Fans React To Possible Drillers Move

Tuesday, August 21st 2007, 8:35 pm

By: News On 6

While mayors and developers are talking the dollars and cents of a proposed Drillers move, fans are sounding off on which location they would prefer. The News On 6â€™s Ashli Sims went to Jenks' Riverwalk Crossing and the neighborhoods around 15th and Yale, she reports on the buzz on the ballpark.

After more than 25 years, the Tulsa Drillers are considering packing up home plate and moving to Jenks. The suburb hasn't completed the steal yet, but the folks we talked to at the Jenks Riverwalk are rooting for a new home for the home team.

"I think it's probably ok, yeah, I think it's a good thing," said Tulsa resident Cheryl Howard.

"I think it's a good idea. I think it'd be great revenue, and we're over on this side of the river,â€ Sonya Wesson from Jenks said. â€œAnd we like hanging out over here, so I think it'd be a good thing."

Butch Enterline is a developer and says he sees the business sense in a move. But he also likes the rival location, downtown Tulsa.

"Big proponent of downtown revitalization, especially Tulsa,â€ Norman resident and developer Butch Enterline said. â€œIt's beautiful, the art deco, everything about it, but the visitors to the golf tournament last week were telling me there's nothing downtown, and there needs to be."

Some fans think the Drillers should stay put.

"I think they should leave Drillers Stadium where it is right now, because they already have it built. Why create bigger debt?" Tulsa resident Jeremy Kruse said.

"Oh I don't think they should move it. Itâ€™s a pretty good location, pretty central, it's nice for the neighborhood," said Jennifer Buller of Tulsa.

David Hoffmann mows his lawn just across the street from the stadium. But he says where they play isn't nearly as important as how they play.

"It's no big deal to me, I'll go see a game anywhere really,â€ Tulsan David Hoffmann said. â€œI've been around professional baseball and played all my life, so it's just a matter of going somewhere else. It's what, 20 minutes out there? Who cares?â€

The News On 6 wants to know, where do you want the Drillers to move? You can cast your vote on the homepage of kotv.com, just click here. The poll will be open until 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Related Stories:

8/20/2007 - The Jenks Drillers?

8/21/2007 Jenks Trying To Lure The Drillers From Tulsa

8/21/2007 Previous Plans To Move The Drillers Have All Failed