The Tulsa Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They currently play in the ECHL, which is a mid-level professional league two steps below the NHL. The Oilers have a long and storied history in Tulsa, being one of the oldest continually operating teams in professional hockey.
Quick Answer
The Tulsa Oilers currently play their home games at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa. The BOK Center is a large multi-purpose arena that opened in 2008 and can seat up to 19,199 people for hockey games. Prior to moving to the BOK Center, the Oilers played at the Tulsa Convention Center from 1964-2008.
History of the Tulsa Oilers
Ice hockey first came to Tulsa in 1928 when the Tulsa Oilers were founded as a professional team playing in the American Hockey Association league. The team played at various venues in the city before settling into the Tulsa Convention Center in 1964 after it opened. The Convention Center served as the home of the Oilers for over 40 years.
The Oilers have been members of several different leagues over their long history. These include:
- American Hockey Association (1928–1942)
- United States Hockey League (1945–1963)
- Central Hockey League (1964–1984)
- International Hockey League (1984–1992)
- West Coast Hockey League (1995–2003)
- Central Hockey League (2003–2014)
- ECHL (2014–present)
The Oilers have been one of the most successful minor league hockey franchises, winning several league titles and producing dozens of players who went on to NHL careers. They have a loyal fan base in the Tulsa region that has supported them through the decades.
The BOK Center
In 2008, the Oilers moved into the newly constructed BOK Center in downtown Tulsa. Some key facts about their current arena:
- Owned by the City of Tulsa and managed by SMG Entertainment
- Construction completed in 2008 at a cost of $178 million
- Seating capacity of 19,199 for hockey games
- Modern amenities like luxury suites, club seating, and video screens
The BOK Center is a state-of-the-art arena that allowed the Oilers to play in a newer, more advanced facility compared to the aging Convention Center. The increased seating and luxury options have provided a boost to the team’s profitability and visibility.
Notable BOK Center Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Seating Capacity | Up to 19,199 for hockey |
Luxury Suites | 34 luxury suites available for events |
Club Seating | The East and West Club with premium inclusive food and drinks |
Daktronics Video Displays | Four high-def LED video displays plus ribbon boards |
Concessions | Wide variety of food and beverage options throughout the concourses |
Why the Oilers Moved to the BOK Center
There were several key reasons why the Tulsa Oilers opted to move from the Tulsa Convention Center to the BOK Center in 2008:
- Capacity – BOK Center holds over 5,000 more seats than the Convention Center
- Revenue opportunities – More luxury suites, club seats, sponsorship deals
- Modern amenities – Upgraded locker rooms, video boards, concessions
- Scheduling – Availability for more home game dates without conventions
- Downtown location – In revitalized part of downtown Tulsa
The increased revenue potential from having a larger arena with premium seating options was a major factor. The BOK Center also gave the team a dedicated home facility for hockey without having to co-exist with conventions and other events like at the Convention Center.
The move has proved beneficial, with average attendance increasing over 30% since the Oilers started playing at the BOK Center. The team has seen significant financial growth thanks to the new arena.
Comparing the BOK Center and Convention Center
Arena | BOK Center | Convention Center |
---|---|---|
Opened | 2008 | 1964 |
Seating Capacity | 19,199 | 9,919 |
Luxury Suites | 34 | 8 |
Location | Downtown Tulsa | Downtown Tulsa |
Recent Oilers History and Performance
Since moving to their new home arena, the Tulsa Oilers have become one of the more successful teams in the ECHL. Their performance includes:
- Qualified for the playoffs in 8 of the past 10 seasons
- Won division titles in 2010-11 and 2017-18 seasons
- Made conference finals in 2013 and 2018
- Average attendance over 5,000 per game since 2010
In the ECHL’s 2018-19 season, the Oilers had an overall record of 36-28-8, finishing third in the Mountain Division. Their leading scorer was forward Adam Pleskach with 29 goals and 67 points. Goalie Devin Williams was one of the league’s top netminders with a 2.81 goals against average.
The Oilers have built up a loyal fanbase drawn from the Tulsa area and surrounding region in Oklahoma. Games at the BOK Center feature a festive in-arena atmosphere and strong crowd support.
Coaching Staff
The Tulsa Oilers coaching staff for the 2019-20 season includes:
- Head Coach – Rob Murray
- Assistant Coach – Rocky Thompson
- Assistant Coach – Marty Raymond
Rob Murray is entering his third season as Oilers head coach. He previously coached in the AHL and has over 25 years of coaching experience. Murray emphasizes player development and bringing energy and discipline to his teams.
Conclusion
The Tulsa Oilers have been a fixture in the Tulsa community for over 90 years. Their move to the BOK Center in 2008 proved to be greatly beneficial, giving the team a premier facility to play in and boosting their financial capabilities and average attendance. The Oilers have seen on-ice success in recent seasons and continue to be one of the ECHL’s top organizations.