Arvest Convention Center facts for kids
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| Former names | Cox Business Center Tulsa Convention Center Tulsa Assembly Center |
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| Location | 100 Civic Center Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103 |
| Owner | City of Tulsa |
| Operator | OVG (property management) ASM Global |
| Opened | 1964 |
| Tenants | |
| Tulsa Oilers (CPHL/CHL) (1964–1983) Tulsa Golden Hurricane (NCAA) (1964–1998) Tulsa Roughnecks (NASL) (1978) Tulsa Oilers (CHL) (1992–2008) Tulsa Talons (AF2) (2000–2008) Tulsa 66ers (NBA D-League) (2009–2012) Oklahoma Defenders (APFL/CPIFL) (2012–2014) Tulsa Revolution (MASL) (2013–2014) |
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The Arvest Convention Center is a large building in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. It has 275,000 square feet of space for events. People use it for big meetings, shows, and other gatherings.
This center has had a few different names over the years. It was first called the Tulsa Assembly Center. Later, it became the Maxwell Convention Center, named after a former mayor. In 2013, it was renamed the Cox Business Center. Then, in 2020, "Convention" was added to its name. In 2025, Arvest Bank bought the naming rights, and it became the Arvest Convention Center.
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Exciting Changes: The Grand Hall Renovation
The Arvest Convention Center got a big makeover starting in 2018. The goal was to turn its old arena into a huge banquet hall. This project was finished in 2020.
The new space is called the Grand Hall. It is a massive 41,470 square feet, making it one of the largest banquet halls in the state. It also has very tall ceilings, about 38 feet high.
A new South Plaza was also added at the main entrance. This area has a three-story glass entrance and a special drop-off for cars. It also offers over 4,000 square feet of extra space for events. The entire center now has over 275,000 square feet of space to rent.
This renovation was part of a city-wide project called Vision Tulsa. This project used money from a small sales tax increase to improve the community.
Meet the BOK Center: A Sister Venue
The BOK Center is like a sister building to the Arvest Convention Center. Both are owned by the City of Tulsa and managed by the same company. The BOK Center is a huge arena with 19,199 seats.
It is home to the Tulsa Oilers hockey team and the Tulsa Oilers indoor football team. Many big concerts and entertainment shows also happen there. The BOK Center was built to host hockey, basketball, concerts, and other large events.
Building the BOK Center cost $178 million in public money. Another $18 million was added from private donations for upgrades. The center was completed on August 30, 2008.
Sports History at the Convention Center
Many sports teams have played at the Arvest Convention Center over the years. The original Tulsa Roughnecks played indoor soccer there in 1978. Later, the Tulsa Revolution indoor soccer team called it home in 2013.
The center was also home to the Tulsa Oilers ice hockey team. The Tulsa Talons arena football team also played there. These teams moved to the new BOK Center when it opened in 2008.
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane basketball team played at the center until 1998. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) even held events there from 2005 to 2008. From 2009 to 2012, the Tulsa 66ers basketball team played their games at the Convention Center.
Famous Concerts and Shows
Many famous musicians and performers have visited the Arvest Convention Center. Some of the legendary artists who performed there include Aerosmith, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley.
Other big names like Bon Jovi, Louis Armstrong, Led Zeppelin, Sonny & Cher, and Van Halen also played at the venue. It has been a place for many memorable concerts and shows throughout its history.
