Reasons given were that it would run concurrently with the Big 12 tournament in OKC and they didn't want to fight for attendance. I'm sure Memphis being very verbal about opposing the move, with them being the best team in the league, couldn't have had anything to do with it...
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=20080312_2_B3_hConf67087
Hopefully we can at least book it during years we don't have the big 12 in oklahoma.
I'm afraid I have to agree with this decision. Attendance would probably be lackluster with the Big 12 down the street. It would reflect poorly on the city to host the tournament and have a nearly empty BOk Center. In addition, Memphis is a great host city and DOMINATES the conference.
We are a good bet for 2010. TU should have a better team by that point (better have!), the arena will be in full swing, and the Big 12 tournament will be back in KC.