Norman families face a Halloween scheduling conflict after the city recommended trick-or-treating on Friday, Oct. 30, instead of Saturday, Oct. 31, when OU hosts South Carolina at home.

The city of Norman cited public safety, saying game-day traffic will close and restrict several major roads. Public safety crews will be managing crowds and emergency response, leaving fewer resources for Halloween-related patrols. The city and Norman Police Department recommend trick-or-treating from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30.

It is the first time since 2009 that OU has played a home game on Halloween, as reported by the OU Daily. That year, when the Sooners hosted Kansas State, the city made the same recommendation.

Michael Gamboa, a Norman resident for more than 20 years and father of six, told the OU Daily his family will rally neighbors to trick-or-treat on the 31st anyway. "That's the main line here. They're always ready for the 31st, not the 30th, not the 29th," Gamboa said.

Norman High School senior Ada Martin told the OU Daily she had planned to trick-or-treat with her boyfriend but decided to work instead. She said OU home games have caused canceled school days, missed work shifts and scrapped family plans over the years.

The game's ripple effects reach local businesses. Crystal Hensley, owner of Noble-based Eric's Toy Emporium, has had her Eric's Toy Extravaganza at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds booked for Oct. 31 since last year. The fairgrounds sit off Robinson Street, which connects to I-35.

Hensley told the OU Daily she plans to put Halloween decorations outside the building to attract game-day drivers passing on Robinson. She said the extra traffic could help. "You know, it might actually be a bigger show just because there's more traffic in Norman … We're hoping for an awesome turnout," Hensley said.

Norman Public Schools has already felt the squeeze. The district canceled classes Sept. 4 for OU's home opener against UTEP, citing traffic congestion and disrupted bus routes. District Athletic Director T.D. O'Hara told the OU Daily that OU's schedule has forced some high school football and basketball games to different nights, including moving a Norman High game at Westmoore from a Friday to a Thursday for student safety.

O’Hara said required playoff dates limit schools’ flexibility, while moving regular-season games also requires coordination with the opponent.

The OU-South Carolina kickoff time has not been announced. The OU Daily reported the window is 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m.

The city also recommends wearing bright costumes, carrying flashlights and using sidewalks and crosswalks.

Upcoming Halloween events

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: Run For Your Life 5K and 1-Mile Treat-or-Treat Trot, 6 p.m., Ruby Grant Park, 3110 W. Franklin Road
  • Friday, Oct. 30: City-recommended trick-or-treat hours, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 31: Eric's Toy Extravaganza, Cleveland County Fairgrounds, Robinson Street