Tulsa's BOK Center received a top honor from an industry organization for its ability to host first-class events.
The International Entertainment Buyers Association awarded it the "2016 Arena of the Year." It beat out other notable venues like Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
But, it's also one of the only venues of its kind without a major pro or college team to call it home. The Tulsa Oilers are the BOK Center's only permanent resident. And, while the minor league hockey team draws a few thousand for its games, the arena's general manager Jeff Nickler says the place really gets rockin' for concerts.
“As long as we keep selling out these giant shows, these blockbuster artists are going to come back to Tulsa,” said Nickler.
Ticket sales, superior acoustics, and award-winning hospitality are big reasons the BOK Center is able to book mega-music acts. And, it's why record labels, agents and promoters named it the top arena venue in the country.
Nickler says the BOK Center staff has worked hard to establish good relationships with industry professionals.
“So, these guys who are sitting in these offices in L.A. and Nashville and New York are really fond of the venue,” said Nickler.
The BOK Center was developed with Tulsa’s initial Vision 2025 money. It's become an entertainment hub for the American heartland region and continues to peak the interest of new events.
“Just this past weekend we had a sold out NBA pre-season game,” said Nickler. “We flipped it the next day to Toby Keith, and the following day we made ice.”
The Tulsa Oilers will hold their season home opener at the BOK Center on Friday, October 21. But, Nickler says they haven't felt the need to recruit and house a major pro or college team because they're one of the few arenas making money from live music.
“A lot of venues quite frankly even lose money,” said Nickler. “We've been really fortunate to sustain a multi-million dollar profit every year, which is really unprecedented in the live entertainment industry.”
According to Nickler, the arena's suites and VIP areas are booked year-round, and most concerts near the 19,199 seat capacity. Now, BOK Center management company SMG Tulsa hopes to reinvest in the venue to keep it top notch.
“Obviously capital investments to make sure our technology stays up to date,” said Nickler. “To add additional premium seating areas, additional food and beverage options. Really to stay on the cutting edge of everything happening in this industry.”
The BOK Center's management received two more nods for its outstanding work. Venues Today magazine nominated general manager Jeff Nickler and marketing director Meghan Doyle for its "Hall of Headlines" Awards.
Nickler developed the Mother Road Revival Music Festival honoring Tulsa’s historic Route 66. The five-day event drew more than 15-thousand fans and included Grammy-winning artist Jason Isbell, along with Shakey Graves and Lucero.
Doyle helped put together an unforgettable backstage experience for singer Arianna Grande. Knowing Grande’s love of animals, SMG staff surprised her in the green room with eight adorable puppies from the Animal Rescue Foundation of Tulsa. Grande adopted a Yorkie named “Strauss” on the spot.
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