It's Crunch Time For ONEOK Field's Last-Minute Preps

Construction crews and Tulsa Drillers employees are doing a lot of last-minute work to get ready for opening day of ONEOK Field.   <br /><br /><a href="oneokfield.com/" target="_blank">ONEOK Field</a> | <a href="http://tulsa.drillers.milb.com/">Tulsa Drillers</a>

Wednesday, April 7th 2010, 1:58 pm

By: News On 6

It's Crunch Time For ONEOK Field's Last-Minute Preps

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- It's crunch time as the countdown to opening day at Tulsa's new downtown ballpark begins. Construction crews are finishing up the last minute projects at ONEOK Field for Thursday night's opening game and a new chapter in Drillers baseball history.

But first construction crews are working overtime before fans pack the stands and players take the field.

Those crews want to make sure there are plenty of hits with fans, but no errors when ONEOK field opens.

Just a day before the opening pitch at Tulsa's new downtown ballpark , and everyone is pitching in to make sure all of the last minute details are taken care of before ONEOK Field's first game. Workers are moving at a brisk pace to get everything just right.

"It's crunch time, yeah," said banner installer Amy Ginn. "We're putting some graphics on the popcorn machine."

From wiping down every single seat, to wiring for the food carts, sweeping to stocking - there is a lot that needs to be done. And time is running out.

"It's real hectic," said Josh Sala of Amax Sign Company. "A bunch of people trying to finish up a bunch of last minute stuff."

Ryan Samolewski, Food Service Supervisor, is checking through supplies to make sure all is ready for hungry fans.

"We've got the pop coolers to fill up," he said. "All of our utensils, cleaning supplies."

"Oh I think we're under the gun, but no pressure," Ginn said.

For many, it's been exciting working on the project and seeing the new home of the Tulsa Drillers take shape.

But there isn't much time to stop and admire the new ballpark.

"We've done a lot of work out here," Sala said, "and this is pretty much the final touches of what we have got to do out here."

"We're trying to get a lot done in a short amount of time, but I think we're, I think we're on schedule," said banner installer Amy Ginn.

With a project like this, they really can't go to extra innings, so they'll keep working while the clock keeps ticking toward a new era in Drillers baseball.

The opening day roster is set. The pregame festivities and opening ceremonies begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at ONEOK field.