Football season is on the horizon, and for the Oklahoma Sooners, it starts on a Friday.Norman Public Schools and the University of Oklahoma already announced in-person class closures for that day due to expected heavy traffic, so it's safe to say anyone going to the game may want to plan ahead.OU released a new game day driving maps and recommended protocols to improve traffic flow in Norman, particularly around the stadium. The map was developed alongside the Norman and OU police departments. The map shows preferred routes to multiple parking lots and road closures.Here is what OU recommends fans do to avoid delays and reduce stress.OU football game day traffic tipsPlan ahead, review traffic routes, parking locations and expected congestion areas;Identify the most efficient route to Norman based on your starting location before game day;Heavy traffic is expected several hours before kickoff, allow extra time to travel;Follow posted game day traffic signs and direction from law enforcement and traffic personnel;Know your parking destination before you arrive;Expect delays near campus due to increased pedestrian traffic, road closures and high vehicle volumes;Monitor traffic conditions before departing;Carpool when possible;Stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists and game day traffic control;Lock vehicle doors, roll up windows and take keys with you. Don't leave valuables in plain view;Always stay clear of railroad tracks.Oklahoma vs. UTEPWhen: 7 p.m. FridayWhere:Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial StadiumStreaming:SEC Network+Line:Sooners by 40.5Over/under:50.5Oklahoma vs. UTEP tickets for football season openerTicket prices for the Oklahoma vs UTEP matchup at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium start at $54 onVividSeatsand $55 onStubHub. Prices in the lower bowl range from $59 to 672.To see a full list of ticket prices, visitStubHub.Oklahoma football 2026 scheduleAll times are CentralFriday, Sept. 4: vs. UTEP, 7 p.m. (SEC Network+)Saturday, Sept. 12: at Michigan, 11 a.m. (Fox)Saturday, Sept. 19: vs. New Mexico, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)Saturday, Sept. 26: at Georgia, TBDSaturday, Oct. 10: vs. Texas, 2:30 p.m. (ABC or ESPN)Saturday, Oct. 17: vs. Kentucky, TBDSaturday, Oct. 24: at Mississippi State, TBDSaturday, Oct. 31: vs. South Carolina, TBDSaturday, Nov. 7: at Florida, TBDSaturday, Nov. 21: vs. Texas A&M, TBDSaturday, Nov. 28: at Missouri, TBDIsa Almeida is a trending reporter for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Isa? She can be reached at ialmeida@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at@ialmeidasports. Support Isa's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU game day traffic map shows best routes, parking ahead of Friday football opener