Bixby's Arena Ready For Show

Bixby's new Spirit Bank Event Center will hold its first concerts this week. 

Monday, September 22nd 2008, 5:21 pm

By: News On 6

By Craig Day, The News On 6

BIXBY, OK -- While the new BOK center is getting a lot of attention, another new arena is turning heads. Bixby's new Spirit Bank Event Center will hold its first concerts this week. ZZ Top, pro wrestling, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith, professional basketball, you name it, it will be held at the new center.

At the new Spirit Bank Event Center, crews are putting the final touches on a facility three and a half years in the making. Vice President Sam Remy is excited the center's opening is just a few days away.

"It's been great to see it go from raw land with nothing here in south Tulsa, to a premiere event center for south Tulsa," said Sam Remy with the Spirit Bank Event Center.

The center has seating for 4,500 people. Many of the seats are retractable, giving the facility more floor space, up to 35,000 square feet.

"We can do car shows, conventions, expos, black tie dinners. Anything you think of we can try to put it in here at the event center," said Sam Remy with the Spirit Bank Event Center.

Four of the center's six luxury suites are already sold.

The arena is just part of the overall development plan that is generating excitement in the area. The $60 million plan also includes retail shops and restaurants.

Outside the arena, development is underway on an entertainment and shopping district. Already, 85% of the available space is already pre-leased. Plus there is a 120 room hotel next door.

"I like to call it a city within a city. It was all developed together, with the same purpose: bring in the venue and bring in the event and having a nightlife to be able to come and eat and come and shop," said Sam Remy with the Spirit Bank Event Center.

The developers believe it adds up to a great destination. Even though it isn't open yet, there are already about 60 events scheduled through late spring of next year.

The soft opening for the facility, Nashville Star, is Thursday. Tickets are already gone. Then, ZZ Top performs on Sunday.