Restaurants Pleased With 1st BOK Center Event

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The BOK Center proves to be a boost for downtown businesses.  The new arena's first show hit the stage this weekend.  The Eagles thrilled their fans.  And, all those fans, who came to see the show, delighted downtown businesses.

As more than 14,000 people filed into the BOK Center in Tulsa and as the Eagles took the stage to perform before a packed house, it was actually downtown businesses singing the praises of the new arena.

They've been looking forward to and preparing for the first concert for quite some time.

"If you have 14,000, 15,000 people coming downtown, they have to find something to do," said Mexicali Grill manager Al Cronheim.

Those concert-goers found something to do by packing downtown restaurants before the show.  Business at Mexicali Grill was about twice what it was on a Saturday a year ago when the new arena was under construction.

"It was smooth.  Everybody came in, got in, got out, got to the show on time.  It was great," said Mexicali Grill manager Al Cronheim.

It's the same case at nearby Caz's Chowhouse, which opened an hour early to accommodate concert-goers.

"We probably experienced about double our Saturday business.  And, we'll take that.  We like it," said Caz's Chowhouse owner Jeff Castleberry.

In addition to big crowds, Jeff Castleberry with Caz's Chowhouse also likes what the future holds for downtown as more events are held at Tulsa's new arena.

"I think it's just an exciting place to be and I think it has finally caught on to people in Tulsa, hey downtown is OK," said Mexicali Grill manager Al Cronheim. 

The next big concert at the BOK center is the Kenny Chesney and LeAnn Rhymes concert Wednesday night.  After that, the American Idols Live Concert is next Saturday night.

Tickets are still available for both events.

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