U2 Kicks Off World Tour In Tulsa, Fans Already Lining Up

U2 will launch its world tour right here in Tulsa Wednesday night.

Fans from around the world are already lining up in front of the BOK Center for the first show of U2's eXPERIENCE & iNNOCENCE Tour.

Several other big acts have recently chosen Tulsa to kick off their global tours, including Rush, Hall and Oates, and Roger Waters.  Fleetwood Mac also just announced their tour is starting here.

Right now, downtown Tulsa is a place where the streets have no name.

The general admission line is already set up across from the arena.

These are the die-hard fans who have been here since Saturday.

The Hampton Inn across the street is checking in guests from Spain, the Netherlands, and South America.

Paco Ramirez is in Tulsa with his dad from Mexico City.

At 12 years old, he’s already seen U2 38 times – and even found his way on stage during a few shows.

“I love them because it is the kind of music I love and also because of my father, who taught me this kind of music since I was four years old,” said Ramirez.

Allesandra Manaldo came to Tulsa from Rome.  She’s been following U2 for more than 30 years.

“In Italy in ’87 for the Joshua Tree Tour,” said Manaldo.  “I am here for the show because it’s my birthday.”

BOK Center General Manager Jeff Nickler says more than 18,000 fans have sold out the Wednesday show.

“In fact, we have 50 members of media who arrived yesterday from the United Kingdom who are here for the show,” stated Nickler.

For a venue to get a band like U2 to choose Tulsa for a tour launch takes years of planning and a pretty stellar reputation.

This is an important show and the bands spend days or weeks in town preparing.

“Arguably, U2 is the biggest rock band on the planet that still tours,” said Nickler.  “The fact they are rehearsing in Tulsa is unbelievable.”

Also in town to cover the concert are CNN and Rolling Stone Magazine.