BOK Center Open Following Dedication Ceremony

Tulsa's new arena, The BOK Center, is officially open to the public. Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor hosted a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday morning.

As News On 6's Emory Bryan reports, five years after the public voted to build an arena, a crowd lined up to wait for the opening.

Tulsa's dignitaries past and present were there, but no one got a warmer welcome than singer Garth Brooks. Brooks was the main attraction for Ashley Bear, and he noticed her OSU colors.

"I've never got to meet or see him, just came out to see the big show," said Ashley Bear of Broken Arrow.

Tulsa's hometown band Hanson was there too.

"This is a great, great day for Oklahoma," said singer Garth Brooks.

After a brief ceremony, the ribbon was cut. The crowd surged in, giving most people their first look inside.

"It's pretty impressive so far. I'm glad we're finally getting something like this here," said Debbie Henry of Tulsa.

"Think it looks good, real good," said Tommy Brooks of Tulsa.

A construction worker came back to see how it turned out.

"Looking at it in prints and pieces isn't anything compared to seeing it when it's all put together," said BJ Dorsey, construction worker.

Even with all the celebrities there for the ribbon cutting, the star of the show was the building itself.

The architecture attracted a lot of attention at the start of a day-long open house. No one left any happier than Ashley, who got a hug and autograph from Brooks.

"It was really great. He's a wonderful guy," said Bear.

And with the completion of the building, generations of Oklahomans will have a place to see top talent close to home.

The festivities continue on Sunday with a multi-faith celebration, One Song, Many Voices, beginning at 3:00pm. A 500-person community choir will perform as well as Broadway star Sam Harris.

Free parking is available at the 100 West garage, located between 1st and 2nd Streets on Cheyenne, courtesy of American Parking.

This will be the final public event before the Eagles perform on Saturday, September 6th.