Community is invited to ring in the holiday season with Holiday Lights on the South Oval on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. This year’s festivities will include the seasonal lighting of the South Oval trees, carriage rides, live reindeer, food trucks, s’mores, photos with Santa, and more.
Help make the season brighter for children in our community by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to help us Fill the Trolley. All toys collected will benefit the Cleveland County Christmas Store.
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.
