BOK Center opens in Tulsa today to the public
BOK Center opens in Tulsa today to the public
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By Johnny Johnson
Published: August 30, 2008
TULSA — Three years after city officials broke ground on the BOK Center, the newest and one of the largest entertainment venues in the state is ready to open its doors this weekend and show the public what $178 million looks like — and they don't even have to buy a ticket.
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Benefiting the state
"This is a quality of life enhancement that we think will benefit the entire state,” Goldman said. "This gives Oklahoma a second place to see some major tours and shows. People here go to the Ford Center in Oklahoma City to see the events there, and we hope that some Oklahoma City folks will come up here to see ours, too.”
Later phases of construction on the Ford Center will include new restaurants, locker rooms, suites, a family fun zone and a main entrance on the arena's south side. Oklahoma City will receive bids on the first phase of improvements Aug. 19.
And while the 19,000-seat arena will be the largest indoor venue the Tulsa area has ever had, Goldman said many people will be surprised to find that despite its size, there's not a bad seat in the house.
From big-name concerts like Carrie Underwood and Janet Jackson to family events and multiple sports events, Goldman said the BOK Center will showcase a wide array of events to meet a variety of entertainment interests.
Events planned today
The grand opening ceremony will begin with a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting today, featuring special guests Hanson and Garth Brooks, following an open house that will give area residents the first chance to see what the city is doing with those extra sales tax dollars.
The open house will continue until 4 p.m.
In addition to just seeing the sights of the arena and sounds of local musicians on the arena stage, visitors will also be able to sample the concessions at the value menu price of $1.
Following the grand opening, the arena will open again to the public at 3 p.m. Sunday for a multifaith celebration, "One Song, Many Voices.”
The religious celebration will involve a mass community choir and feature Sam Harris, a Broadway and TV star who grew up in Sand Springs.
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