Meet BOBBY the Bus, Y'all

Don’t you just love when things work out in an almost perfect fashion? The owners of “BOBBY the Bus” sure do. You see, after a night game, the group was sitting around on ice chests and folding chair talking about how they could step up their tailgating efforts. The group, which is comprised of three families, continued talking when a school bus, painted purple and green with a deck on the roof, drove right by them. Eureka! The very next day there was an ad in the paper stating that the Oklahoma City School District was having an auction with buses being included on the auction block. Some things are just meant to be. The bus was purchased for $700 six days later.

In hopes of debuting the bus at the 2003 Cotton Bowl, the group had to work tirelessly for two straight months. It was decided that they wanted a deck on the back, but wanted to retain the functionality of the rear lights, windows, and door. So they simply cut off the back clip, and trimmed off the side and roof to about the rear axle. The rear clip was then welded back in place at its new position. The interior was gutted and cleaned, and sheets of steel were welded down both sides to smooth out the bus.

The inside of the bus was “turfed” up with green indoor/outdoor carpet, and a donated Mazda 626 driver’s seat was converted into the tailgate bus’ front seat. Four of the original seats were retained, and put back in service with new covers. The seats doubled as dinette sets, and a cover for the wheel humps. A couple of recliners and a futon were added, and BOBBY was born! BOBBY stands for Big Orange and Black Bus, Y’all. While the paint was still wet, BOBBY loaded up all three families for their trip to the Cotton Bowl!

This past spring’s upgrades include a donated Onan generator underneath the left side, and two RV air conditioners to the roof. BOBBY the Bus is now set for any type of weather!

The group has stated that one of the best aspects of BOBBY is that they get to meet a lot of fans who enjoy taking a tour of this tailgating behemoth, both Cowboys and opponents. The inside of the bus sports autographs from their distinguished coaches like Eddie Sutton, Mike Gundy, John Smith, Joe Deforest, and Kurt Budke, as well as, legendary players both present and past. The sentimental favorite is a great message from Vernon Grant that says, “Do whatever it takes to win!!!” He was lost in a tragic car accident just two weeks later.

BOBBY members encourage you to come out, and visit them on game days whether you are an OSU Cowboy or an opposing fan. For more information, you can visit BOBBY the Bus online at http://www.gopokesgo.com.