ONEOK Field – Tulsa Drillers

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57

ONEOK Field 201 N Elgin Tulsa, OK 74120

Tulsa Drillers website

ONEOK Field website

Year Opened: 2010

Capacity: 7,833

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Tulsa Time

Located in the historic Greenwood District near downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, ONEOK (pronounced One-Okay) Field has been home to the Tulsa Drillers since 2010. ONEOK also serves as the home pitch for FC Tulsa of the USL and hosts numerous college baseball games and concerts. The construction of ONEOK replaced the venerable Tulsa County Stadium, later renamed Driller Park, which was originally a W.P.A. project located in the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

Serving as the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Drillers have played in Tulsa since 1977, after the Lafayette Drillers moved from Louisiana. Prior to 1977 Tulsa was home to the Triple A Tulsa Oilers, meaning that Tulsa has hosted professional baseball continuously, except for a break during WWII, since 1932. The Drillers have been affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2014, following many years under the Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers, respectively.

Food & Beverage 4

As you enter the park, the smell of concessions wafting through the air is intoxicating. There are over 10 different concession areas from which to choose including the more traditional Golden Driller Grill (Hornsby burger basket, chicken tenders and fries, Driller Dog, nachos, and Frito pie; $4.79 to $12.49) and the more specialty House Divided (Boomtown Coneys, burgers, and specialty Driller Dogs; $12.99 to $36.99). Snack and side items are also available at all the concession stands with options of popcorn, candy, peanuts, chips, French fries, and mac-and-cheese ($2.99 to $6.29).

ONEOK offers numerous drink options from bottled water to Pepsi products and beer ($3.49 to $7.79). Soft drinks are available in either a souvenir cup or a cheaper Styrofoam cup option. Alcoholic drink offerings include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Coors Light, Estrella, Busch Light, and White Claw.

Atmosphere 4

The Driller organization creates a gameday atmosphere that is fun and interactive. With exciting music playing when the gates open and staff members, plus Hornsby the mascot, posted near the gate to greet patrons for high fives and photo opportunities, the expectation is immediately set for a positive experience.

Fan interaction during breaks in play continues throughout the game, as there is an activity planned at least once per inning. Examples include Hornsby’s entrance on a golf cart, the traditional dizzy bat race, a sporting goods mascot race, Simba, and kiss and dance cams, as well as other trivia and challenge games presented on the scoreboard. On hot summer days, there is also a Splash Zone in centerfield behind the batter’s eye that is free for fans to enjoy.

Neighborhood 5

The historic Greenwood District north of downtown Tulsa, once known as Black Wall Street, was one of the wealthiest black neighborhoods in the US in the early 1900s, until being devastated by a race riot in 1921. Today, the neighborhood has a mix of historical landmarks, lively entertainment options, museums, and new construction as the area continues to progress into the future.

Just a few of the attractions within walking distance of the ballpark include the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, Bob Dylan Center, Woody Guthrie Center, Center of the Universe, and Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center. In addition, the BMX Hall of Fame and Museum, Outsiders Museum, Tulsa Zoo, and the popular public park The Gathering Place are all just a short drive away, and worth the trip if time allows.

After game drinking hangouts are easily accessible as well; Historic Cain’s Ballroom, built in 1924, plus other bars such as McNellie’s Irish Pub, Arnie’s Bar, Fassler Hall, and Elgin Park Brewery (across the street from the main gate) are all within blocks of ONEOK.

No matter what your palette desires, you should be able to find a restaurant within blocks of the stadium to satisfy you. Eating establishments within a long fly ball include Sweet Lisa’s Soul Food Cafe, Honey Love Wings, Noche Woodfired Grill, Lone Wolf Banh Mi, and Sisserou’s Caribbean, as well as many others.

Fans 4

Driller fans are both knowledgeable and loyal – Tulsa has averaged over 5000 fans consistently since the MiLB restructuring and Covid-19, ranking the team in the top 10 of both total and average fan attendance annually.

The stands are filled with a mix of young families with children, professional adults, and older couples, all enjoying the American pastime. Children can also enjoy the freedom of open space and the playground in the outfield, while fans desiring a more serious baseball experience can do so from the comfort of their stadium seats.

The fans here know baseball, and root for their hometown team. Their appreciation for mascots Hornsby and Oily, a throwback to previous generations of the team, also shows their bond with the team.

Access 5

Tulsa, as the second largest city in Oklahoma with a metro population of just over 1 million and approximately 130 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, is easily accessible from any destination via Tulsa International Airport, or from major thoroughfares such as Interstate 44, Interstate 40, or Highway 75. ONEOK Field sits merely 8 miles from the airport, which is normally less than a 15 minute rideshare or drive, depending on traffic and possible construction.

Downtown Tulsa and Greenwood are surrounded by an inner-dispersal loop consisting of I-244, Highway 64, and Highway 75, meaning that getting to the ballpark is fairly simple no matter from which direction you enter the city.

There are three different points of entry into the stadium – the main gate and the “Oil Derrick” gate are both located along N. Elgin Avenue on the west side. In addition, the Osage Casino Hotel entry is located on the north side of the stadium along Greenwood Avenue.

Return on Investment 5

The Drillers offer many promotions and giveaways during the season to help fans feel like they are getting more than quality baseball for their investment. With $2 Tuesdays, limited to outfield tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, and ice cream novelties are only $2, allowing fans to catch a game on a limited budget. Other notable promotions include Happy Half Hour, Kids Sunday, and Thirsty Thursday $3 drink offers.

Ticket prices range from $10 to $28 including online purchasing fees when purchased through the MLB ticketing website, which is on the lower end of Double-A price structures. When considering the availability of plenty of free parking, as well as concession prices that are average to below average in price, the ROI at OneOK Field is near the top of minor league teams.

Extras 5

The splash pad in centerfield deserves special recognition; only those who have experienced a hot Oklahoma summer day would understand.

Free parking near the entrance to the ballpark is worth noting. While there are some businesses that offer cheap ($5 to $10) parking options just blocks away, there is also street side parking for no charge.

Extra credit is also added for the friendliness and accommodation of the staff. Oklahomans are known to be friendly, and the ballpark staff does nothing but reinforce this image.

The neighborhood and availability of American history within blocks of the stadium create a perfect setting for baseball fans and visitors to spend an entire day, or more, without ever needing a vehicle.

The team store has a plethora of souvenir options, especially caps – Tulsa has as many different hat styles to choose from as many major league team.

The most recent game I attended was also extremely cold, so to warm fans’ spirits and bodies, the Drillers provide patrons with unlimited free hot chocolate.

Final Thoughts

The Tulsa Drillers offer a wonderful gameday experience in a beautiful urban setting. Based on the promotion and giveaway schedule, most games offer either a discounted experience or a souvenir upon entry. The in-game entertainment keeps fans of all ages engaged and helps bridge the gap between innings.

For pure baseball fans, Tulsa offers quality Double-A baseball with teams of the Texas League visiting. At any point in the season, top prospects on both teams will be playing, so witnessing the future of major league baseball up close becomes a privilege.

This writer has found that ONEOK Field should be on any baseball fan’s bucket list, and can be combined with several other nearby destinations for weekend or longer baseball-themed trips.