High School Baseball Returning to ONEOK Field

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High school baseball is returning to ONEOK Field in 2023. The Tulsa Drillers announced today that for the third straight year the club would host a series of high school games at the downtown stadium.

The games are scheduled to be held from March 10-16, during the week of spring break for most schools. By hosting games during the break in school, teams will have the opportunity to play during the daytime hours.

At this time, the Drillers have blocked the following dates and times for games:

2023 High School Baseball Series at ONEOK Field

Friday, March 10 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Monday, March 13 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Thursday, March 16 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Matchups for each game will be announced at a later time.

Admission for all of the games will be free of charge for fans.

The two games on Saturday, March 11 will be held in conjunction with the team’s annual DrillersFest event. There will be a number of other activities taking place at the stadium, and it will be one of the first opportunities for fans to purchase individual game tickets for 2023 Drillers games.

The team slots for the ten games are being filled now. Any school interested in playing in one of the games at ONEOK Field should contact Andrew Aldenderfer with the Drillers at (918)744-5998 or via email by clicking HERE.

Drillers Release Details on 2022 Community Programs and Activities

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The Tulsa Drillers are partnering with a number of local organizations this season on several important and fun activities at ONEOK Field. Some of the partnerships will highlight a few of the many individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our community better, while others will provide unique opportunities for young fans. Lastly, some of the partnerships will bring much-needed funds to organizations that provide valuable resources to so many.

Below is a listing and explanation of all of these great and worthwhile activities.

Williams Make-a-Difference Wednesdays

The Williams Make-a-Difference Wednesdays program strives to serve the underprivileged. This program works to provide a night of entertainment to those in the Tulsa Community whose resources are limited.

“Experiencing an evening at the ballpark is something many of us take for granted, but for some, it’s a rare and treasured outing,” says Sara Delgado, Director of Brand and Corporate Social Responsibility for Williams. “The Williams’ Make-a-Difference Wednesdays program gives young people the chance to be a kid and get outdoors and make memories to last a lifetime.”

McElroy Manufacturing Community Spotlight

Select organizations can receive complimentary Wednesday night tickets and meal coupons. If your organization would like to help the Make-a-Difference program, click here.

The McElroy Manufacturing Community Spotlight is a unique opportunity for local, non-profit organizations to engage with the citizens of DrillVille at no cost. It also is a great way to educate communities, recruit volunteers, and share the resources that these nonprofits can provide to our community.

“McElroy Manufacturing is proud to partner with The Tulsa Drillers in their Community Spotlight program for the 2022 season,” said McElroy Manufacturing Executive VP, Finance & Treasury Donna M. Dutton. “There are many worthwhile nonprofits in Tulsa. These organizations continually work to make a difference in the lives for many of our neighbors. We are excited to recognize and celebrate all of the work the nonprofits and their volunteers do to make Tulsa a better community for us all.”

To apply, click here.

Ferguson KIA Field of Dreams

The Ferguson KIA Field of Dreams program is a once in a lifetime opportunity for future baseball and softball stars to share the field with the Drillers of today and the Los Angeles Dodgers of the future! This FREE package includes 20 tickets for the team, a team photo, an appearance on the ONEOK Field videoboard and the opportunity to be on the field for the National Anthem.

“Ferguson KIA is proud to launch our Field of Dreams partnership with the Drillers,” said Stephen Hill General Sales Manager of Ferguson Superstore. “Youth sports can be a pivotal piece of shaping the future of Tulsa, and this program offers our kids the chance to watch those who play their sport on an elite level up close.”

To nominate your youth team to participate in the free Ferguson KIA Field of Dreams program click here.

South Pointe Auto Group Hometown Hero

South Pointe Auto Group Hometown Hero is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Tulsans who have achieved outstanding accomplishments, both home and abroad. Past Heroes have included military veterans, teachers, first responders, essential workers and many others!

“South Pointe Auto Group is proud to sponsor the Tulsa Drillers Hometown Hero program,” said Chris Cox, South Pointe Auto Group General Manager. “South Pointe supports the community, and honoring local heroes is a great way for us to show our appreciation to these outstanding individuals.”

To nominate a South Pointe Auto Group Hometown Hero click here.

Whataburger Whata Team

Throughout the 2022 season, Whataburger will provide FREE tickets for youth baseball or softball teams to enjoy a game at ONEOK Field and to have a unique, on-field experience. One lucky member of the team will be able to go onto the field during a break in play and try to throw a strike to win their team $300 and free Whataburger in the Whataburger Whata Team Experience!

For a chance to be selected for this one-of-a-kind contest click here.

The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas Teacher of the Game

During the season, the people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas (OERB) will honor a Teacher of the Month at selected Drillers’ games. Each teacher will be brought onto the field and presented with a personal check for $5,000, while a $2,000 donation will be made to their school.

Also, if a Drillers player during the 2022 season “drills” the OERB “Hit it Here” sign, located beyond the ONEOK Field centerfield fence, the people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas will donate $5,000 to a local school to benefit its Science & Math Department.**

Hornsby’s Bullpen Kids Club Presented by TulsaKids Magazine

Family FUNday Sunday at ONEOK Field just got even better! Kids, ages 14 and under, who sign up for the Hornsby’s Bullpen Kids Club will receive FREE tickets on the Ferguson KIA Lawn for all seven 2022 Sunday day games, a birthday card from Hornsby and #SoMuchMore!

“We are excited to team up with Hornsby’s Bullpen Kids Club and to provide young fans with so many fun opportunities this season. We hope that you can join in on the fun,” said Tulsa Kids Editor Betty Casey.

To sign up your child, click here.

Spot of Historic Baseball Stadium to be marked with Monument

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For decades, the Tulsa County Fairgrounds served as the home for Tulsa professional baseball. Thanks to the work of Tulsa baseball historian Wayne McCombs and others, the spot of home plate in the original baseball stadium at the Fairgrounds will be marked with a monument to preserve its history as the former Home of Tulsa Professional Baseball.

Expo Center, the Tulsa County commissioners, the Tulsa Drillers and former players will dedicate the home plate plaque at the site on Thursday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m.

“The baseball park was a Tulsa landmark for six decades,” said Tulsa County Commissioner, Stan Sallee. “Baseball has a long history here, and Tulsa County is happy to be a part of this dedication.”

Tulsa County Stadium was a W.P.A. project and opened on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds near 15th and Sandusky on July 11, 1934. It was home for the Tulsa Oilers of the Texas League and was the longest-serving stadium in the history of professional baseball in Tulsa. The University of Tulsa baseball team also occasionally used the stadium for home games.

Its name was changed in 1935 to Texas League Park and then again to Oiler Park in 1961. After the team moved to New Orleans in 1977, the name was changed to Driller Park when Tulsa secured the Drillers franchise to replace the Oilers.

The final game in the stadium was played in September of 1980 as the new Sutton Stadium was opened in April of 1981 just a few hundred yards east of the original stadium.

Several former players who played in the stadium will be on hand for the dedication.

# # # # #

The public and media members are invited to attend this ceremony. Attendees can use the Tulsa County Fairgrounds Entrance at 15th and Sandusky for access.

Attend the 2022 Tulsa Drillers Job Fair

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Do you know someone who is looking for a fun, part-time summer job? Would you like to earn some extra money by working evenings and weekends at one of the coolest places in Tulsa?

If so, come out and bring a friend to ONEOK Field on Tuesday, February 15 or Thursday, February 17 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. for the 2022 Tulsa Drillers Job Fair.

We are looking to hire over 100 candidates for a variety of Game Day positions. On-site interviews will be conducted to fill all openings. Attendees are encouraged to bring a completed Gameday Application to the Job Fair to save time.

Interviews will be conducted for a number of part-time positions including:

· Ushers

· Merchandise

· Suites Attendants & Servers

· Promo Team Members

· Bat Boys

· Porters

· Ticket Takers

· Parking

· Cleanup

· Cooks

· Food/Beverage Hawkers

· Servers

· Concession Stand Leads

· Concession Stand Attendants

· Concession Support/Maintenance Warehouse

Applicants need to be eligible to work most Drillers home games and other special events at ONEOK Field, beginning in March.

Again, please bring a completed Gameday Application for this event and we look forward to seeing you at our Job Fairs!

Tulsa Drillers Search for On-Field Emcee for Upcoming Season

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The Tulsa Drillers are searching for an outgoing personality to serve as their on-field host for the 2022 season. The game-day “voice” and face of the Drillers will engage fans at ONEOK Field before, during, and after each game, including between-inning sponsorships and contests. Candidates must be available for a majority of the Drillers’ home games and any playoff games throughout the 2022 season. The auditions are invitation-only and will be held on Thursday, February 24. Those interested in auditioning must submit a resume by Friday, February 18. Qualified candidates will be asked to interview with team officials prior to the February 24 audition date.

Application Process

Submissions will be accepted via email ONLY

E-mail: Alex Kossakoski, Director of Promotions: [email protected]

All submissions must include full contact information including e-mail address and cell phone number.

Required Qualifications

To be given consideration, applicants must meet the following criteria:

– Must be available for a majority of home games:

– ALL Thursday – Saturday games, holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th weekend & Labor Day) & the Bedlam Game

– Have an enthusiastic demeanor and the ability to naturally entertain large crowds
– A team player with a flexible, can-do attitude
– Possess improvisational skills and the ability to quickly adapt to situations

– The ability to take and follow given directions

– Represent the Drillers in a first-class and professional manner

Additional qualifications preferred: In-depth knowledge of baseball; understanding of promotions, marketing, and sponsorship initiatives.

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO PRESENT “WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS: A DECADE IN CONCERT”

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Concert will Feature Iconic Musical Moments Performed Live by a Symphony

Tulsa Symphony Orchestra presents Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “A Decade in Concert” on May 20, 2022 at ONEOK Field. Celebrating iconic musical moments from favorite films released over the last decade, this melodic journey explores Disney Animation’s latest stories through unforgettable film clips and scores performed live by a symphony orchestra. Tickets are now available at TulsaSymphony.org.

This thrilling performance includes music from “Moana” (2016), Academy Award®-winning “Zootopia” (2016), Academy Award-winning “Big Hero 6” (2014), Academy Award-winning “Frozen” (2013), “Wreck-It Ralph “(2012), “Winnie the Pooh” (2011), “Tangled” (2010), “Princess and the Frog” (2009), and “Bolt” (2008).

Once again filling Tulsa’s ONEOK Field with the magic of live music, this performance will feature the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra playing the music from Disney’s past decade while film clips play on the ballpark’s large video board. Children of all ages can experience entertaining family-oriented activities before the concert and enjoy special seating on the field. The evening will close with a brilliant fireworks display against the Tulsa skyline. Luxury boxes will also be available for purchase for an even more magical experience.

Keith C. Elder, Executive Director of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, said, “We are thrilled to bring live music back to the ballpark with this spectacular performance. We are honored to serve this wonderful community, and to bring this city together through the power of live music.”

ABOUT DISNEY CONCERTS

Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live to picture” film concerts and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts and range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir. Numerous new concert packages and touring productions from Disney’s portfolio of studios, including Disney’s feature animation and live action studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel, are currently in development. Current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series (Episodes IV-VIII), Toy Story, Aladdin, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Disney Princess – The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up and The Nightmare Before Christmas, which in 2019 accounted for over 900 performances in many of the world’s top concert venues.

About the Tulsa Symphony_
The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra is proud to celebrate 15 years as a vital community service organization that entertains, advocates, heals and inspires through musical excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Serving as the cornerstone of the arts in Tulsa, the TSO partners and collaborates with Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Chorale, Philbrook Museum, Gilcrease Museum and Oklahoma Aquarium. A leader in classical music and music education, TSO presents over 30 major performances per season, which touch over 55,000 people in the Northeast Oklahoma region. At the forefront of the Orchestra is artistic integrity, collaborating with renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Bell, Amy Grant, Eric Whitacre, Yefim Bronfman, and Hanson. For additional information about TSO, please visit our website at_ www.TulsaSymphony.org.

Drillers Help to Renovate Historic Lacy Park 

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The Tulsa Rumblers, a sandlot baseball club, and the Tulsa Drillers teamed up to give the Lacy Park ballpark a much-needed makeover.

The field is more than just your average neighborhood sandlot. In the 1950s, it was home to Tulsa’s Negro League semi-pro team, the T-Town Clowns. The Tulsa Rumblers started playing pickup ball on Sunday afternoons at Lacy in 2019, but the field was in desperate need of repairs

When public funding to fix the ballpark wasn’t available, a grassroots community project took shape with help from the Tulsa Drillers staff, the Rumblers, and other local sandlot clubs.

“It’s inspiring to see a group of hard-working, passionate volunteers come together to improve this piece of Tulsa’s history,” said Anna America, Chief of Culture and Parks and Recreation said. “This project alone will save Tulsa Parks tens of thousands of dollars in renovation costs.”

Lowe’s donated $8000 in building supplies for the project. Drillers staff members, the Rumblers and other local sandlot players are providing the labor.

The Drillers also auctioned off their “T-town Clowns” replica jerseys worn during the Juneteenth game, raising more than $3500 for the project.

“All of us on the Drillers staff are excited to be able to help with the renovation work at Lacy Park,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “Lacy Park has played an important role in the history of baseball in Tulsa. With the work now being done to the facility, it should continue to be a great place for the community to come together and enjoy the great game of baseball while also helping younger folks understand its wonderful history.”

Volunteers will spend several days renovating the broken stadium lights, refurbishing the dilapidated bathrooms and fieldhouse, and fixing the bleachers.

Volunteers and community members will celebrate the ballpark’s new look Sunday, July 11 at 5 p.m., with a sandlot game against Drillers staff members. The public is welcome to attend and even play in the game.

Free COVID-19 Vaccinations to be Available Friday at ONEOK Field

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The Muscogee Nation Department of Health, in partnership with the Tulsa Drillers, will be offering free COVID-19 vaccinations at ONEOK Field prior to and during the Drillers game on Friday, June 25. The vaccinations are available for everyone who is interested in getting vaccinated.

The Muscogee Nation Department of Health will have a mobile medical unit located just outside the First Base Gate at ONEOK Field on Elgin Avenue from 5:30 – 8:30pm.

A ticket to the game is NOT required in order to receive the vaccination.

The Muscogee Nation is presenting the Friday Night Fireworks Show following the Drillers game with the Springfield Cardinals on Friday night.

Drillers Uniforms to Feature Special Patches to Help Raise Awareness of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial

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The Tulsa Drillers, in conjunction with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, have announced plans to wear a special patch during the first month of the 2021 season to raise awareness and encourage Drillers fans to educate themselves about the massacre while honoring its victims and their families.

The Drillers received permission from Major League Baseball to feature the patch on the fronts of their home jerseys. It will be located just above the Drillers logo that runs across the jersey fronts.

The Drillers will wear the jerseys for all home games during the month of May. At the conclusion of the month, the jerseys will be available for purchase using an auction process. Proceeds will benefit the programs and operations of the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center (“Greenwood Rising”), currently under construction. Greenwood Rising will be a state-of-the-art history center located at the southeast corner of Greenwood Avenue & Archer Street, the gateway to “Black Wall Street.” This museum-grade facility will showcase all aspects of Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District, triumph, tragedy, and everything in between, from its origins to the present day.

Phil Armstrong, Project Director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, shared his excitement about the added exposure the uniform patch will bring.

“Having this logo on the Tulsa Drillers jerseys gives us the opportunity to enlighten and educate baseball fans who may have thought they were just out for a day at the ballpark,” said Armstrong. “We are loading the bases for awareness of Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District, a history of tragedy and triumph, punctuated by reminders about the indomitable human spirit, in this space the Tulsa Drillers call home.”

The Drillers have called Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District home since moving to ONEOK Field for the 2010 season.

“We are honored and fortunate to have our home, ONEOK Field, in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “The ability to wear these special patches is a small way that the Drillers organization can help to raise awareness of the tragic events that took place in 1921. We appreciate the willingness of Phil Armstrong and the other members of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission to give us this opportunity.”

The jerseys with the patches will not be the only commemorative attire for the Drillers during the upcoming season. In honor of this year’s Juneteenth celebration, the Drillers players will wear throwback T-Town Clowns jerseys for three games, June 11-13. The T-Town Clowns, a popular team from the historic Negro Baseball Leagues era, played in Tulsa for many years.

The Drillers first wore replicas of the T-Town Clowns original jerseys during the 2011 season. The jerseys from this year will also be sold through an auction process, with those proceeds going to the Lacy Park baseball field renovation project. The original baseball diamond at Lacy Park, located at 2134 N. Madison Place, served as the home of the T-Town Clowns from 1952 through 1965.

Earlier this year, the Drillers and the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce announced plans for a large, Jackie Robinson mural to be added to the back of one of the historic Greenwood buildings that faces ONEOK Field. Work on the permanent mural has just been completed.

Drillers to Unveil Jackie Robinson Mural

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The Tulsa Drillers, in conjunction with the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, announced plans today to add a 26 ft. by 40 ft. mural beyond the left field concourse at ONEOK Field that will feature Jackie Robinson. The full-color mural will pay tribute to Robinson, the former Brooklyn Dodgers great who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

The Robinson artwork will be located just steps from the Osage Casino Greenwood Entrance at the northeast corner of ONEOK Field and painted directly onto the brick wall of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce West Building facing into the stadium.

It is the Drillers’ goal to increase traffic through the Greenwood District on game days, as well as when the team is on the road, while also beautifying the space. The mural will be visible throughout ONEOK Field, and will have public access for visitors year-round.

“We are very proud and honored to be able to say that Drillers Baseball and ONEOK Field are located in the Historic Greenwood District,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “We have always looked for ways to increase our association with the Greenwood Chamber, and we thought a tribute to Mr. Robinson would be a great addition. He did so much for our country and the game of baseball, and with us being an affiliate of the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, it made for a perfect fit.”

Greenwood Chamber of Commerce President Freeman Culver hopes the project will bring wide exposure. “It is important to continue to honor the memories of Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, and others that paved the way for the United States to distance itself from its dark past of racial segregation,” said Culver. “What better place to house the Jackie Robinson mural than the back of the Neeley and Vaden Building also called the Greenwood Chamber – West Building. There are people who live in Tulsa today who have no idea or knowledge of the historical significance of the 100 N. Block of Greenwood Avenue.”

“This mural will expose the Greenwood District to residents and businesses who do not know much about Deep Greenwood. We are excited to partner with the Tulsa Drillers on this endeavor,” added Culver.

Tulsa-born, African American artist Chris “Sker” Rogers and Denver-based artist Thomas “Detour” Evans will collaborate on the project. Both artists come with high credentials.

Sker has been commissioned for professional graffiti artwork by numerous companies, private clients and organizations. He was the project manager for the Black Wall Street in Greenwood Tulsa, and he created the “Welcome to Greenwood” mural. He has also done work for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Guthrie Green, Booker T. Washington High School and the American Idol TV show.

“I’m humbled to do the work that I do, and I’m privileged to play my part in Tulsa’s creative scene,” said Sker. “I want to thank the Drillers organization and the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce for their vision in creating this project. I’m excited to partner with such a talented artist as Detour, working together to create a dynamic new mural for all of Tulsa to enjoy.”

Detour specializes in large-scale public art, portraiture, immersive spaces and creative directing while mixing traditional mediums with new approaches. He previously created the “Tulsa Sound” downtown mural.

The Robinson mural is planned to be completed in time for the start of the Drillers 2021 season and joins other projects being completed in Greenwood this year, including the Greenwood Rising historical center and the Pathway to Hope in this 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

“This painting is our way of celebrating Jackie Robinson and the Historic Greenwood District, and we feel it will become an iconic part of the district and the ballpark,” said Melega. “We hope that it will increase traffic in the area while also becoming an often-used entrance and exit to and from the stadium. With the addition, we will now offer most giveaway items at the Osage Casino Hotel Greenwood Entrance.”

The final design for the mural will released in the coming weeks.

Tulsa County Election Board Names ONEOK Field Early-Voting Location

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The Tulsa County Election Board has announced that ONEOK Field will be used as the early voting location for the November 3rd election. ONEOK Field is normally home to the Tulsa Drillers, but it will open for three different periods for Tulsa County voters to complete ballots for the November election.

Throughout the country, several stadiums and arenas have been chosen as voting locations to help provide safe facilities for voters during the COVID pandemic.

The Tulsa County Election Board will be conducting in-person, early voting at ONEOK Field on Thursday and Friday October 29 and 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday October 31 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The election board is anticipating record-breaking voter participation for this three-day early voting period.

“We are pleased to announce that we will be partnering with ONEOK Field, home of the Tulsa Drillers in downtown Tulsa, as our chosen location for in-person, early voting,” said Election Board Secretary Gwen Freeman.

“The ONEOK Field location will enable Tulsa County voters to vote at a large, centrally-located venue where our staff and resources can be combined to ensure the success of our early voting teams and to assist in the implementation of CDC guidelines. These guidelines includes adequate room for large crowds and social distancing in a covered but open-air facility that helps prevent the spread of COVID. The venue is ADA compliant, has ample available parking areas, is easily accessible by public transportation and is a well-known and familiar location.”

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to ONEOK Field management and the Tulsa Drillers team for offering the voters of Tulsa County the use of their location for this event,” said Freeman.

The election board is encouraging voters to wear masks and social distance while voting.

Freeman added that since the election board we will be utilizing all available staff members to facilitate early voting at one large site, the Tulsa County Election Board will not be available for early voting but will be open for other business, including in-person absentee ballot drop-off. Absentee ballots cannot be dropped off at ONEOK Field.

It is the first time that ONEOK Field has been utilized as a voting place. It joins other sports venues in large markets that are being used in this election, including Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and the Toyota Center in Houston.

“We are thrilled to be able to make ONEOK Field available for early voting and to help provide a safe, outdoor, polling location for all voters, including those with health concerns,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “It’s a simple, yet impactful, way that the Drillers organization can give back to a Tulsa community that has always been there for us.”

Quick facts for early in-person voting for the November 2020 Presidential Election

Location: ONEOK Field (201 N Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120)

Dates and times: Thursday, October 29, 2020 8am-6pm
Friday, October 30, 2020 8am-6pm
Saturday, October 31, 2020 9am-2pm

Drillers Bringing the Arts to ONEOK Field

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In a normal year, September at ONEOK Field, which is located in downtown Tulsa in the historic Greenwood District, usually features the sounds of baseball. The familiar sounds of a baseball hitting a leather glove or being struck by a wooden bat. But 2020 has been anything but normal, resulting in the cancellation of the Tulsa Drillers Minor League Baseball season. With no baseball in September, ONEOK Field is being filled with new sounds. The sounds of the performing arts.

The Tulsa Drillers are working with several organizations to bring four unique, outdoor arts events to downtown Tulsa. The events include three symphonies and one opera presentation.

The presentations will begin with A Celebration of Beethoven from the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, September 5.

Two weeks later, on Saturday, September 19, the Signature Symphony at Tulsa Community College will present Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

The Tulsa Opera will come to ONEOK Field on Friday, October 9 with its presentation of Verdi’s Rigoletto in a baseball-themed production directed by James Robinson.

The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will return for a second performance, a matinee presentation on Sunday, October 18.

“We are thrilled to have found a way to partner with these great Tulsa arts institutions to bring their amazing talents to life here at ONEOK Field,” said Drillers General Manager Mike Melega. “These events are a perfect example of how the Tulsa entertainment community can come together to help each other during these trying times.”

All three performances will take place on the playing field at ONEOK Field with the downtown Tulsa skyline providing the backdrop.

COVID-19 safety standards will be utilized, limiting attendance capacity to approximately 20% of normal.

Tickets are currently available for all three events with links provided below.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHEDULE AT ONEOK FIELD

Tulsa Symphony – A Celebration of Beethoven on September 5

Signature Symphony at TCC – Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on September 19

Tulsa Opera – Verdi’s Rigoletto on October 9

Tulsa Symphony – Triple Play: Brahms 4 on October 18

Tulsa Opera to Perform at ONEOK Field

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The Tulsa Opera will open the company’s 2020-21 season at ONEOK Field on Friday, October 9 with an outdoor presentation of Verdi’s Rigoletto. It will mark Tulsa Opera’s first-ever performance at ONEOK Field. The outdoor semi-staged, baseball-themed production will be directed by James Robinson.

For complete information on Rigoletto, visit the Tulsa Opera by clicking HERE.

Tulsa Symphony Coming to ONEOK Field

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The Tulsa Symphony is coming to ONEOK Field! On Saturday, September 5, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will go outdoors for its 2020 Opening Night with a powerful, all-Beethoven program in honor of the famed composer’s upcoming 250th birthday. The “Celebration of Beethoven” concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. and will be followed by a brilliant fireworks display.

The unique concert will be the first of its kind at ONEOK Field, which is normally home to the Tulsa Drillers baseball club and to the F.C. Tulsa soccer team.

The performance will spotlight world-renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman who will play the historic Piano Concerto No. 3 in C-Minor that was premiered by Beethoven, as the soloist, in 1803. Daniel Hege, Principal Guest Conductor, will also conduct the turbulent Coriolan Overture and the captivating Symphony No. 7.

Masks will be required for all attendees, and social distancing will be accomplished by limiting stadium capacity to only 19%; therefore, tickets are limited.

The stadium will also employ its disinfecting system and sanitary stations that have been used extensively at recent baseball games.

Tickets for this open-air, socially-distanced performance are available by clicking HERE.

For any questions or concerns, please call the Tulsa Symphony box office at (918) 584-3645.

THE LINEUP FOR CELEBRATION OF BEETHOVEN AT ONEOK FIELD
Beethoven – Coriolan Overture
Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 3
Beethoven – Symphony No. 7

Yefim Bronfman,Piano
Daniel Hege, Principal Guest Conductor

Please note that this performance was initially scheduled for September 12. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6.

Drillers Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

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National initiative will raise funds for Feeding America in response to global pandemic

Tulsa, OK, – The Tulsa Drillers today announced that they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America. CommUNITY First has been developed to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drillers fans are encouraged to click HERE from now through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Tulsa Drillers as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Tulsa community. For every $10 donated, the Drillers will donate one ticket to a local hero of the pandemic for a game this season or in 2021.

“The Drillers are proud to participate in Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First program,” said Drillers President Mike Melega. “We all currently have neighbors in need of help, and there are so many unsung heroes fighting on the frontlines in this battle.”

“This program is a great way to help those who need it and to say thank you to those working in dangerous situations. Any donations that one can make can affect so many, and we appreciate the efforts of Minor League Baseball to help aid folks in all of our communities during these uncertain times.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Drillers fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Tulsa Drillers at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

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About Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the longest-tenured professional sports franchise in the city of Tulsa. Former Drillers players include Walker Buehler, Corey Seager, Will Smith Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, 2019 Minor League Player of the Year Gavin Lux and 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger.

About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.