Game days in Stillwater are the most magical days of the year. Fans come out to watch the Cowboys play their hardest, families join in on the festivities, businesses are booming with new customers, and plenty of familiar faces. But what makes game days so special and so fun? There are 13 different people and organizations that you may or may not see that give game day the good vibe it has.

1. Concession workers.

Before you hear the sound of trumpets playing the fight songs of OSU, you may want to grab a hot dog, or a cheesecake on a stick. The concessions prep and serve different types of food and drinks. Organizations that may be affiliated with OSU or in the Stillwater community in general are running these concessions, and customers are helping out with these organizations. So next time you need to grab some food in the third quarter, thank a concession worker.

2. The Marching Band.

Without the band, there would be no game day. There would be no music, no cool halftime performance, or fight songs when the team scores a touchdown. The band rehearses in the heat and the cold and perfects their show so fans can have the greatest game day experience. So next time you see someone with an instrument, orange pants and a cowboy hat, thank a band member.

3. Pom and Cheer.

These members work hard and long so that you can hear and see them show some cowboy spirit on game day. Both teams participate in pregame and halftime to put on great routines for fans. So whether you see them at football games, wrestling matches, or basketball, thank a Pom and Cheer member.

4. Bullet and the Spirit Riders.

Bullet is very special when it comes to game days. The riders are very important too. When there is a touchdown, or during pregame, Bullet and the riders are vital to game day success. And besides, we ARE the cowboys. So next time you see Bullet riding down the field waving the OSU flag, loudly thank a Spirit Rider. And Bullet.

5. Clean up crew.

Ever wonder how Boone Pickens Stadium gets clean every week? The hard working volunteers that clean up every week is the reason for that. If you haven’t seen BPS in a good minute, then you don’t realize how HUGE it is! And to clean in all the nooks and crannies is tough. So next time you stay late and collect those big souvenir cups and you see someone cleaning up the paper cups, thank a clean-up volunteer.

6. Police.

The OSU and Stillwater police are a big reason why game days are great. We see them all around town but we don’t see them sometimes and what they do for us. Whether it’s helping someone in need or stopping something that can potentially be dangerous, the Police are vital to game day. So next time you see a police officer, thank them.

7. Donors and Alumni.

Donors and Alumni loves OSU, OSU loves donors and alumni. Without donors, athletics would be dull. They invest in OSU, making it brighter than ever before. OSU has the best Alumni in Oklahoma, and probably in America. They are our biggest supporters in not just athletics, but for all around campus. So next time you see a name on an athletic or a classroom building and wearing their brightest orange, thank a Donor and Alumni.

8. Paddle people.

These are the some of the loudest bunch in BPS. Without the paddle people, there would be no fear or intimidation in the dojo. They are the first to arrive, and the last to leave. They have cool costumes every game. They are just awesome. So next time you hear synchronized pounding, thank a paddle people member.

9. Pistol Pete(s).

The best mascot in all of college football, Pistol Pete, is the nicest, one of the hardest working people you’ll see. They are EVERYWHERE on game day, and participates in so much outside of athletics and outside of Stillwater. To be Pistol Pete is to be a legend. So next time you go up with your kids (or by yourself, there’s no shame) to take a picture with the Legend, thank Pistol Pete. He’ll even give you a thumbs up.

10. Larry Reece, Matt Fletcher and Chuck Lester.

If you don’t know who these awesome people are, then you are behind on the times. They are the announcers for OSU. Larry is “The Voice” of the Cowboys. He announces at various athletics, and we all love him. He also just beat cancer, and that’s one of the best things ever. Matt Fletcher on the Mid First Mic is everywhere on campus and game days. He connects with the students, has the energy when half of us are still waking up and gives away free things. It’s Matt Fletcher! And last but not least, the announcer for the Cowbooooooooooooooooooy Marching Band, Chuck Lester. Not only is he an iconic announcer for the CMB, but he is one of the nicest guys around. All three men are true leaders and crucial for game days. So when you hear any of these three men at any times, thank the announcers. Just don’t steal the mic. That would be bad.

11. The football team and the coaches.

Now getting to the obvious, but very important, we have the football players and the wonderful coaches that pushes our boys to be the very best. We have a team who’s a family, and who works together on and off the field. So next time you see the crowd cheering because of a touchdown, thank a coach, and then thank a football player.

12. The fans.

And last, but not least, the fans. You. You are the reason that game days are what they are. With no fans, there would be no game day. There would be no joy, no experience. Oklahoma State fans are some of the best fans in the world. Our stadium may be smaller than others, Stillwater may be smaller than other towns, but being a fan, alumni, and student or not, is something special here at OSU. So next time you go to a game, make a memory, walk around campus, or anything in between, thank yourself. Thank your OSU neighbor. Because we are some thankful Cowboys.