Staying up to date with the Ouachita Baptist University football schedule gives fans a front-row seat to one of the most competitive programs in NCAA Division II. Competing in the Great American Conference (GAC), the OBU Tigers regularly contend for conference championships and postseason playoff berths. Whether you're tracking kickoff times, home games at A.U. Williams Field, or key rivalries, knowing where to find accurate scheduling information ensures you never miss a snap.
This guide breaks down how the OBU football schedule works, where to find official game times, how ticketing and broadcast options operate, and what to expect during a typical fall season in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Understanding the OBU Football Season Structure
The competitive calendar for Ouachita Baptist football follows a standard collegiate timeline designed to balance rigorous preparation with conference play.
Preseason and Fall Camp
Before the official games begin, players report to campus in August for fall camp. During this window, coaching staff evaluate personnel, install offensive and defensive schemes, and finalize the roster. While preseason scrimmages are occasionally closed or limited, they set the competitive tone for the autumn months.
The Regular Season
The regular season typically kicks off in late August or early September and runs through mid-November. The GAC schedule features an 11-game slate for most member institutions. OBU alternates between home games at Cliff Harris Stadium (A.U. Williams Field) and away contests across Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Postseason and Playoffs
Successful regular-season campaigns earn the Tigers bids into the NCAA Division II playoffs or postseason bowl games. Postseason qualification depends heavily on regional rankings compiled by the NCAA selection committee, making late-season conference matchups critical for postseason positioning.
Key Matchups and Rivalries
Every season features circled dates that draw the largest crowds and highest media attention.
- The Battle of the Ravine: This annual clash against neighboring Henderson State University stands out as one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in college football. Played alternating years on each team's campus, this game routinely carries conference title implications.
- GAC Contenders: Games against perennial conference powerhouses like Harding University and Southeastern Oklahoma State frequently dictate the top tier of the league standings.
- Non-Conference Openers: Early-season non-conference games test OBU against teams from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) or other regional conferences, providing crucial power-ranking points.
How to Access and Track the Schedule
Finding official, up-to-date game times prevents confusion caused by shifted television broadcasts or weather delays.
- Official Athletics Website: Visit the official Ouachita Baptist Athletics portal for the most accurate and dynamically updated master schedule.
- Syncable Calendars: Most university athletic departments offer downloadable calendar files (.ics format) that automatically sync game times and locations straight to your smartphone or desktop calendar app.
- Local and Regional Media: Regional sports outlets covering Arkansas collegiate athletics provide weekly previews, injury reports, and broadcast channel details.
Ticketing, Game Day Experience, and Attendance
Attending a home game at Cliff Harris Stadium offers a classic small-college football atmosphere.
- Ticket Purchases: Tickets can typically be bought online in advance through the OBU athletics ticketing portal or at the stadium gates on game days. General admission and reserved seating options vary by game.
- Tailgating and Campus Traditions: Tailgating lots open several hours before kickoff, welcoming alumni, students, and visiting fans. Arriving early lets you experience pre-game band performances and team walk-ins.
- Broadcast Options: For fans unable to make the trip to Arkadelphia, OBU provides live video streaming and audio broadcasts for nearly all home and away games through the official athletic network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does OBU play its home football games?
The Tigers play their home games at Cliff Harris Stadium, located on the Ouachita Baptist University campus in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
What conference does Ouachita Baptist University compete in?
OBU competes in the Great American Conference (GAC) at the NCAA Division II level.
How can I watch OBU football games online?
Ouachita Baptist provides live video streams and radio broadcasts for all games directly through the Ouachita Baptist Athletics website. Subscription requirements or free streaming links depend on the specific broadcast agreement for that season.
When is the annual Battle of the Ravine game?
The Battle of the Ravine against Henderson State University is traditionally played during the final week of the regular season in mid-November.
