Every college football program has its rituals, and the Big 12 Conference’s traditions reflect the individuality and passion that make fall Saturdays special.
At Oklahoma State, the traditions that define home games at Boone Pickens Stadium show the university’s rich history, school spirit and a distinct game-day experience.
Those traditions include:
- The Walk, as fans gather hours before kickoff to welcome the Cowboys to the stadium.
- The Spirit Rider, who celebrates every Oklahoma State touchdown by riding Bullet, the team’s iconic horse, onto the field.
- Pistol Pete, who energizes the crowd as fans flash the pistols firing hand gesture, a signature salute used to celebrate the Cowboys and their biggest moments.
@knowledgebites99 Boone Pickens Stadium: 110 Years of Cowboy Chaos #BoonePickensStadium #OklahomaState #CollegeFootball #Big12 #PaddlePeople #creatorsearchinsights #iwanttogoviralthisweek #goviraltiktok #fyp ♬ original sound – USA Stadiums
Together, those traditions create an atmosphere that reflects the heart of Oklahoma State football, making Saturdays in Stillwater a celebration of Cowboys pride.
Click here for the full story on each Big 12 school’s most iconic customs.
Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.

