The recent announcement that the Oklahoma and Oklahoma State basketball teams will be facing off in the annual “Bedlam” game on December 14th in Oklahoma City has stirred a variety of reactions among fans. While the preservation of this rivalry is largely seen as a positive, the decision to move the game away from the campuses has generated some discontent. Reddit users have taken to discussing how this change in venue impacts the excitement and spirit of the rivalry and the implications for college basketball as a whole.
Summary
- Fans show mixed emotions: excitement for the rivalry staying alive but disappointment in the game’s December scheduling.
- The shift to a neutral site for the game raises concerns about the atmosphere and fairness.
- Many believe that maintaining such rivalries is crucial for the health of college basketball.
- The conversation hints at a desire for traditional venues that foster home-court advantages.
The Mixed Bag of Emotions
The sentiment surrounding the announcement is a curious mix of enthusiasm and disappointment. On one hand, fans are delighted to see the Bedlam game, a storied rivalry steeped in history and emotion, remain on the calendar. As one commenter noted, “It’s nice to see rivalries stay intact, but it sucks that all these games are in December now”. This reflects a collective joy in preserving the spirit of competition, but an accompanying concern that the holiday season may not capture the intensity usually associated with college basketball rivalries. The festive distraction could diminish the fervor fans typically bring to such matchups.
Neutral Courts and Their Implications
One pressing criticism that has emerged from the online discussions is the choice of a neutral court for the rivalry game. A commenter observed, “There is no reason for this game to be neutral court,” which resonates with many fans who cherish the home court advantage that traditionally characterizes these high-stakes games. The atmosphere created by enthusiastic home fans is part of what makes college basketball so exhilarating, and removing that aspect could lead to a more subdued rivalry. The loss of campus pride complicates the game experience, diminishing the unique spirit cultivated at each school.
The Vital Role of Rivalries
Despite the grumblings about scheduling and venue, there remains a strong feeling among fans about the importance of maintaining rivalries in college basketball. One Redditor remarked, “This is good news for college basketball. Rivalry games and quality non conference games help the sport”. This conveys a deep recognition that events steeped in history and competition can spark interest, invigorate fan loyalty, and drive viewership—elements necessary for a sport’s health. College basketball thrives on the electricity generated by heated rivalries, and keeping them alive is seen as a way to strengthen the entire ecosystem of the sport.
Longing for Tradition
The discussion has turned to a longing for the traditional matchups that once defined not just the Bedlam rivalry, but all collegiate sports. A comment encapsulated this: “Should play the game as the last game before conference tournaments”. This proposal points to a nostalgia and a clear desire for a championship-like atmosphere that rivalries used to deliver. Fans crave the adrenaline, the dedicated fans donning their colors, and the tension that comes with facing a local adversary on home turf. Adapting their schedules for such encounters could preserve the gravitas and energy that these traditions carry.
As fans come together to express their opinions on this matchup, it is evident that the Bedlam rivalry holds a special place in their hearts. While excitement brews over the preservation of an iconic showdown between two teams from neighboring states, there are lingering concerns about how these changes dilute the very essence of what makes college basketball rivalries truly special. In navigating these shifting dynamics, both teams and their fans must reconcile respect for tradition with the evolution of college sports. Whether the inevitable changes bring about a new chapter in this rivalry will depend on how both schools and their supporters embrace the new landscape of collegiate athletics.