Greetings!
Decades ago Tulsa was known as the magic city and this Labor Day weekend, the magic continues. Our city’s new point of pride – the BOK Center – will open its doors to Tulsans for a historical showing of Tulsa’s brand-new icon.
The grand opening of the BOK Center is a dream-come-true for Tulsans. Nearly five years ago, Tulsans came together and approved Vision 2025 to boldly move our city forward. Today, the arena’s gleaming circular shape is an amazing source of pride for our city. Congratulations, Tulsa – see what we can do when we work together!
So please join me in a special celebration and grand-opening of the BOK Center this weekend. Special guests Garth Brooks and Hanson will be on hand for the long-awaited BOK Center ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 30. During this ceremony there will be live music by Tulsa’s own Booker T. Washington “High Steppin T-Connection” marching band playing “Oklahoma” at the 3rd Street and Denver Avenue Grand Entrance.
Immediately following the dedication ceremony, the Community Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can tour the gorgeous new building, meet with representatives from upcoming shows, sign up for giveaways, enjoy $1 concessions and music from popular local acts such as: Midlife Crisis, Rebecca Ungerman and the Frank Brown Orchestra, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and more.
Another free event takes place from 3 to 4:15 p.m., Sunday, August 31, for a 500-person community chorus called, “One Song, Many Voices.” Sam Harris, Oklahoma native and Broadway and TV star will be there for this exciting event.
Posters commemorating BOK Center’s grand opening will be distributed to everyone who attends these free events. Free parking is available downtown at 100 West Garage located two blocks east of the arena on First Street.
Make sure you bring your family to these spectacular weekend events. The new arena is certainly beautiful on the outside, but it is absolutely jaw-dropping on the inside! Come celebrate the BOK Center grand opening with us and experience the magic that is…Tulsa!
Sincerely,
Kathy Taylor
I Believe in Tulsa!
BOK Center Opens on
Labor Day Weekend!
While the summer Olympic games are wrapping up in Beijing, we are preparing for our own Olympic-scale event! This Labor Day weekend the city’s newest and greatest jewel – the Cesar Pelli-designed BOk Center – will open its doors to Tulsans, a magical moment eagerly awaited since 2003.
This is your unique opportunity to see the ins and outs of the arena! Our very own celebrity guest Garth Brooks will be present during the grand-opening festivities. Entrance is free for all, and you can enjoy a number of great activities.
City, Drillers Reach Agreement
Mayor Kathy Taylor and Tulsa Drillers President Chuck Lamson announced Saturday, August 23, that they have reached an agreement, in principal, to build a new ballpark for the Drillers in the historic Greenwood District in downtown Tulsa. The agreement comes after more than eight months of negotiations between the two parties.
“I am thrilled that we were able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that will really super-charge our exciting development and revitalization efforts in the area,” said Taylor. “The 70 Drillers home games along with other events throughout the year will bring over 400,000 additional people to downtown each and every year for affordable family entertainment. We believe this new state-of-the-art stadium will ultimately play host to over 100 days of activity each year. A new ballpark in downtown Tulsa has long been a dream of mine for the Tulsa Drillers and their loyal fans.”
Upcoming PLANiTULSA Workshops in September
It's been more than 30 years since Tulsa's comprehensive plan has been updated – a new plan is needed to ensure Tulsa has a bright and promising future. Mayor Kathy Taylor is calling for citizens to give their input and help shape the future of our city by participating in two PlaniTulsa workshops in September. Please save the following dates and times on your calendar:
Monday, September 22 – 6 to 9 p.m. at the Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood Ave.
Tuesday, September 23 – 1 to 4 p.m. at the BOK Center, 200 S. Denver. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Be sure to look for more information in subsequent issues of Tulsa E-news. Or, you can pre-register for either workshop by going online at www.PLANiTULSA.org or calling (918) 576-5684.
BeGreen Without
Breaking the Bank
It’s time to head back to school, and that means money woes for many college students. And what’s more, it’s tough to remember to “think green” when you’re on a budget.
College students have plenty to worry about – but luckily, there are a few easy ways you can be green without breaking the bank.
Tulsa is a Preserve
America Community
It’s official. Tulsa is working to Preserve America. Last Thursday Mayor Kathy Taylor accepted an official certificate with Tulsa’s national designation as a Preserve America Community. Dr. Bob Blackburn, Oklahoma’s State Historic Preservation Officer, made the presentation in the lobby of the downtown Philtower building.
“This confirms what we in Tulsa have known for many years – that our community has a rich collection of historic resources,” Mayor Taylor said. “We are especially proud to achieve this designation with the National Preservation Conference coming to Tulsa in October.”
Tulsa International AirportPartners With Airfare Website
Tulsa International Airport is partnering with Airfarewatchdog.com to provide prospective travelers a convenient tool for locating low airline fares.
Airfarewatchdog.com is an airfare comparison, alert, and listing site that hunts for exceptionally low airline fares. When low fare is found with a sufficient number of seats, a listing will be posted on their website.
Airfarewatchdog.com is the only site on the World Wide Web that compares Southwest Airlines’ fares with those sold by other airlines.