Welcome to BMITE Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol!
Registration is now open through March 20, 2024.
Please proceed to S5.2 at the Capitol for packet pick up and scavenger hunt materials.
Directions
Plan your trip to the Oklahoma State Capitol: https://goo.gl/maps/QjHiRUdsiqiM2t6b9
From Altus to Oklahoma State Capitol:https://goo.gl/maps/ZqNuBCT6dqDzyYKP9
From Guymon to Oklahoma State Capitol: https://goo.gl/maps/FPHzRpKJA2KXGMry8
From McAlester to Oklahoma State Capitol: https://goo.gl/maps/hiLz6jcrSkZyXu1M9
From Miami to Oklahoma State Capitol: https://goo.gl/maps/YxGJDPxZ6SjaKFvH7
From Tulsa to Oklahoma State Capitol: https://goo.gl/maps/tks77eeM3vXYFdyA6
Parking
It would be best to park in the south parking lot and enter at the Southeast Ground Level entrance. First few sections of the south parking lot are designated as Representative and Senator Chamber spaces. Clearly marked with signs and painted curbs and text. The Sargent-at-Arms and Capitol security also patrol the area and will notify you if you are parked in an incorrect location. You will be asked to move your vehicle to the correct area. Please make sure to park in visitor-labeled areas. BMITE does not have reserved parking for this event.
Accessible parking is available in the front of the South side of the Capitol. Proper placards and permits will need to be displayed accurately to remain in those spots.
If you are bringing a school bus, please use the East parking lot and Tunnel system to access the Capitol building.
Bus and RV parking is located on the East side of the building. Park in the lot off Phillips Avenue and walk under Lincoln Blvd. through the tunnel to enter security on the ground level of the building.
BMITE does not have reserved parking for this event. First come – First served.
Entrance
The best entrance to the Capitol (from the South Parking Lot) is the one on the ground level on the Southeast side of the building. (Shown below) You’ll enter into a new entrance area. The tunnel system will be on the right as you enter if you want to check out the remodel underground tunnels to the parking on the East of the building. (It’s nice!)
If you use the East Parking Lot you will use the tunnel system to enter the Capitol.
The security check point and virtual interactive maps are available for directions right after you enter the glass doors.
Capitol Rules
Here is a the website for prohibited items at the Capitol: https://oklahoma.gov/omes/services/capitol-event-reservation/capitol-building-prohibited-items.html
There is security screening at all entrances to the State Capitol. Your personal items are x-rayed and subject to search. Every person will need to walk through a metal detector. (Very similar to airport security, except you don’t have to take belts, shoes and jewelry off).
No running, use inside voices, be respectful, observe and obey directions from Capitol staff and security.
We are here while business is being conducted, please during session if you sit in the gallery of the House or Senate, be quiet, listen, cell phone use is discouraged inside the chambers during session.
Attire
At the Capitol, please dress appropriate to the event. We ask you dress professionally. Business casual is minimum expected. (As guests you are not required to wear ties and blazers, not expected) However we do ask that you wear collared dress shirts and slacks. Please no denim and ripped jeans.
Lunch
Remember Lunch is on your own! BMITE will not be serving lunch at the Capitol. There is a cafeteria / snack bar located on the ground level with vending machines. Please check out the restaurants around the District areas. We have prepared a ”Places Around OKC” below of this website for your information to help with your lunch decisions.
Mask Policy
Oklahoma State Capitol does not have an official mask mandate. City of Oklahoma City’s mask mandated ended March 1, 2022. It is left to the individual offices and departments. Please be courteous and observe the personal wishes of each office and department. Look for the signs on the entry doors of those spaces.
NOTE: Suggested, bring a mask with you. Some offices require masks; others do not. Please be respectful of their individual requests. You don’t want to turned away because you don’t have a mask.
Registration Desk
The Registration Desk will be open at 8:00AM, March 28th, 2024. It will be located is S5.2. Registration will close at 9:00 AM or when session begins.
Agenda*
*subject to change
| Registration – Room S5.2 | 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM |
| Explore the Capitol / Scavenger Hunt | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Break (move to Galleries) | 8:45AM – 9:00 AM |
| House Sessions Begin Rep. Dick Lowe with recognize BMITE on the floor during introductions. It’s important we have representation in the gallery. First Come First Served, there are no reservations in the galleries for students. Senate Sessions Begin Senator Casey Murdock will recognize BMITE on the floor during introductions. Please plan to represent BMITE in the gallery of the session as well. First Come First Served, there are no reservations in the galleries for students. | 9:00 AM |
| Guest Speaker, Skye McNiel, OkACTE Executive Director (Room S5.2) | 10:30 AM |
| Lunch on your own (check out the OKC districts below) | 12:00 PM |
| Explore the Capitol / Scavenger Hunt Time to Visit Representatives & Senators (if available, check with their executive assistants) or Capitol Tours | 1:00 PM |
Scavenger Hunt
BMITE team has added a scavenger hunt to the Capitol events this year. If you are unable to take a tour with the Oklahoma Arts Council around the Capitol. See you if can’t take a swing at the BMITE Day at the Capitol scavenger hunt. The first few individuals to complete the scavenger hunt and return their completed answers to the BMITE registration desk area will win a prize!
Capitol Tours
Volunteers give tours starting on the ground level at the gift-shop every 45-minutes. N If you are wanting a tour of the Capitol, suggest you book those tours in advance.
https://oklahoma.gov/governor/about/oklahoma-state-capitol.html
Please check out the brochure for a map of locations, and points of interest below.
Checkout:
- Rotunda view from all the floors (if you’re not scared of heights or have vertigo!)
- Murals on the walls of the rotunda
- Visit the Supreme Court, Governor, House and Senate Chamber Doors
- State Seal on Ground Level
- Notice the Elevator dials throughout the Capitol
Points of Interest
- Visit the replica of The Guardian, on the ground level by South Entrance and gift shop.
- Walk the underground tunnels from Capitol to crossing under Lincoln Boulevard
- Visit the history across from the Oklahoma Capitol Gift Shop
- Visit the Oklahoma Capitol Gift Shop
- Visit the Rotunda
- Visit every floor and look at the paintings and art in the hallways
- Visit the oil derrick on the South/East side of the building
Goals
Provide an educational experience to the students to learn about state government. Allow them the opportunity to see state government in action. As well, relate government in action with the importance of how it affects citizens, towns, cities and organizations (schools). Likewise, show a representation from the business, marketing, and information technology education programs across the state to Representatives, Senators, and other elected officials why it is important to support education.
Brochure
Coming Soon!
PDF Embedder requires a url attributePlaces Around the Capitol
Visit OKC
Named one of the Best Places to Visit by Frommer’s Travel and Travel + Leisure, Oklahoma City offers all of the culture, cuisine, attractions and amenities you’d expect in a modern metropolis. And with its rugged Western past, working stockyards and title as “Horse Show Capital of the World,” it’s rich in cowboy culture, as well. From family fun to romantic retreats to outdoor adventures you won’t find anywhere else, Oklahoma City has plenty of hustle without all the hassle.
Visit OKC Districts:
https://www.visitokc.com/districts/
Local Restaurants: https://www.visitokc.com/restaurants/local-restaurants/
Uptown 23rd District
Uptown 23rd District is one of Oklahoma City’s premier business and entertainment districts that continues to grow. Uptown is located along historic Route 66 with many iconic landmarks such as Tower Theatre, Gold Dome, the historic Milk Bottle, and Oklahoma City University’s gothic towers. Uptown stretches from Broadway to Pennsylvania on NW 23rd Street. Visit us and you will find great locally-owned businesses including restaurants, outstanding entertainment, and more.
16th Street Plaza District
Located on NW 16th Street between Classen and Penn Ave, the Plaza District is home to galleries, studios, retail shops, restaurants, performance venues and creative services. Choose from a variety of gourmet dining and drinking establishments and visit our retail shops featuring artist-made, vintage and retro clothing and home furnishings. Experience Oklahoma’s premier professional theatre company, Lyric Theatre, in the district’s historic Plaza Theatre, or enroll in classes at our dance, theatre or painting studios.
OKC Bricktown
OKLAHOMA CITY’S FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD
This thriving urban district is home to more than 45 restaurants, bars, and retail shops, along with family-friendly attractions, public art, museums, galleries, and even an urban beach for summer fun. The diversity of businesses, educational institutions, housing and leisure activities in this area make it a true 24/7 destination, one of the most distinct and historic in OKC.
Post Event Survey
Every year BMITE and the BMITE President organize BMITE Day at the Capitol. To help us improve on this event, will you take a moment, after the event to complete this survey?
If you have questions, comments or concerns you would like directly answered, please feel free to email us at bmite@okacte.org
