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2568x1445-Stadium_Map_Tulsa_ONEOK

Explore Tulsa's ONEOK Field 

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@BensBiz
November 14, 2022

Welcome to Tulsa's ONEOK Field, located in the city's historic Greenwood District. Hobnob with a blue bull and grab a gargantuan order of Street Fries before settling in to watch the hometown Drillers.

Tulsa Drillers (Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2015)
Established: 1977
League: Texas League
Ballpark: ONEOK Field (opened 2010)
Championships: 1982, 1988, 1998, 2018
Notable Alumni: Matt Holliday, Sammy Sosa, Iván Rodriguez, Charlie Blackmon, Walker Buehler, Gabe Kapler

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In 1977, the Lafayette Drillers relocated to Tulsa, where they became the Tulsa Drillers. There clearly was no need to change the team name, given the importance of the oil economy to the Tulsa region. In fact, the city's previous Minor League team had been named the Oilers.

The Drillers have always been members of the Double-A Texas League (which operated as Double-A Central for the 2021 season). They were affiliated with the Texas Rangers from 1977-2002, followed by 12 seasons with the Colorado Rockies. Their current affiliation with the Los Angeles Dodgers began in 2015.

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ONEOK Field

Ballpark Location (via Google Maps)
Tulsa Drillers Schedule
Tulsa Drillers Roster

201 N. Elgin Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74120
(918) 744-5998

Capacity: 7,833
Dimensions: left field, 330 feet; center field, 400 feet; right field, 307 feet

Park Factors (2021-22)
100 = league average
Runs: 92 | Homers: 92 | Hits: 93
Texas League environment: 5.26 runs per team per game (third-highest among 11 full-season leagues)

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From their inception through 2009, the Drillers played at aptly-named Oiler Park (1977-80) and Drillers Stadium (1980-2009), the latter of which is situated on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds. ONEOK -- pronounced "one oak" -- Field made its debut in 2010. The ballpark is located within Tulsa's historic Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street. This neighborhood rose to prominence in the early 20th century, growing into a self-sustaining community with over 600 Black-owned businesses. In 1921, it was burned to the ground by a violent white mob, a horrific attack now known as the Tulsa race massacre.

The Drillers took part in 2021's city-wide centennial commemoration of the race massacre, hosting ballpark events and commissioning a large mural of Jackie Robinson that overlooks the field.

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ONEOK Field is located in close proximity to John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, which memorializes the Tulsa race massacre. The Pathway to Hope, a trail that connects the Greenwood District with Reconciliation Park, opened in 2021 and runs directly behind the stadium. This isn't the only new addition to the surroundings. The Vast Bank Building, completed in 2019, looms over the right-field corner. In 2022, this was joined by The View apartment complex, situated behind the ballpark between the right-field foul pole and scoreboard.

The Vast and The View join a neighborhood stalwart. The U-Haul of Downtown Building, towering beyond left-center field, is topped with a full-size U-Haul truck.

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ONEOK Field has a brick and zinc exterior, designed to blend in with nearby Art Deco-style buildings. The facility is emblematic of 21st-century Minor League Ballparks in that it features an expansive field-level seating bowl, 360-degree concourse and numerous group areas. There are two spacious outfield berm areas, with the one in right field overlooking the home and away bullpens.

Improvements and additions have been made to ONEOK Field throughout its existence, including a massive team store, kid's splash zone, rebranded and colorfully painted concession stands and the Busch Scoreboard Bar (located, as its name would suggest, directly underneath the scoreboard).

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Concessions

There are 21 concession stands and carts throughout ONEOK Field, resulting in food and beverage plentitude. Beat the heat with frozen drinks from the Libation Station, which offers the unique concoction that is the Higher Noon (a High Noon seltzer with a frozen margarita in a separate container on top). If you only get one thing, make it the Street Fries. This massive portion of spuds is served on a metal tray and topped with pulled pork, cheese, onions, bacon and more. Other highlights include the Brisket Baked Potato, Chicken Nachos and the Texas League Turkey Sandwich. In short: Bring your appetite.

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Mascot

Hornsby arrived on the scene in 1996 and never left. Why would he? The ebullient blue bull is a huge part of the Drillers' identity, and one of Tulsa's most recognizable citizens. Hornsby is known for his on-field "Joke of the Day" and creative on-field skits, and when the team needs a boost, he's always the one leading the charge.

Where to Stay

Headed to the stadium and looking for a hotel nearby? Your Wyndham is waiting. As the Official Hotel of Minor League Baseball, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts welcomes baseball fans with a portfolio of 24 trusted brands. Find Hotels by Wyndham closest to the ballpark below and book now at wyndhamhotels.com.

• Ramada by Wyndham Tulsa
• Wingate by Wyndham Tulsa
• Days Inn by Wyndham Tulsa Central
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tulsa Airpt / Expo Square
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tulsa Downtown/Route 66

Local Attractions

First and foremost, take the time to explore the Greenwood District neighborhood of which ONEOK Field is a part. Greenwood Rising, a museum that opened in 2021, tells the story of Black Wall Street, the Tulsa race massacre and the neighborhood's ongoing efforts to keep its legacy of Black entrepreneurship alive. Timed-entry tickets are required, so it's best to buy in advance.

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Before or after spending time at Greenwood Rising, walk the Pathway of Hope to John Franklin Reconciliation Park and then back to Greenwood proper to explore its shops and restaurants. ONEOK Field is also in walking distance of the Woody Guthrie Center, which pays tribute to the radical folk artist's peripatetic life and rich legacy. In 2022, the Woody Guthrie Center was joined by the nearby Bob Dylan Center, home to over 100,000 items related to his life and times.

Fans of "UHF," the 1989 cult comedy starring "Weird Al" Yankovic, should know that it was largely filmed in Tulsa. Put together a self-guided tour of filming locations, which includes the building that was transformed into Spatula City. Nothing says "I love you" like the gift of a spatula.

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Food and Drink

Fat Guy's Burger Bar, located at the back end of ONEOK Field, is "the home of the Fat and Juicy." This isn't a generalized statement, but an actual menu item consisting of a butter and cheese-filled double burger. Proceed with caution. Lone Wolf, located a short walk from the ballpark, slings banh mi sandwiches, a variety of fried rice bowls (see picture above) and their signature Kimchi Fries. For literally elevated cuisine, head up to In the Raw Vu. This sushi establishment is located on the top floor of the Vast Building, which overlooks ONEOK Field.

There are many barbecue options throughout the city. As always, your best bet is to ask a local, but here are three decent spots to get you started: Leon's Smoke Shack BBQ, Oakhart Barbecue (see below) and Albert G's.

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Moving On

Make the Drillers part of a road trip that includes four Texas League teams in four states, with none of the states being Texas. From Tulsa, head to Wichita, Kan. to see the Wind Surge (Twins affiliate); Springfield, Mo., to see the Cardinals and Springdale, Ark., to see the Naturals (Royals affiliate). If it's a Texas League team based in Texas you're looking for, then the Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers affiliate) are a straight shot south.

Perhaps the simplest road trip option is to stay in-state and in-system. The Oklahoma City Dodgers, located one rung above the Drillers, are located approximately 105 miles to the southeast via I-44.

The Road to Los Angeles

The Dodgers' system begins in the greater Los Angeles area and then detours to Midland, Mich., before making a pair of stops in Oklahoma.

Single-A: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
High-A: Great Lakes Loons
Double-A: Tulsa Drillers
Triple-A: Oklahoma City Dodgers

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credits: Benjamin Hill, who covers the business and culture of Minor League Baseball, has visited 186 Minor League ballparks.