Press - Taylor Turns Over the Keys to BOK Center

"This is a new beginning! An opportunity for Tulsa to soar to new heights—to take its place in the world with a world class architectural marvel. Here in your home. Tulsa!"

With those words and an enthusiastic round of applause from a crowd of Tulsans, Taylor began the official ceremony to "turn over the keys" of the new BOK Center to the citizens who paid for it. 

A joint services honor guard presented the colors while Byrd Middle School seventh grader Amari Gills sang the national anthem.

The Mayor pointed to the key leaders and the many teams that propelled a 10-year vision into a reality. She first pointed to Mayor Bill LaFortune whom Taylor said had the "heart" for his city and for creating a brighter future. His passion was for an arena that would be world-class in design and that would bring Tulsa into a national and international spotlight.

County Commisioner Bob Dick was credited with the courage to wage the often tumultuous political battles necessary to fund the project that was eventually funded through a county-wide Vision 2025 sales tax initiative. Ultimately, Dick was successful in forming a coalition of surrounding communities to pass the initiative. The Mayor then singled out the efforts of former Tulsa Chamber President Ron King who worked with the private sector to fund the Vision 2025 campaign.

Architect Cesar Pelli was on hand to outline the design features of the structure and BOK Chief Executive Officer Stan Lybarger pointed to the partnerships forged by the investments of citizens and the business community to make the project a reality.

Hometown favorites and international music stars Hansen and Garth Brooks took a prominent role in pointing out how the new arena will be a draw for top entertainment acts to perform in Tulsa.  "Let's talk about music!" said Brooks. "Some of the greatest artists in the world are going to be coming through here and I just hope I am fortunate enough to be one of them."

The Booker T. Washington band ushered the dignitaries and the public into the new building following the ribbon cutting in time for a performance of "Oklahoma" by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra.

"We have succeeded in constructing a new foundation on which to build the rich tradition of our city and a new chapter in our history," said Taylor.  "The story of the BOK Center and how it will reflect our sense of community within and outside its walls...has just begun to be written."