As BOK Center Thrives, So Do Downtown Tulsa Businesses

Friday night was a big night for the BOK Center as the legendary Billy Joel took the stage.

And, what’s quickly becoming a trend, when the BOK Center has a good night, so do downtown Tulsa restaurants and hotels. Because of the concert, many of the businesses are packed.

BOK Center

It seemed like every place within walking distance was feeling the impact of having major events in downtown Tulsa, and hope is high it will continue as the BOK Center is getting ranked among some of the most well-known arenas in the country.

People pack the BOK Center for Billy Joel Friday night.

Sylvia Farquhar said, "I am so excited I can hardly wait."

Across the street from the venue, workers at Tulsa's Torero Bar and Kitchen prep for 150 reservations before 7:00 p.m.

"Kind of crazy, standing room only sometimes," said Chef Matthew Owen.

It's a new trend in downtown Tulsa - the BOK Center brings in big acts like Paul McCartney, Selena Gomez, and many restaurants like Sisserous, Torero, and Ti Amo Downtown get book solid.

Jason Head with Ti Amo Downtown said, "We're almost full and it's before 5:00 when we normally open for regular business."

Pollstar announced its 2016 top six nominations for arena of the year; the list includes Madison Square garden, The Staple Center, and the BOK Center.

"It's kind of mind-blowing that this is here in Tulsa," Owen said.

Owen said he used to go to Dallas for major acts. He said he thinks the BOK Center is doing wonders for Tulsa.

"While we're bringing world-class acts, they can see that we have world-class food and world-class entertainment," he said.

Downtown hotels get swamped, too - the Fairfield Inn and Suites is sold out.

With neighborhood hotels filling up for events like Billy Joel, another hotel is coming soon, which will allow even more people from out of town to come to the BOK Center.

Owen said, "We really stand on the threshold of being able to put Tulsa on the map."

So, if the acts keep coming, downtown business can continue to thrive.

"Nothing better than the BOK, seeing great performances like Billy Joel," Rhymer said.

Head said, "We love having everybody down here, and just looking forward to it."

And the BOK Center isn’t slowing down in 2017; some amazing acts coming include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ariana Grande, Green Day, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill and Pink Floyd's Rodger Waters.