Game Days Kick Off Traffic at This Oklahoma Airfield

Even though the Cowboys struggled on the field, loyal and true supporters still showed up en masse, and Stillwater Regional Airport (KSWO) remained one of the most trafficked places in town preceding kickoff.

“Game days are definitely the busiest days of the year. We will have around 50 or so planes on the ramp then, as compared to five on a nongame Saturday,” said Matt Waits, co-owner of Stillwater Flight Center, the sole fixed based operator at the airport. 

“We have eight to 10 people on staff on game days, compared to three to four normally.About 70 percent of the traffic is from Oklahoma State supporters versus those visiting to watch their competitors. It is typically a 50-50 mix between charter versus owner-flown aircraft on these days, and about half of the aircraft stay overnight.” 

On-field performance impacts airfield traffic to a degree. Those who are purchasing one-off tickets are more sensitive to expected wins and losses when determining whether to go to the game. 

“We probably saw a 30-percent decrease in traffic as the season went on this year,” Waits said. “Most jet traffic still comes because they are [stadium] suite owners, but the small general aviation traffic drops off.” 

The university’s other sports also account for an increase in overall airport activity. The athletic department’s impacts are seen in both incoming fan traffic, as well as outbound transportation for some of the Cowboys and Cowgirls’ teams. 

“We see about three to five planes fly in per game for [men’s] basketball, which is the same with baseball,” Waits said. “But one of the fastest growth areas for us is the rise of small sports using charters. We are seeing a 30 percent increase in teams flying instead of bussing. For example, OSU’s women’s tennis team always travels via charter, and now we are seeing the wrestling team fly to most matches. With the geographic expansion of the Big 12, the logistics are very hard to manage otherwise—so we think that we will continue to see more and more charter traffic as a result.” 

The Stillwater Flight Center isn’t only counting on sports to keep its fuel trucks busy. The company supports OSU and the greater north central Oklahoma region in a multitude of ways. 

“We provide fuel to the twice daily American Airlines [by Envoy] flights between [KSWO] and [Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW)],” he said. “We also provide services to the Oklahoma State University aviation program, which has approximately 50 aircraft that we are fueling continually. Another aspect of our business is supporting military aircraft from bases in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. Stillwater Flight Center has a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) agreement for fuel services. Our team is prepared to handle military aircraft of all sizes.”

The FBO has served as an entry point into professional aviation for many students since 1984.

“We employ eight to 10 people, with three to five working at any one time,” Waits said. “Our staff is almost entirely made up of Oklahoma State University aviation students. Our student employees engage in a variety of essential roles that contribute to the smooth operation of the FBO. Their responsibilities include marshaling aircraft, fueling them, and handling customer service tasks like booking rental cars and supporting passenger needs. They also assist with aircraft turnaround operations, which requires attention to detail and precision in a fast-paced environment.”

Skills learned on the ramp follow the students well after graduation.

“This role provides significant career development opportunities, especially for students training to become commercial pilots,” Waits said. “By working at an FBO, they gain a firsthand, behind-the-scenes perspective of aviation ground operations. They are exposed to a wide variety of aircraft, from general aviation planes to larger charter jets, which broadens their familiarity with different aircraft systems and protocols.

“Additionally, they have the chance to interact and network with corporate and commercial pilots, building industry connections that could benefit them down the road. Perhaps most notably, they gain direct experience with ground operations for major airlines, giving them valuable insight into the operational side of commercial aviation. This holistic exposure enhances their aviation knowledge, strengthens their résumés, and prepares them for future roles as professional pilots.”

Waits is a longtime resident of Stillwater and said that while Oklahoma State is a leading reason for many to visit, it’s not the only one.

“Whether you’re a sports fan, nature lover, or history buff, Stillwater offers a blend of activities and experiences that highlight the charm of small-town Oklahoma with the energy of a college town," he said.

Waits pointed out  some must-see attractions and experiences to make the most of your trip: