BOK Center Guests Greeted With New Security Policy

The next time you head to an event at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa, you might want to give yourself a little extra time.

Tuesday night, during the Oilers’ game, the center unveiled its new heightened security protocols.

Each year, 750,000 people go to the BOK Center for things like concerts and sporting events. Tuesday, guests were greeted with 30 new metal detectors and an updated list of what simply will not be allowed inside.

General Manager, Jeff Nickler said, “The steps we've taken here this week will raise us to levels of NHL and NBA arenas, which is a great place to be.”

Nickler said the decision to raise security procedures didn't come from any specific threat to the city or the arena. “It's just something we believe is important and a nationwide way to increase security in concert venues,” he said.

1/4/2016 Related Story: BOK Center Increasing Security Measures For All Events

But for long-time Oilers fan Rodney Orton, he thinks it’s overboard.

“I think it’s silly,” Orton said. "Maybe for a big show it’s a good thing, but for a hockey game? I mean, cmon, we've been coming here for years…seven years."

From here on out, the number of security workers will quadruple at each event.

Medical related items will be allowed, and so will service dogs, but the backpacks and large purses will need to stay at home. There is a new strict policy that you will not be allowed to bring in any bags larger than 13 inches by 15 inches by 6 inches.

“It is a shame that you have to go through something like this to go to sporting event or concert,” Mike Mariano said. “But being the times we live in, sometimes you have to give up a little to ensure your safety.”

The new measures also benefit the safety of the artists that play at the BOK.

A bulk of the extra costs for security is passed along to the promoters and artists who, Nickler said, regularly request a higher level of safety.

There will soon be lines for those that aren’t carrying anything with them for an expedited process.

And, for every event moving forward, ticket holders will be emailed the new policy as a heads up before they travel to take in the show.

The weapons policy will remain the same - not allowed and never have been.