Taking A Tour Of ONEOK Field In Downtown Tulsa

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- There is a now a $39 million ballpark in the historic Greenwood District of Tulsa.  But it is more than just baseball park; it is a downtown entertainment destination.

From the moment you pass under the big oil derrick, and through the gates you can't help but notice Tulsa has hit a home run with ONEOK Field. 

And there isn't a bad seat in the house.  There are 5,300 seats, not counting the suites.

But wait, there is another option.  Fans can watch the game from the grassy areas in the outfield.

"I kind of like the old idea of being able to throw down a blanket or towel," said Jason George, Drillers Assistant GM.  

If you sit out there, you'll want to be ready just in case a ball is hit in your direction.

"We've never been able to catch home run balls in Tulsa before," said Jason George. 

There has never been a playground just past centerfield either. 

"The kid zone.  It's fantastic," said George. 

Jason George says another fantastic part about ONEOK Field is its concourse that runs all the way around the ballpark. 

"You've never been able to get this close before to baseball in Tulsa," said Jason George. 

From the Tiki Deck in leftfield, with room for groups of 75 to 135 people... 

"Kind of a Caribbean theme, Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffet type theme," Jason George said. 

To the larger covered group refinery deck in rightfield where you and friends can grab a seat at the picnic tables.  There is a great spot at ONEOK Field for every fan. 

"This right field corner is a place where fans will be able to see weird hops and bounces on the field and they'll also be able to see home run balls literally fly out of the stadium," said Jason George. 

It all amounts to a grand slam for Tulsa, something to be proud of as we get closer to a new era of Tulsa Drillers baseball. 

"It's still the Drillers, but it really is ten times better entertainment I think," said Jason George. 

ONEOK Field also has an expanded Hornsby Hangout area just off of the leftfield corner.  There will be more inflatables, and other games, including an extreme bungee jump.

Related stories:
4/7/2010 From Groundbreaking In 2008 To Today, ONEOK Field's Timeline
4/7/2010 It's Crunch Time For ONEOK Field's Last-Minute Preps
4/7/2010 Driving And Parking Tips For ONEOK Field
4/8/2010 From 1893 To 2010, A History Of Tulsa Drillers
4/8/2010 ONEOK Field In Downtown Tulsa Is Really High Tech
4/8/2010 Downtown Businesses Hope For Boost From Drillers Baseball
4/8/2010 Drillers Fans Enjoy New Stadium On Opening Night
4/8/2010 Drillers Super Fan Celebrates Season Opener