Tulsa Drillers Management Thrilled With Fan Attendance

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Tulsa Drillers have played ten games at ONEOK Field. They've won only two, but are the field and downtown a winner regardless?

The Tulsa Drillers are averaging 6,200 fans per game. The only major complaint about ONEOK Field seems to be the Drillers performance on it.

The Driller faithful witnessed Sunday what, so far, has been a rare accomplishment this season -- a home win. The 2-8 home record isn't bothering most fans.

"We love it. We haven't really been paying attention, but we're enjoying being here," one fan told The News On 6.

"Loving it. I have two kids that are having a blast man. Just let them roll around in the grass, watch the game," said another fan.

While not enamored with the results on the field, Drillers General Manager Mike Melega says feedback about the stadium has exceeded even his expectations.

"I think you expect you're going to have some learning experience and learning curve, but I think for the most part, fan's response has been humongous. It's been great. It's been positive," said Melega.

Melega says the team has benefited from, among other things, a stretch of sunny weather. Surprisingly, very few are complaining about downtown parking.

"That's all we heard about for 18 months. No parking complaints to date. Everything's been mostly positive," said Melega.

Fans were positive Sunday, saying ONEOK Field has lived up to the hype.

"I'm a diehard fan, and this is something I've really been looking forward to, bringing baseball back to downtown," a fan said.

"It's a lot better than the old Driller Stadium. There's a lot more space, and it's just great for the family and kids," said a fan.

And management hopes victories like Sunday's become part of the experience as well.

"I'd say the only thing that's missing is a few more wins for the Drillers," said Melega.

The Drillers projected a total attendance of 400,000 for the entire season. At the current pace, they say they will surpass that estimate. 

4/8/2010  Related Story: Drillers Fans Enjoy New Stadium On Opening Night