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PrintDrillers - Special section - ONEOK Field's multi-purpose uses
Think ONEOK Field is just for baseball? Think again.
Make no mistake: Chuck Lamson, Tulsa Drillers president and majority owner, is excited about ONEOK Field as a venue for baseball. But if you ask him, he’ll concede that he’s even more enthusiastic about something else.
“I’m most excited about the flexibility of the ballpark, not just for Drillers events but for the multi-purpose aspect of it,” Lamson says.
“Multi-purpose” is the right word. Whether your interest is live music, car shows or perhaps exchanging vows, ONEOK Field may become your destination. The stadium was specifically designed to host a wide range of cultural and civic events, both large and small, many of which would not have been as feasible at the old Drillers Stadium.
Take concerts, for example. At the old stadium, it was difficult to get 18-wheelers into the facility without doing substantial damage to the field. Concert promoters will likely appreciate ONEOK Field’s special 18-wheeler access road off of Greenwood Avenue when it’s time to load in or load out. Special gating allows all or just part of the field to be used, depending on event needs. And a spacious auxiliary locker room on the service level of the stadium can double as a promoter’s office.
Large-scale charitable events will also benefit from many of these same conveniences. One such gathering is already on the books: The Tulsa Area United Way will hold its Day of Caring kickoff rally at ONEOK Field in September.
“ONEOK Field was absolutely our top choice of venues to kick off the 2010 campaign and Day of Caring,” says Mark Graham, president and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. “I think teaming up our 86-year legacy with Tulsa’s newest icon will make for a powerful and high-energy launch.”
Nor is the playing field the only option for special events. For anyone planning a wedding, sports banquet, holiday party or corporate sales meeting, the 2,000-square-foot luxury Conference Center on the stadium’s suite level will seat about 125 people. Adjacent is the exterior but covered Refinery Deck, which can seat about 200 more and affords expansive views of both the playing field and the downtown skyline. Combining the two areas creates an indoor-outdoor space suitable for events with anywhere from 200 to 350 guests.
Regardless of event size, amenities include the ability to serve dinner and play DVDs. Full-scale kitchen and beverage departments are available to customize food and drink needs for all groups, and the Conference Center has an array of audio-visual equipment, allowing for the recording and replay of meetings or other events.
“Flexibility, and the ability to do a multitude of events, will give us not only a great opportunity to increase revenues but also to be successful in one of our goals, which is to draw more people to the downtown area,” Lamson says.
Editor’s note: Those interested in booking all or part of the stadium for a special event can contact any member of the Drillers’ front office team at 744-5901.
