About the OKC Gridiron Club

Our History

In 1928, a group of journalists that it would be a great idea to poke fun at the politicians of the day in an irreverent show that would make even the toughest legislator blush. Guess what? It worked. So, the Oklahoma City Gridiron Club was born and for nearly a century, Oklahoma City journalists have come together each year to take a lighter look at the ‘people’s business’ and more with the OKC Gridiron Show.  Most importantly, the show helped fund the Club’s mission of raising money to fund journalism scholarships for deserving Oklahoma students.    

Oklahoma City Gridiron Club members are actively involved in print, television and radio journalism and production or have recently retired from those industries. With more than 80 members, the Oklahoma City Gridiron Club is one of a few Gridiron Clubs in the country that has been continually active since its founding.

During the Club’s early days, it was men only–women were no where to be seen at Club functions, meetings or even on stage at the annual show. Females portrayed in the show were always played by men in drag.  Today, things are quite a bit different, but the Club remains a tight knit group of professional journalists who enjoy the opportunity to take friendly, and not-so-friendly, jabs at the news makers in our state and around the country.

Looking to the Future

The Oklahoma City Gridiron Club is enjoying a bit of a renaissance.  With the Lyric Theatre at the Plaza becoming the home to the annual show and new members joining the Club every year, the Oklahoma City Gridiron Club is quickly gaining popularity among prospective members and local audiences for its unpredictable and zany look at the local and national political scene and pop culture. The Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation Scholarships continue to be sought after by journalism students statewide.

With nearly $500,000 in scholarship money awarded, the Gridiron Foundation Journalism Scholarships remain the Club’s only beneficiary. Thanks to strong partnerships with organizations and business across Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation remains strong and poised to grow for decades to come.

2012 Sponsors

The many individual and corporate sponsors of the OKC Gridiron Club help make our mission a reality. To become a sponsor, please Contact Us today.

Lamar Outdoor Advertising

Ethics & Excellence in Journalism Foundation

Bobby Stem / Capitol Gains, LLC

The City Sentinel

Helen Lange

Main Street Photo-Video

Cory’s Audio-Visual Services, Inc.

Liquid Media

Upper 90 Creative