BOK Center is #1

[DTowner]

The International Entertainment Association named the BOK Center as the top arena in the country.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/blogs/scene/offbeat/bok-center-named-arena-of-the-year-by-international-entertainment/article_b3455d4a-6658-5427-a029-ade0fd1368d1.html

Whatever one's opinion on the design, location, advisability, etc. of the BOK Center, it has has and continues to be a smashing success for Tulsa.  Congrats to SMG and those who work there for continuing to exceed expectations.

[hello]

WOW! The BOK Center has been awesome for Tulsa and I'm very thankful we have it (the fewer trips to Dallas the better.) Now just hoping for Radiohead in 2017. 

[Conan71]

Not bad for a center some people were predicting would be washed up in the first five years after the “new” wore off.

[davideinstein]

Not bad for a center some people were predicting would be washed up in the first five years after the “new” wore off.

I'll admit I voted against it. I still think the money could have been used better, but I don't mind seeing it succeed. What will it be for us in 20 years though? It's a pretty average arena with no pro team at the end of the day.

[davideinstein]

WOW! The BOK Center has been awesome for Tulsa and I'm very thankful we have it (the fewer trips to Dallas the better.) Now just hoping for Radiohead in 2017. 

Radiohead and Phish 

[swake]

Roger Waters is coming back.

How exactly is the #1 arena in the country pretty average?

[Conan71]

I'll admit I voted against it. I still think the money could have been used better, but I don't mind seeing it succeed. What will it be for us in 20 years though? It's a pretty average arena with no pro team at the end of the day.

I voted against it and have only attended two or three shows there, but I’m pleased to say I was wrong about my original thoughts on the arena.

I honestly can’t think of another significant civic investment which not only promotes commerce but draws people to Tulsa on a regular basis.  I’ll put it this way: that was a far better spend than a $50 or $60 million overhaul of the PAC would be or the $70 mil or so that Gilcrease was awarded in the V-2025 extension (remains to be seen, I hope I’m wrong again).

Based on the honors it receives and the shows they book, it’s not very average in terms of bookings.

[davideinstein]

Roger Waters is coming back.

How exactly is the #1 arena in the country pretty average?

It's just a regular arena. Nothing special about besides the outside architecture.

Looking forward to Roger Waters.

[davideinstein]

I voted against it and have only attended two or three shows there, but I’m pleased to say I was wrong about my original thoughts on the arena.

I honestly can’t think of another significant civic investment which not only promotes commerce but draws people to Tulsa on a regular basis.  I’ll put it this way: that was a far better spend than a $50 or $60 million overhaul of the PAC would be or the $70 mil or so that Gilcrease was awarded in the V-2025 extension (remains to be seen, I hope I’m wrong again).

Based on the honors it receives and the shows they book, it’s not very average in terms of bookings.

They do a fantastic job booking shows. The argument against arenas is where they are afget 15-20 years. The other civic investment the competes might be Oneok which I also voted against. I thought the arena funds should have been used for investment in the Brady at the time and Oneok for redeveloping Greenwood (potentially tearing down a highway). I'm apparently on the extreme end with my urban planning views on here I've come to learn lately. So arenas and baseball stadiums it is.

[Conan71]

They do a fantastic job booking shows. The argument against arenas is where they are afget 15-20 years. The other civic investment the competes might be Oneok which I also voted against. I thought the arena funds should have been used for investment in the Brady at the time and Oneok for redeveloping Greenwood (potentially tearing down a highway). I'm apparently on the extreme end with my urban planning views on here I've come to learn lately. So arenas and baseball stadiums it is.

This may be one case where we should be thankful we don’t have an NBA, MLB, NFL, or NHL team demanding we spend millions more on their home or they will pull out every 5-10 years.  No thanks.

There is little doubt the arena and ball park helped hasten private development in the area.  Sometimes it takes the nod of the public approving such amenities to give private developers confidence to invest in the area. 

I thought moving the ball park from the fairgrounds was a waste of money when first proposed.  It was also wildly unpopular with the new stadium assessment district, yet it has been a great addition to the downtown landscape.  It is a consumer and development magnet.

Both of these properties took less than desirable properties and turned them into new civic centers.

[cannon_fodder]

Pretty average? I've been in many arenas. I'd agree that the basketball setup is sub-par, but the arena itself is as nice as anywhere else I've ever been. The exterior much more interesting.

[Oil Capital]

Pretty average? I've been in many arenas. I'd agree that the basketball setup is sub-par, but the arena itself is as nice as anywhere else I've ever been. The exterior much more interesting.

Why do you say the basketball setup is sub-par?

[cannon_fodder]

Not sure what does it. But it always feels like a hockey arena with some seating added. Other arenas seem to do the transition better.

[SXSW]

Pretty average? I've been in many arenas. I'd agree that the basketball setup is sub-par, but the arena itself is as nice as anywhere else I've ever been. The exterior much more interesting.

I agree I've been in lots of other arenas and BOK is right up there with them especially for an arena that is now over 8 years old.  I think it will continue to be a big asset and will just need cosmetic refurbishing probably in the next 5 years or so. 

I hope we can continue to build up the area around BOK.  That was my biggest gripe back in 2004 that it was isolated in a desolate part of downtown.  That has improved somewhat but there are still big gaps and walkability between BOK and Blue Dome and Brady is still not great.  Some suggestions: Fill in the parking lot at 3rd & Denver as the final mixed-use piece of One Place.  Fill in the parking lot across 3rd next to Mixed Company.  Redevelop the Federal Building and old BOK drive thru sites.  The new hotels in the area are a step in the right direction, maybe there is room for one more larger hotel.