BOK Center | Tulsa

Information

Landmark: BOK Center
City: Tulsa
Country: USA Oklahoma
Continent: North America

BOK Center, Tulsa, USA Oklahoma, North America

The BOK Center is an indoor arena located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. It serves as a venue for sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale performances.

Visual Characteristics

The BOK Center features a distinctive exterior clad in 7,500 panels of iridescent, stainless steel. The structure rises 19 stories and is designed in a contemporary architectural style with a focus on curved forms and reflective surfaces. The arena floor measures approximately 200 feet by 100 feet.

Location & Access Logistics

The BOK Center is situated at 200 S Denver Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103, in the downtown district. It is approximately 0.5 miles south of the Arkansas River. Parking is available in multiple adjacent garages, including the Tulsa Convention Center Garage and the Civic Center Parking Garage. Public transport options include Tulsa Transit bus routes that service the downtown area, with stops within a two-block radius of the arena.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the BOK Center began in 2005 and was completed in 2008. The arena was designed by the architectural firm Populous (formerly HOK Sport) and built by Manhattan Construction. Its primary purpose was to provide a modern, multi-purpose venue for the city of Tulsa.

Key Highlights & Activities

The BOK Center hosts a variety of events, including National Basketball Association (NBA) G League games for the Tulsa 66ers (when active), concerts by major artists, and touring Broadway shows. Attendees can experience live performances and sporting competitions. Seating capacity varies by event configuration, ranging from approximately 15,000 to 19,000.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located on all concourse levels. The arena provides climate-controlled environments. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the venue. Food and beverage vendors are present throughout the concourses, offering a range of concessions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the BOK Center is during scheduled events. For photography of the exterior, late afternoon or early morning light can highlight the reflective qualities of the steel panels. Specific event schedules should be consulted for optimal attendance timing.

Facts & Legends

The BOK Center's design was inspired by the natural forms of the Arkansas River and the surrounding landscape. A unique feature is the arena's ability to reconfigure its seating bowl for different event types, optimizing sightlines and capacity.