Attending an Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys football game at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater is an unforgettable experience. The roar of the crowd, the sea of orange, and the passion of OSU fans make game day one of the biggest events in Oklahoma.
But if you’ve ever tried to find a spot near the stadium, you know one of the biggest challenges is figuring out where to park for an OSU football game. With tens of thousands of fans pouring into Stillwater, parking can be confusing, stressful, and even expensive if you’re not prepared.
This guide breaks down all your OSU football parking options — from official lots and garages to shuttles, downtown parking, and tailgating spots — so you’ll know exactly where to go on game day.
Official OSU Football Parking Options
Oklahoma State University operates multiple official parking areas for football games. These lots are managed by the POSSE (OSU’s athletic booster club) and are located in prime areas close to Boone Pickens Stadium.
1. POSSE Donor Parking Lots
Who Can Park Here: Reserved for Cowboy POSSE donors, with priority given to higher donor levels.
Location: Surrounding Boone Pickens Stadium.
Access Time: Most lots open at 8:00 AM on game days, giving fans plenty of time to set up tailgates.
Cost: Included with donor membership. The closer you want to be to the stadium, the higher the donor level required.
These are the most convenient parking areas, but they’re not open to the general public. If you’re a frequent attendee, joining the Cowboy POSSE can be worth the investment for guaranteed close parking.
2. 4th Avenue Parking Garage
Who Can Park Here: Open to the public on game days.
Location: Just a short walk from the stadium.
Cost: Flat fee (around $25 per game).
Payment: Credit/debit at pay stations or via the ParkMobile app.
This is one of the best official parking options for fans without a POSSE pass. It’s close, reliable, and easy to find. However, it fills up quickly, so arrive early.
3. Public Campus Parking Lots
On game day, OSU allows fans to park in designated campus lots. Some are reserved for students or staff, but others are opened up for football parking.
Tip: Always check the official OSU Parking Map before game day to confirm which lots are available.
Cost: Varies depending on the lot.
If you’re not in a rush to leave after the game, these lots can be a solid option at a lower cost.
Downtown Stillwater Parking + Free Shuttle
If you don’t mind being a little farther away from Boone Pickens Stadium, downtown Stillwater parking is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly solutions.
Where to Park: Lots near 7th Avenue and Lewis Street.
Shuttle Service: Free shuttles run from downtown to the stadium starting about 3 hours before kickoff.
Return Trips: Shuttles continue after the game until fans have cleared out.
Frequency: Runs approximately every 15 minutes.
This option is perfect for fans who don’t want the hassle of hunting for a campus spot and don’t mind riding a shuttle. It’s also great for grabbing food or drinks downtown before or after the game.
Tailgating and Early Parking
For many Cowboys fans, game day isn’t just about football — it’s also about tailgating. Boone Pickens Stadium has a lively tailgating culture, and parking plays a huge role in that tradition.
Lots Open: 8:00 AM on game days.
Tailgating Zones: Designated lots allow setups with tents, grills, and coolers.
Rules: OSU has guidelines for tailgating safety (tent sizes, open flames, alcohol rules, and cleanup requirements).
Pro Tip: Arrive as early as possible if you’re planning to tailgate. Popular areas fill up fast.
ADA & Accessible Parking
OSU provides ADA-accessible parking close to Boone Pickens Stadium:
Location: ADA spaces are located near the stadium in designated lots.
Requirement: A valid ADA permit or placard must be displayed.
Shuttle Access: ADA shuttles are available to help fans with mobility challenges reach the stadium gates.
Contact OSU Parking & Transportation Services in advance if you need accessibility accommodations.
Cost of Parking at OSU Football Games
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical parking costs:
POSSE Donor Parking: Included with membership (restricted access).
4th Avenue Garage: ~$25 per game.
Other On-Campus Lots: $10–$20 depending on the lot.
Downtown Shuttle Parking: Free parking + free shuttle service.
Best Tips for OSU Football Parking
Arrive Early – The best spots go quickly, especially the 4th Avenue Garage and tailgating areas.
Know Your Lot – Have a plan before you drive in. Check the parking map online to avoid confusion.
Bring a Parking App – Download ParkMobile in advance for garages and pay lots.
Plan for Traffic – Post-game traffic around Stillwater can be heavy; be patient.
Consider the Shuttle – If you’d rather skip the stress, park downtown and ride the free shuttle.
Pack for Tailgating – If you’re tailgating, arrive at 8:00 AM when lots open and claim your space early.
Stay Hydrated – Oklahoma heat can be intense, especially during early-season games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I park overnight for an OSU football game?
A: Overnight parking is not typically allowed in OSU lots unless you have a special permit.
Q: Does the shuttle cost money?
A: No. The downtown Stillwater shuttle is completely free on game days.
Q: How early should I arrive?
A: For popular games, plan to arrive at least 3–4 hours before kickoff to secure a good spot.
Q: Is tailgating allowed in all lots?
A: No, tailgating is only allowed in designated areas. Check OSU’s official tailgating policy before setting up.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right place to park for an OSU football game doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead. For the closest spots, POSSE donor lots and the 4th Avenue Garage are your best bets. If you want to save money and avoid traffic, downtown Stillwater parking with the free shuttle is an excellent alternative.
No matter where you park, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the full game day experience — from tailgating to the Cowboy Walk to cheering in Boone Pickens Stadium. With this guide, you’ll be ready to tackle OSU football parking like a pro.