Cherokee Nation Helping OU, OSU Fans Support Their Teams

With the big Bedlam football game on Saturday evening, many Oklahomans are wearing Crimson and Cream or Orange and Black.

OSU Cowboys and OU Sooner fans are proud to show off their team colors, and a growing number are showing them off in a unique collegiate and cultural way.

With the Big 12 Championship on the line - and at least a chance of a National Championship bid still a possibility - this year's Bedlam game is big.

Bedlam Blitz

Just a day away from the game and just three weeks until Christmas, Sooner and Cowboy gear are popular items.

A growing number of people are showing their Cowboy Pride and Sooner Spirit in a unique way.

"The success that our state schools have had this year with their football seasons just make the merchandise that much more popular," said Molly Jarvis, Vice President of Cherokee Cultural Tourism.

Along with lots of merchandise like mugs and key chains in their gift shops, the Cherokee Nation now has a new line of OSU and OU hats and shirts.

They're different, because along with the Nike swoosh, the team names are written in Cherokee.

"I think there are a lot of OU and OSU fans who want to celebrate their Cherokee heritage and culture, and this is just another way to show that," said Molly Jarvis.

Whether it's Cowboy, Sooner, or just Native American pride, these may be a good bedlam buy, or a Christmas gift sure to generate conversation.

"They're just interesting. It sparks a question, piques some interest. What does that say, what does that mean?" said Molly Jarvis.

Most sales are online at CherokeeGiftShop.com.

But you can also get them at Cherokee Nation welcome center gift shops off I-44 near Catoosa and in Kansas, Oklahoma and the tribal headquarters in Tahlequah.

Collegiate rules prohibit the Cherokees from selling them at any of their casino locations. The hats are $25 and the shirts go for $20 each.

The Cherokee Nation also makes NSU hats with the Cherokee lettering. They hope to possibly one day reach a licensing agreement with the University of Arkansas.