Drillers Fans Enjoy New Stadium On Opening Night

It was a big night at ONEOK Field Thursday, and The News On 6 was there to capture some of the sights and sounds.

Thursday, April 8th 2010, 11:02 pm

By: News On 6

Drillers Fans Enjoy New Stadium On Opening Night

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- It was a big night at ONEOK Field Thursday, and The News On 6 was there to capture some of the sights and sounds.

It's really a fun atmosphere; you've got that new ballpark smell, which means hot dogs and popcorn. It's just a place where families can have fun and take in downtown Tulsa.

The sounds of summer and downtown Tulsa were a perfect match, it seems.

"It's great; it's wonderful," said Tulsa resident Bobby Smith. "This is a nice stadium."

"Yeah, it's like a Major League ballpark," said 10-year-old Jack Culver.

The new ONEOK Field is a hit with Drillers fans. There's the Kid Zone in right field, where the youngest fans can burn off a little energy.

"It's fantastic, and what's the coolest part of it is the shades," said Tulsa resident Amanda Mansheim. "We were here on Saturday, totally hot, totally awesome in here."

Fans have plenty of choices to take in the game. While some opt for the rooftop view, a la Wrigley Field, others think it's best to stretch their legs in the lawn seating.

"It's a wonderful stadium, I love the grass," said Broken Arrow resident Molly Vanauken. "Kick back, have fun."

Plus you can get a home run ball.

"That's right, that's right," said Steven Moore, a Broken Arrow resident. "We were here before the game, and they were hitting and four or five landed around us. It was pretty neat."

Finally the moment arrived. Country superstar Tim McGraw made the ceremonial first pitch, and it was game on - a new era in Tulsa history.

What did 8-year-old Katey Moore think of the new stadium?

"Pretty cool," she said.

From talking to fans Thursday night, it seems like they really did think of everything when designing this ballpark. From kids to adults, it's got just about everything.