Tim Stanley
Tulsa World Staff Writer
The new Tulsa-themed version of one of history’s most popular board games — showcasing more than 20 sites around the city — received its much-anticipated unveiling Wednesday.
“We know that Tulsans near and far are going to love this game,” said Renee McKenney, president of Tulsa Regional Tourism, who joined other city leaders for an event introducing the new Tulsa edition of the Monopoly game board.
“We’re really excited about this. Thank you, all who are here to celebrate this incredible day.”
Many who attended the event at the Tulsa Zoo were there to represent the area landmarks, businesses, organizations and other favorite spots that are featured on the Tulsa Monopoly game board.
The game makers sought input from Tulsans in deciding on the sites to feature. They said the outpouring of suggestions from Tulsa was more than they’d received with any previous edition of the game.
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Of the overall suggestions, the makers were especially impressed with the number of charities recommended.
“You guys really do take care of each other. It’s just so unique, such a standout factor that I noticed in Tulsa,” said Katie Hubbard, sales executive with the game’s licenser, Top Trumps USA.
“We did our best to listen to the community,” Hubbard added. “Obviously, there are only 22 properties, so there might be a few places that you love that aren’t featured, but I know you’re going to love what’s here.”
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said he loved that Tulsans were so enthusiastic about making suggestions.
“How passionate Tulsans are about where we are as a community right now shows in their desire to be part of this really exciting project,” he said. “It’s exciting for me. This is a big deal for our community.”
As one of the featured sites, officials with the zoo were excited to host the unveiling, they said.
The image chosen for the game to represent the zoo was a photo of Ava, the zoo’s Malayan tiger, who recently was moved to a brand new exhibit.
“The photo is really a symbol of everything that we can accomplish together as a community,” said Jeff James, zoo board chairman.
The new exhibit is “a world-class project that, along with many others, was made possible thanks to the thousands of people who chose to invest in the zoo.”
The new game is the first ever official, licensed Tulsa version of Monopoly.
Tulsa is one of a handful of cities chosen for the honor this year — and the only city in Oklahoma, officials said.
McKenney said: “We are going to be showcasing many of these wonderful attractions across the city, and we’re going to highlight and amplify all of those messages. Places like Discovery Lab and the Gathering Place and the Outsiders House and all the fun things that we get to celebrate that make Tulsa unique.”
Hubbard, who led the unveiling, thanked the crowd.
“This is a beautiful city,” she said. “It’s been so great working with all of you, because you’re all so genuine and wanting to take care of each other and wanting to create something special and unique for your city.”
The game will be sold at a number of local sites, including the Tulsa Zoo’s gift shop, Ida Red, the Outsiders House Museum, Harwelden Mansion and the Church Studio, to name just a few.
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