House Divided
The love of football is contagious. It’s hard to resist falling under the spell of spirited mascots, long-lived traditions, and heated rivalries – like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.
With the OU and OSU football season back in full swing, fans are looking for the best ways to support their team. Some enthusiasts dedicate entire rooms to the sport, or throw big shindigs, while other fans show their love in more subtle ways. No matter which kind of fan you are, there are several local shops that will help you express your appreciation.
Scruples, of Edmond, offers a large amount of game-time items like serving platters, lazy susans, cutting boards, placemats, glasses, dishes, and chip and dip trays to help keep the food coming.
If you’re entertaining, consider offering your guests some OU/OSU-themed food like wing sauce, nuts, or mustard, available with your favorite team logos. Be sure to prepare your food before game time so you’re not stuck in the kitchen missing all the action. Scruples supplies team-themed beverage dispensers, perfect for tea or mimosas. They even have buckets on hand to keep your drinks cold.
Recently, Susan Haines, of Scruples, has noticed an increase in OSU sales. “OU has always out sold OSU 2-to-1, but recently our OSU items have really been picking up, which is probably because they’ve been playing better,” she said.
Haines once had a woman in her store hand her a couple OSU items and tell her they were in the wrong place. “They were on the OU side and didn’t belong there,” she said. “The woman was quite upset about items being placed on the wrong side!”
For the fan who enjoys a more subtle home decor look, Scruples offers an array of options. One popular item is the “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love (Sooners/Cowboys)” plaque. You can also decorate your home with OU/OSU picture frames, tissue holders, toothbrush holders and trash cans. Their mascot and cheerleader garden gnomes are one of the top sellers, along with bird houses, which make great gifts.
James Lighting is also a good place to look for unique team lighting for your office or home. They offer traditional desk lamps, stained glass, art glass, and desk lights which are great for kids. The most unique item Debbie James has in her store is the OU/OSU-themed tiffany lamps.
Passionate fans are in abundance in Oklahoma and Kim Stubbs is no exception. Her family is a mismatched combination of both OU and OSU fans – a true house divided. “I’ve been an OSU fan since my sophomore year of college and my husband has been an OU fan since he was 13 years old,” she said.
“Thanksgiving is a huge battle. Someone will say something and it’s over. I think the Gundy family gets along better than my family,” she says. Stubbs and her husband, Bob, even separate during bedlam for the sake of their marriage. “We’re both so passionate about our teams. If OU is at home, I’ll throw a huge party at home with my sorority sisters and my husband will stay in Norman.”
If you’re a fan who enjoys going all out for your team, Amini’s Galleria offers an array of game room merchandise, including pool tables, covers, monogrammed rails, pool lights, bar stools, clocks, dart boards, pool cues, and more. According to Rosinna Gies, the most popular item sold is their pool accessory sets.
Amini’s displays an impressive bedlam gallery showcasing their best OU and OSU merchandise. When you’re done checking out the gallery, you can relax in one of their logo-themed theater chairs, which is one of the most unique items they have to offer.
Gary Treadway is one of those die-hard fans who has created a sports room that’s mostly filled with OU memorabilia. He’s been a fan since Bob Stoops started coaching and has only missed one game in the last three years – either home or away. “I enjoy OU football and I just started accumulating stuff,” said Treadway. “I like what Stoops has done with the team and the high level of excellence he achieves.”
Football is a way of life in Oklahoma. It’s more than a game and it has a special way of bringing people together through a common pastime. It’s a great way of connecting with others and sparking friendships. What better way to showcase your team spirit than in your home?
Scruples of Edmond is located at 115 S. Broadway, Amini’s Galleria can be found at 6627 N.W. Expressway, and James Lighting is at 1645 N. Meridian Ave.
