Sooner State Sports and Group-Friendly Activities in Norman
Visit Lake Thunderbird State Park for unparalleled outdoor recreation of all kinds among the myriad of Oklahoma sports centers located throughout NormanIntroduction
Norman, Oklahoma
More than vast prairies of swaying wheat and rolling farmland, Norman, Oklahoma, is a vibrant hub for sports and outdoor recreation. The city boasts premier facilities coupled with natural amenities like Lake Thunderbird State Park. The community’s pulse beats strongly on the fields and courts of the beloved University of Oklahoma. But the region boasts much more than sporting events. Opportunities are around every corner for groups looking to expend energy and explore the area’s cultural attractions.
Get a Planner’s Perspective
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what these planners had to say.
“The National Beep Baseball Association holds a World Series every summer in cities across the United States. Trent Brown and his crew at Norman Sports went above and beyond to make sure everything was done to make the tournament a success. They are a wonderful organization to work with – I look forward to it happening again in the future!”
– Cassie Hopkins, 1st Vice President/Tournament Director National B
Find Your Perfect Norman Facility
Facility Spotlight
Young Family Athletic Center
Sports Covered: Basketball, Volleyball, Aquatics
This 122,000-square-foot sports facility on 12 acres was established in 2020 out of a need for a local and accessible recreation center. Norman native and NBA basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young, found a solution. The space is used for tournaments and as a local recreation space. It comprises eight basketball courts, 12 overlaying volleyball courts, and two swimming pools – an eight-lane, 25-meter competition pool and a four-lane, 25-meter warm-up pool. Also on the premises are men’s and women’s locker rooms, restrooms, a retail shop, a wellness space, a gym and concessions.
Gillis-Roth Soccer Complex
Sports Covered: Soccer, Various Sports Tournaments and Events
The Gillis-Roth Soccer Complex is an impressive expanse of 22 soccer fields (11 are equipped with lights). Besides soccer games and scrimmages, past events include Beep Baseball games (playing blindfolded) and the Oklahoma Celtic Golf Ball Drop.
Westwood Tennis Center
Sports Covered: Tennis
Since 1969, the premier tennis facility, Westwood Tennis Center, has been a staple of the Norman community. There are 12 outdoor championship courts, four 36-foot youth courts and even climate-controlled indoor tennis courts. The Westwood Tennis Clubhouse features a pro shop with racquets and accessories for sale. They also offer youth and adult programs, clinics and leagues for players of all levels.
Lake Thunderbird State Park
Sports Covered: Archery, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rafting, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding
The crown jewel of Norman is the 1,874 acres that comprise Lake Thunderbird State Park, a coveted place ripe with recreational opportunities. Amenities to the park include two marinas (Calypso Cove and Little River) and nine boat ramps. There is also a gift shop, grills and covered picnic areas, campsites (tent and RV), showers and restrooms. Enjoy time on the water at either of the two swimming beaches or at the playgrounds with the kids.
Bike Trails at Lake Thunderbird State Park
Sports Covered: Mountain Biking
A serene 11 miles of bike trails at Lake Thunderbird State Park offer riders a variety of experiences. Interconnecting trails on the south side of Lake Thunderbird traverse between Clear Bay and the South Dam areas. More manageable and shorter routes are found at the Clear Bay Recreation Area trailhead. Also, there are two medium-length (2-2.5 miles) trails and a four-mile technical bike trail. Features of the park’s single-track trails include steep climbs, drops and unique rock gardens along the way.
Reaves Park Sports Complex
Sports Covered: Sand Volleyball, Basketball, Jogging/Walking Course, Track & Field, Baseball, Softball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Football (touch and flag), Rugby, Playground Equipment, Various Sports Tournaments and Events
The expansive Reaves Park Sports Complex, across from the University of Oklahoma campus, hosts various sports events. There are numerous courts for volleyball and basketball, along with baseball and softball fields and goalposts. The wheelchair-accessible space also provides bleachers, restrooms, a cleaning station, a pitching machine, scoreboards, speakers and much more. There’s also a castle-themed jungle gym for the little ones.