Some Wonder About Parking At The BOK Center

As the countdown to the BOK ribbon-cutting continues, some are wondering if they will be able to find parking once events get underway.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports the city says there will be plenty of spots for everyone.

It was a big week for the BOK Center, which announced that the Eagles will be its opening act on September 6th.  But, Tim Bannon, a self-described Eagles fan, may not be in the audience.  He wants to go to the concert, but he's stressed about parking.

"The big concern is where do you park when you go to BOK arena that you can get to and from the arena safely," said Tim Bannon.

The BOK Center will hold more than 18,000 people, but no major new parking structures are being built near the facility.  That leaves some wondering if the BOK can accommodate all the extra visitors.

Now, the city contends that there will be plenty of parking. In fact, it says there will be more than 11,000 spots all within about a 10 minute walk to the arena.

"We feel that there are plenty of parking spots available. People will have to park in a garage.  They may have to walk a few blocks," said BOK Center general manager John Bolton.

BOK Center management, which has posted a parking map on its website, points out that between 30,000 and 40,000 people work downtown, and they all find spots.

John Bolton also says that parking and walking is part of the plan.

"You don't want a big flat parking lot around the building. You want downtown to develop.  For people to walk a couple of blocks, go by an eating establishment or a bar or a restaurant, and do those type of things," said BOK Center general manager John Bolton.

BOK management says it has partnered with the T-Town Trolley, which will pick people up from the Blue Dome district.

For big events, officials say Tulsa Transit will provide a shuttle from parking lots to the arena.