BOK Center #12 venue in US, #32 in world
Over seven years after opening, BOK Center continues to maintain its status as one of the world’s busiest concert arenas. Friday Pollstar announced their 2016 First Quarter Top 100 Arena Venues based on ticket sales and the BOK Center finished #12 in the United States and #32 in the world.
BOK Center was also the highest ranked arena in the continental United States managed by SMG, the Philadelphia-based venue operator that manages over 230 facilities, nearly 70 arenas, and over 1.75 million seats worldwide.
“We couldn't have this sustained success without the support of the loyal fans along with the agents and promoters who continue to believe in the Tulsa market” said BOK Center General Manager Jeff Nickler. "Tulsans have a great deal of civic pride in this venue and it is reflected by our ever-growing list of sold-out shows.”
Madonna at BOK Center. Photo: Greg Duke, Tulsa Today
The first quarter of 2016 was highlighted by Madonna’s first ever visit to the State of Oklahoma. The “Queen of Pop” played the venue on January 14 as part of her highly acclaimed “Rebel Heart Tour.” BOK Center also hosted sold-out concerts by the bands Tool and Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden selected Tulsa as one of only nine U.S. cities for their worldwide “Book Of Souls Tour.”
The O2 (London) topped the overall rankings and Barclays Center (Brooklyn) garnered the top United States spot.
Several other SMG facilities made the top 100 including Wichita’s INTRUST Bank Arena. (ranked 81st in the world) and Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena (ranked 95th in the world). The rankings are determined by tickets sold worldwide for concerts from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016.
Pollstar totals do not include tenant sport team ticket counts, some family shows, or SMG-produced special events. Pollstar is a weekly trade publication covering the worldwide concert industry.
BOK Center has already announced a stellar line-up for the remainder of 2016. Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood will return to town on April 27, Coldplay will rock the BOK Center on August 25, and legendary singer and songwriter Billy Joel will visit Tulsa on November 11 for one of only four arena shows this year outside of Manhattan. Other recently announced acts include Barry Manilow, Amy Schumer, James Taylor, Selena Gomez, Pentatonix, The 1975, and Shinedown.
The arena also revealed details last week of a new weekend celebration slated for this September that will focus on folk music and film while paying homage to Route 66. The inaugural “Mother Road Revival Weekend” is September 8-11 and is highlighted by a ticketed concert on September 10 featuring Jason Isbell. Tickets are on sale now.