Fans, Restaurants Thrilled As Alan Jackson Concert Marks First At BOK Center In 17 Months

Country singer Alan Jackson is performing in Tulsa Friday night. It’s the first concert at the BOK Center in more than a year and a half.

Restaurant workers said more events at the BOK is music to their ears.

ARENA Pub & Grill never thought they'd be serving in silence. The restaurant signed its lease in January 2020 across the street from the BOK Center.

"It was all based on the BOK and you know that revenue that we could generate off of them,” said Baldo Rodriguez, General Manager. 

ARENA opened its doors last June but business struggled amid the pandemic at first. 

"Restricted hours, capacity limits, mask mandates. The first initial concerts that were scheduled to actually happen everything got pushed back until next year,” said Rodriguez. 

The Alan Jackson Tour was supposed to come to Tulsa in March 2020, but was postponed. Tonight, the extended intermission is over.

“It feels normal again. I mean, it really feels normal," Rodriguez said.

Jackson's performance marks the first concert the BOK is hosting in 17 months.

"That boy can sang that song from a songbook and make a hit,” said fan Robert Alfred. 

The BOK said it's ramped up cleaning protocols both before and after the concert.

Sharon Clanton and Connie Layton are going to the concert with friends to celebrate a few folks big birthdays.

"I'm pleased that the concerts are back and that we're moving forward without masks,” said Clanton. 

Clanton said she’s happy to resume to some normalcy and experience the fun with friends. 

"I just think if you use common sense and good hygiene that you're gonna be safe,” said Layton. 

Layton said it’s shaping up to be a good and safe time. 

Dawn Culp said she's just ready to be getting a paycheck for the first time in over a year.

“I'm the elevator operator. I'm the one that pushes buttons so nobody has to worry about touching buttons,” said Culp.

Robert Alfred said watching virtual concerts just isn't the same. He’s excited to experience it with his girlfriend who he said is a big Jackson fan. 

"We're on the floor - so we're gonna be able to see him close up,” said Alfred. 

Masks are not required at tonight's concert. The BOK said it's leaving the rules up to each performer.