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The upcoming outdoor hockey matchup between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, dubbed Bedlam on Ice, is generating significant excitement. Scheduled for January 30 at 6 p.m. at Boone Pickens Stadium, the game will feature the two club teams, a year after OSU dominated OU with a 13-2 win at the Bok Center in Tulsa. That previous encounter attracted 15,000 spectators, and expectations are high that this outdoor edition will sell out the entire stadium.
For those who have attended NHL outdoor events like the Winter Classic or Stadium Series, the unique thrill of such games is well known. The atmosphere combines the intensity of hockey with the grandeur of a stadium setting, creating an unforgettable experience for fans.
Why Bedlam on Ice Should Be a Blast
The NHL has been hosting the Winter Classic for nearly two decades, typically on New Year's Day in football or baseball stadiums. In 2020, the Dallas Stars faced the Nashville Predators at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, drawing 85,630 fans. The weather was ideal—cold but not too cold, with minimal precipitation—and there were numerous activities surrounding the game. This precedent suggests that the Bedlam on Ice game will also be a major draw.
One of the most appealing aspects of this event is that fans will have the opportunity to skate on the ice after it is installed at Boone Pickens Stadium but before the game. This is a rare chance to glide on the same field where legends like Doak Walker and Barry Sanders once played. Such an experience is not typically available at NHL outdoor games, making it a unique draw for attendees.
The organizers behind the OSU club team and the game have ambitions to eventually elevate the Cowboys to Division I hockey. However, such a move would take time, as there are few Division I college hockey teams in the region. The Big 12 is unlikely to sponsor the sport soon, with Arizona State being the only current Big 12 school with a Division I hockey program. The Sun Devils compete in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, which includes several Midwest schools and national power University of Denver. Perhaps that could be a future destination for the Cowboys, and this game could serve as a catalyst for that goal.
For now, the focus should be on enjoying the spectacle. Fans are encouraged to attend, embrace the fun, and savor the moment, as it's uncertain when Boone Pickens Stadium will host such an event again.