ONEOK Field Hits Grand Slam With Open House

The new Tulsa Drillers ONEOK Field hit a home run with fans on Saturday when an open house gave them a sneak peak of the new facility. Take a tour with The News On 6 and learn about our coverage plans for opening day. <br /><br /><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t260" target="_blank">Tulsa Drillers</a> | <a href="http://kotv.com/utils/slideshow/?id=c2e5055f-cd53-494c-9029-a3cf6768a0a7 " target="_blank">Slideshow</a>

Saturday, April 3rd 2010, 6:05 pm

By: News On 6

ONEOK Field Hits Grand Slam With Open House

By Jennifer Broaddus, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- It's been said first impressions are lasting impressions and the Driller's new ONEOK Field hit a home run with fans.

On Saturday, the team opened the stadium to give fans a sneak peak.

"What do you guys think? Do you think it's going to inspire you to play ball," asked Frosty Turpen, Little League coach.

His team may just be in the little leagues, but they're big on baseball and big fans of the ballpark.

"It's beautiful," said catcher Matthew Turpen.

ONEOK Stadium Open House

It's more than green grass and shiny new seats. The coach says his team will be there to watch their heroes.

I think it's important for them to come down here and see the ball park and experience in and, you know, baseball's a part of their lives," Coach Turpen said. "It's a good thing for them."

Although the old Drillers Stadium and the new ONEOK Field are roughly the same size, both hold close to 8,000 people. Fans say the two stadiums are worlds apart.

"It's like a Ford and a Cadillac," said David Bell, who is a Drillers fan.

"It's a Wrigley Park," Turpen said. "It's 100% difference. Some of the people said it's like a minor Wrigley Park."

It's a difference that the Driller's hope will draw crowds and bring excitement downtown.

"It's really going to change the way people enjoy Driller baseball when they come out," said Brian Carroll, director of media and public relations.

And this is one change that isn't going to strike out with Tulsa.

"Oh, it's just beautiful. Let's see, it's just fabulous. You should at least come out and give it a try. The background, and the city and the green grass; it's just stunning," said Drillers fan David Bell.

Opening day is less than a week away for Tulsa's new Drillers ballpark. The News On 6 will broadcast live from the new stadium. We'll have stories on the team's history and features at the new stadium. In recognition of this new milestone for the city, The News On 6 will broadcast the first game live on Tulsa's CW starting at 7 p.m. on April 8th.

So, if you can't go to the game, join sports director John Holcomb for the broadcast.