There were some skeptics before it opened about how downtown Tulsa couldn't support a giant arena, but nearly 15 years later, the BOK Center brought many memorable shows and events. Grace Wood, James Watts and Jimmie Tramel discuss their favorites, plus preview upcoming Scene features.
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Scene Writer Jimmie Tramel: Email | Twitter | Follow his stories
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Scene Writer James Watts: Email | Twitter | Follow his stories
Throwback Tulsa: BOK Center groundbreaking 17 years ago
Sept. 29, 2004
The debut of an artist rendering of a design concept by architect César Pelli for a $183 million Tulsa arena.
Jan. 6, 2005
Aug. 3, 2005
The artist rendering of the new Tulsa arena, created by Shouheng Chen of Cesar Pelli & Associates.
Aug. 24, 2006
Jan. 8, 2007
April 7, 2007
April 17, 2007
June 5, 2007
Aug. 10, 2007
Aug. 21, 2007
Oct. 2, 2007
Mayor Kathy Taylor and former Mayor Bill LaFortune stand next to the arena as iron workers perform a topping out ceremony, which celebrates the last beam is placed atop a structure during its construction.
Oct. 18, 2007
Construction of the BOK Center.
Nov. 12, 2007
Jan. 24, 2008
The floor of the BOK Center where water lines are placed to make the ice rink.
Feb. 5, 2008
April 24, 2008
Mayor Kathy Taylor and Bob Eggleston, oversaw construction of the BOK Center, check out the view from the first chairs installed.
June 9, 2008
July 2, 2008
July 23, 2008
César Pelli tours the BOK Center.
Aug. 30, 2008
The morning of the opening ceremonies for the BOK Center.
Aug. 30, 2008
Garth Brooks is introduced during opening ceremonies for the BOK Center.
Sept. 6, 2008
Timothy Schmidt (left), Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh of the Eagles perform at the first official BOK Center concert.
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Scene Writers Jimmie Tramel, James Watts and Grace Wood share some of their most memorable stories of the past year.
James D. Watts Jr.
Scene Writer
I write primarily about the visual, performing and literary arts. Phone: 918-581-8478
Jimmie Tramel
Scene Writer
I cover pop culture and work as a feature writer at the Tulsa World. A former Oklahoma sports writer of the year, I have written books about former OU coach Barry Switzer and former OSU coach Pat Jones. Phone: 918-581-8389
Grace Wood
Staff writer
I write for the Tulsa World because it's important to me to highlight the vibrant culture and community we have in Tulsa. I joined the team in October 2021 and write about music, local businesses, homes and gardens for the Scene section.
