Game 2: Saturday, September 6, 2025 | Michigan vs. Oklahoma | Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium | 7:00 PM
The Wolverines are back under the lights this weekend, this time on the road in Norman, Oklahoma. Michigan and Oklahoma bring two of college football’s most storied programs together for a primetime showdown. It is the first time the Wolverines have ever played at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. With two powerhouse fan bases and a national spotlight, Saturday night promises to be one of the most electric non-conference matchups of the season.
Did You Know?
Ann Arbor & Norman Connections
- Shared College Town Vibes: Both Ann Arbor and Norman are defined by their universities, with downtowns full of local shops, restaurants, and school spirit.
- Game Day Eats: Norman fans swear by barbecue and fried chicken, while Ann Arbor fans head to classics like The Brown Jug, Pizza House, and Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger.
- Big Stadium Energy: The Big House holds more than 107,000 fans, while Oklahoma’s Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium packs in over 80,000. Both are among the largest and loudest venues in college football.
- Football First: This will be the first-ever matchup between Michigan and Oklahoma in Norman, making Saturday night’s game one for the history books.
How Our Communities Compare
Ann Arbor and Norman are both quintessential college towns, but they differ in scale and character. Ann Arbor boasts a higher median household income ($76,207 vs. $62,411) and a significantly larger share of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher (78.4% vs. 45.2%). Norman offers a lower cost of living (94.2 vs. 99.6) and a lower unemployment rate (2.9% vs. 5.3%), making it an affordable and accessible community for students and families alike.
Comparing the Universities
The University of Michigan and the University of Oklahoma each bring impressive academic legacies. U-M enrolls more than 52,000 students compared to OU’s 29,000, and Michigan graduates more than twice as many students annually. National rankings consistently place U-M among the top public universities, with strong programs in business, engineering, and computer science. Oklahoma also earns recognition, particularly in business, law, and public affairs, and is widely respected for its strengths in energy and meteorology.
Beyond the Field
The universities also play a vital role in driving research and innovation. In 2023, the University of Michigan invested nearly $1.93 billion in R&D, the fourth highest in the country. The University of Oklahoma invested $436.9 million, ranking 76th nationally. While both institutions contribute meaningful discoveries that support industries and communities, Michigan’s scale of investment and national leadership highlight its unique role as a global hub for research and innovation.
In Case You Missed It
Catch up on last week’s post: How Do We Compare? Michigan vs. New Mexico
Want to learn more? Ann Arbor SPARK’s business development team can connect you with data, resources, and insights to support your business growth in our region.
