Dreams Of City Having Arena Become Reality

Tulsa's new BOK Center opened on Saturday. Thousands gathered outside for a ceremony and ribbon cutting. The monumental moment was six years in the making. As News On 6's Dan Bewley reports, the newest addition to Tulsa's skyline began to form in the minds of city and county leaders in 2002.

After a few hurdles and the backing of everyday citizens, the city has a new shining jewel.

A mass of proud Tulsans gathered on the doorstep of the city's largest public project in history. The BOK Center was greeted with glowing reviews.

"It's awesome. It's awesome," said Phil Midnight, Tulsa resident.

But, getting to this point was not without significant challenges.

"I believe we really are beginning with a clean slate as far as how we look in 2025," said former Tulsa Mayor, Bill LaFortune, in July 2002.

It started July 2002 as hundreds came to voice their vision for Tulsa's future. Out of the brainstorm came the idea for a downtown arena.

Flash forward to September 2003, when voters in Tulsa County approved a 13 year, penny sales tax called Vision 2025. The $140 million arena now had a bank account, it just needed a designer.

"It really wants to be like that," said BOK Architect, Cesar Pelli, in April 2004.

In stepped world renowned architect, Cesar Pelli. The shape of what was then still a nameless arena came from his Connecticut studio. Two years after voters said yes, the design was unveiled. Green Country finally had an image to put with Vision 2025.

"It's amazing and I love people with that kind of creative mind that can put something on pencil and then the people that can make it come to life," said Bob Dick, former Tulsa County Commissioner.

Groundbreaking came next with dignitaries past and present celebrating what was to come. Shortly after, we learned the name when the Bank of Oklahoma announced it would be paying $11 million over 20 years. From there, it was non-stop action as the BOK Center came to life.

"It's worth it, it's worth it. It's going to be here for years to come. It's very important. New York City has Madison Square Garden. This is very, very important. Glad to be here," said Phil Midnight, Tulsa resident.

The final cost of the arena tops $178 million. It covers 50 blocks and 565-thousand square feet.