BOK Center Preps For NCAA Tournament

The BOK Center is prepped, primed and ready to dance. <br><br><a href="http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=14243892" target="_blank">Lineup Set For Tulsa NCAA Basketball Tournament</a>

Monday, March 14th 2011, 11:42 pm

By: News On 6


Tara Vreeland, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- It's been two years in the making to bring the NCAA Tournament to Tulsa. Now, the basketball teams will start arriving Tuesday.

03/13/2011 Related Story: Lineup Set For Tulsa NCAA Basketball Tournament

The BOK Center is prepped, primed and ready to dance.

While the massive scoreboard hovers overhead, the finishing touches are being put on the sleek surfaces of the hardwood.

This isn't just any old court. It's one of eight courts provided by the NCAA for the Big Dance.

"It's like a big jigsaw puzzle. Imagine that," said Ron Davidson of Connor Sports Flooring.

Hundreds of pieces laid just so.

"If they win, they probably don't think of the floor as being a factor. If they lose, they always turn to the floor..that darn floor!" Connor said.

Every inch of the court is inspected by the floor's two traveling supervisors.

"It's a neutral surface so no one has an advantage," Connor said.

Along with the floor, the NCAA provided the BOK with a 400-page manual. Leaving nothing up for interpretation.

"Everything is laid out for us. Black and white. The color of every table cloth, what signs we need to cover, what paper cups to use," said Jeff Nickler, BOK Center Booking & Special Events Mgr.

Sponsor signs are hidden. The tournament's corporate sponsors are spotlighted.

"It's good to be a part of this because it's become a sort of all American thing with the Final Four and the road to Madness. Even people who don't like basketball watch it," Connor said.

One detail the NCAA also controls, ticket prices. There are still tickets available to watch the games. Single session tickets went on sale Monday. They are $79 a piece.

03/14/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Hotels Filling Up Fast For NCAA Tournament

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