Technology Helps Improve OneOK Field

Originally Published: Apr 8, 2010 7:44 PM CDT

Craig Day
Special Contributor to Oklahoma Sports

TULSA, Oklahoma -- By now, many fans are seeing the stunning new ONEOK field in downtown Tulsa.

One part of the stadium you may not see, or really ever get to see, is this. It's like the mission control of ONEOK Field.

"We're coming in at the cutting edge of the newest video board technology as we get prepared here, so it's going to be a great show," David Ruckman, Video Production Coordinator said.

The video board at the old Drillers stadium was on its way out technologically. The new one, is top of the line... 900 square feet from top to bottom. That's larger than many apartments in Tulsa.

"There's a whole lot of new content, that this video board being as good as it is, is going to give us more than enough opportunity to explore exactly what we can do."

"That content includes things that you would expect, like videos, live footage, and graphics. Plus fans will be able to see the speed of the pitch and instant replay for the first time."

It's shot on four new cameras. And there will also be dozens of flat screen tv's all over Oneok field, compared to just a few at the old stadium.

"For the first time ever, in addition to the 360 wrap around concourse we have, fans are able to see the show from anywhere in the ballpark at any time."

And for the first time, Drillers fans can get wireless internet access anywhere in the ballpark.