Tulsa World: WNBA could be BOK Center's next impact

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WNBA could be BOK Center's next impact

By MIKE NEAL Business Viewpoint
Published: 8/20/2009 2:39 AM
Last Modified: 9/10/2009 2:47 PM

I had the honor of watching Paul McCartney in concert as the BOK Center celebrated its one-year anniversary this week. It's worth repeating, isn't it? Paul McCartney was here in Tulsa.

Prior to the BOK Center's opening, no one in our community imagined Tulsa could attract such a larger-than-life talent. Some people simply didn't "get it," but the amazing lineup of talented performers who have graced the stage at the BOK Center has brought Tulsa the economic impact promised to voters, and the national spotlight Tulsa deserves.

The city has invested in downtown with a clear vision and steel will. A new arena, a renovated convention center, a baseball stadium under construction, new hotels, new loft apartments, more parking, street improvements, new parks, new retail, new bars and restaurants, and more.

Recently, a group of investors announced their interest in bringing a WNBA franchise to Tulsa. The economic impact of a women's professional basketball team would stem from 17 additional events at the BOK Center which, in turn, would provide an additional boost to sales tax collections. The team would create jobs, including players, coaches, managers and back office employees.

While those numbers are measurable, the national recognition is immeasurable. Imagine, like the concert listings, Tulsa's name would be found alongside major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Games are televised on ESPN and ABC and covered in national media outlets such as USA Today and the Washington Post.

And

finally, one of the greatest impacts is how the players not only live in the community but become a part of the community. The WNBA Cares program recognizes the great work these amazing athletes do in their communities every day. As a father of two young daughters, I look forward most to the impact of the team's players as they serve as role models for young women and aspiring athletes, while advocating on behalf of community-wide projects.

All of this is possible solely through the support and private investment of the business community. They believe, as I believe, that Tulsa is a major league city that deserves a major league team.

The best is yet to come.

Mike Neal is president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber

The views expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily of the Tulsa World. To inquire about writing a Business Viewpoint column, e-mail a short outline of the article to Business Editor John Stancavage at john.stancavage@tulsaworld.com. The column should focus on a business trend; the outlook for the city, state or an industry; or a topic of interest in an area of the writer's expertise. Articles should not promote a business or be overly political in nature. By MIKE NEAL Business Viewpoint

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denac, (8/20/2009 7:31:15 AM)

Ditto

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