Tulsa Shock
2012 Tulsa Shock season
Tulsa Shock logo
Conference	Western
Founded	1998 (as Detroit)
History	Detroit Shock (1998–2009) Tulsa Shock (2010–present)
Arena	BOK Center
City	Tulsa, Oklahoma
Team colors	Gold, black, white, red
Owner(s)	Tulsa Pro Hoops LLC
General manager	Steve Swetoha & Gary Kloppenburg
Head coach	Gary Kloppenburg
Assistant coaches	Jason Glover Kathy McConnell-Miller
Championships	3 (2003, 2006, 2008)
Conference titles	4 (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008)
Mascot	Volt
Official website	wnba.com/shock

The Tulsa Shock is a professional basketball team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team was founded in Detroit, Michigan before the 1998 WNBA season began; the team moved to Tulsa before the 2010 season. The team is owned by Tulsa Pro Hoops LLC, which is led by Bill Cameron and David Box.

The Shock have not qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in their years in Tulsa. The franchise has been home to many high-quality players such as athletic shooting guard Deanna Nolan, women's professional basketball all-time leading scorer Katie Smith, former NBA great Karl Malone's daughter Cheryl Ford, and young Australian center Liz Cambage. In 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008 (as Detroit), the Shock went to the WNBA Finals; they won in 2003, 2006 and 2008, beating Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Antonio, respectively. They lost in 2007 to Phoenix.

The Shock are one of three WNBA teams that do not share a city with an NBA counterpart. However, they do share the city with an NBA Development League team (the Tulsa 66ers).

Franchise history[link]

The Detroit Shock (1998–2009)[link]

The early years (1998–2002)[link]

The Shock were one of the first WNBA expansion teams and began play in 1998. The Shock quickly brought in a blend of rookies and veterans. The team only qualified for the postseason once in its first five years of existence. The Shock went through two coaches (hall of famer Nancy Lieberman and Greg Williams) before hiring former former Detroit Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer. There were rumors the Shock would fold after the team's awful 2002 season. Laimbeer convinced the owners to keep the team for another year, certain that he could turn things around.

The Bill Laimbeer era (2003–2008)[link]

Bill Laimbeer

After massive changes to the roster, Laimbeer predicted before the 2003 season that the Shock would be league champions, and his prediction would unbelievably come true. The Shock finished with a 25-9 record and winning the number one seed by seven games. In the playoffs, the Shock defeated the Cleveland Rockers and the Connecticut Sun to reach the WNBA Finals. Despite the achievements, the Shock were viewed as huge underdogs to the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks. The Shock emerged victorious in the series, winning a thrilling game three (in 2003, the Finals were a best-of-three series) which drew the largest crowd in WNBA history (22,076). Detroit became the first team in league history to go from last place one season to WNBA champions the very next season.

After coming up short in 2004 and 2005, the 2006 Shock finished 23-11 record and finished number two in the Eastern Conference. The Shock defeated the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun to advance to the Finals again, where they faced the defending champion Sacramento Monarchs. The Shock won the series 3-2, and claimed their second WNBA title.

In 2007, the Shock again advanced to the Finals but were defeated by the Phoenix Mercury in five games. The 2008 Shock posted a 22-12 regular season record, the best record in the East yet again. In the Finals, the Shock faced the San Antonio Silver Stars, who had not lost to an Eastern Conference team all season. Surprisingly, Detroit swept San Antonio, capturing their third championship in franchise history.

The final Detroit Shock season (2009)[link]

The Shock were named favorites for 2009, but they had a rough road getting there. Bill Laimbeer resigned as head coach early in the season, and they even found themselves in the bottom of the standings. However, interim coach Rick Mahorn and the Shock bounced back in the second half of 2009 and eventually placed themselves in the playoffs for the seventh straight year at 18-16. The Shock lost in the second round to the Indiana Fever, failing to reach the Finals for the first time since 2005.

The Tulsa Shock (2010–present)[link]

Relocation (2010)[link]

Tulsa had been mentioned as a possible future city for WNBA expansion, but efforts did not come together until the middle of 2009. An organizing committee with Tulsa businesspeople and politicians began the effort to attract an expansion team. The group was originally given a September 1 deadline. WNBA President Donna Orender extended that deadline to sometime in October. The investment group hired former University of Arkansas head coach Nolan Richardson as the potential franchise general manager and head coach. Richardson was a local favorite; before his successful 18-year stint at Arkansas, he'd spent five years as head coach at the University of Tulsa, leading them to the NIT title in his first year. This move was viewed as strange by some, considering that Tulsa hadn't even secured a franchise before hiring a coach. The investors claimed it was to show the league they were serious about wanting a team. On October 15, 2009, the group made its official request to join the league.

On October 20, 2009, WNBA President Donna Orender, lead investors Bill Cameron and David Box, Tulsa mayor Kathy Taylor, Oklahoma governor Brad Henry, and head coach Nolan Richardson were present for a press conference announcing that the Detroit Shock would relocate to Tulsa. On January 23, 2010, the franchise announced that the team will remain as the Shock. The colors are now black, red, and gold.^[1]

Tough times (2010–present)[link]

The Shock team that moved to Tulsa was much different than what investors thought they were purchasing. Detroit's four best players did not make the move to Tulsa. Cheryl Ford decided to sit out due to lingering injuries. Taj McWilliams-Franklin signed a free agent contract with New York. Deanna Nolan decided to take time off from playing in the WNBA, perhaps for good. Katie Smith, who was believed to be contracted with the Shock (which only turned out to be a verbal agreement), signed with Washington. Along with all the absences, new head coach and general manager Nolan Richardson had his own ideas about what he wanted the roster to look. By the middle of the 2010 season, there were no Detroit players left on the team.

Richardson' first draft pick, Amanda Thompson, was a bust; she only played seven games (no starts) and was waived only a month into the season. Another key signing, disgraced Olympic track star Marion Jones, turned out to be less than hoped for as well; she hadn't played a meaningful basketball game since her days at North Carolina 13 years earlier.

A lack of continuity plagued the team; at times it seemed Richardson made roster moves on a game-to-game basis. The players also found it difficult to adjust to Richardson's frenetic "40 minutes of hell" style.^[2] The Shock finished with an awful 6-28 record, dead last in the league. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002 in Detroit. Having such a bad record meant the Shock qualified for the draft lottery, and they were awarded the number two pick in the 2011 Draft.

The Shock selected 19-year-old Australian center Liz Cambage with hopes to build a successful team around her. The team also signed veteran and one of the original WNBA players, Sheryl Swoopes. The roster changes were not enough, however, and after the team started the season with a dreadful 1-10 record, head coach Richardson stepped down. Assistant coach Teresa Edwards took his place on an interim basis. Jones was waived a few days later. Things did not improve for the Shock, who entered the All-Star break with a 1-14 record. Later in the season, the Shock set a new mark for futility when they embarked on a 20 game losing streak, the longest losing streak in the history of the WNBA.

Uniforms[link]

• Detroit: White with the team's logo of the stylized Detroit Shock name, in black and blue, over a WNBA basketball at home. Blue with the word "Detroit" across the front for the road jersey.
• Tulsa: Gold with team logo of stylized Tulsa Shock, in black and gold at home. Black with the word "Tulsa", in gold, diagonally in the front for the road jersey.

Season-by-season records[link]

Players[link]

Current roster[link]

Tulsa Shock roster v t e
Players	Coaches
Pos. # Nat. Name Height Weight DOB From Yrs 6.0 !C 11 USA ! Black, Chante 77 !6' 5" (1.96m) 188 lb (85kg) 11-12-1985 Duke 1.5 !2 6.0 !C 8 AUS ! Cambage, Liz (IN) 80 !6' 8" (2.03m) 215 lb (98kg) 02-18-1991 Australia 1 !1 2.5 !G/F 13 USA ! Christmas, Karima 72 !6' 0" (1.83m) 180 lb (82kg) 09-11-1989 Duke 1 !1 1.5 !G 5 USA ! Dorrell, Scholanda 71 !5' 11" (1.8m) 162 lb (73kg) 01-09-1983 LSU 3.5 !6 4.0 !F 25 USA ! Johnson, Glory 75 !6' 3" (1.91m) 170 lb (77kg) 07-27-1990 Tennessee 0.5 !R 1.5 !G 2 USA ! Johnson, Temeka 63 !5' 3" (1.6m) 142 lb (64kg) 09-06-1982 LSU 4 !7 6.0 !C 22 USA ! Kizer, Lynetta 76 !6' 4" (1.93m) 215 lb (98kg) 04-04-1990 Maryland 0.5 !R 4.0 !F 21 USA ! Lacy, Jennifer 75 !6' 3" (1.91m) 175 lb (79kg) 03-21-1983 Pepperdine 3.5 !6 1.5 !G 12 USA ! Latta, Ivory 66 !5' 6" (1.68m) 143 lb (65kg) 09-25-1984 North Carolina 3 !5 1.5 !G 10 USA ! Morris, Jené 69 !5' 9" (1.75m) 146 lb (66kg) 07-21-1987 San Diego State 1 !1 4.0 !F 14 USA ! Pedersen, Kayla 76 !6' 4" (1.93m) 190 lb (86kg) 04-14-1989 Stanford 1 !1 1.5 !G 1 USA ! Williams, Riquna 67 !5' 7" (1.7m) 165 lb (75kg) 05-28-1990 Miami (FL) 0.5 !R East: ATL • CHI • CON • IND • NY • WAS | West: LA • MIN • PHO • SA • SEA • TUL	Head coach Gary Kloppenburg (UC San Diego) Assistant coaches Jason Glover (Grand Canyon) Kathy McConnell-Miller (Colorado) Athletic trainer Allison Russell (Tulsa) Legend (FA) Free agent (IN) Inactive Injured WNBA roster page Transactions

Other rights owned[link]

Nationality		Name		Years pro		Last played		Drafted
		Tiffany Jackson		5		2011		2007
		Deanna Nolan		9		2009		2001

Former players[link]

• Jennifer Azzi (1999)
• Carla Boyd (1998–1999, 2001)
• Kara Braxton (2005–2010), now a member of the New York Liberty
• Sandy Brondello (1998–1999), now an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Sparks
• Dominique Canty (1999–2002), now a member of the Washington Mystics
• Swin Cash (2002–2007), now a member of the Chicago Sky
• Barbara Farris (2000–2005, 2009)
  

  

  The BOK Center, home of the Shock
• Cheryl Ford (2003–2008)
• Alexis Hornbuckle (2008–2010), now a member of the Phoenix Mercury
• Tasha Humphrey (2008)
• Shannon Johnson (2007)
• Marion Jones (2010–2011)
• Taj McWilliams-Franklin (2008–2009), now a member of the Minnesota Lynx
• Astou Ndiaye-Diatta (1999–2003)
• Deanna Nolan (2001–2009)
• Wendy Palmer (1999–2002)
• Plenette Pierson (2005–2010), now a member of the New York Liberty
• Elaine Powell (2002–2008)
• Ruth Riley (2003–2006), now a member of the Chicago Sky
• Katie Smith (2005–2009), now a member of the Seattle Storm
• Sheryl Swoopes (2011)
• Shavonte Zellous (2009–2010), now a member of the Indiana Fever

Coaches and staff[link]

Owners[link]

• William Davidson, owner of the Detroit Pistons (1998–2009)
• Tulsa Pro Hoops LLC, composed of Bill Cameron and David Box (majority owners), and Chris Christian, Pat Chernicky, Sam and Rita Combs, Pat and Don Hardin, Paula Marshall, Stuart and Linda Price, and Katie and Scott Schofield (2010–present)

Head coaches[link]

General managers[link]

• Nancy Lieberman (1998–2000)
• Greg Williams (2000–2002)
• Bill Laimbeer (2002–2009)
• Cheryl Reeve (2009)
• Nolan Richardson (2010–2011)
• Teresa Edwards (2011)
• Steve Swetoha & Gary Kloppenburg (2012–present)

Assistant coaches[link]

• Steve Smith (1998–2001)
• Greg Williams (1998–2000)
• Tom Cross (2001–2002)
• Frank Schneider (2002)
• Laurie Byrd (2003–2005)
• Pam McGee (2003)
• Korie Hlede (2004)
• Rick Mahorn (2005–2009)
• Cheryl Reeve (2006–2009)
• Tammy Bagby (2010)
• Wayne Stehlik (2010–2011)
• Teresa Edwards (2011)
• Tracy Murray (2011)
• Kathy McConnell-Miller (2011–present)
• Jason Glover (2012–present)

Hall of Famers[link]

• Nancy Lieberman, enshrined 1996
• Lynette Woodard, enshrined 2004

Statistics[link]

Media coverage[link]

Currently, some Shock games are broadcast on The Cox Channel (COX), which is a local television station for certain areas of the state of Oklahoma. More often than not, NBA TV will pick up the feed from the local broadcast, which is shown nationally. The broadcasters for the Shock games are Mike Wolfe and Shanna Crossley.

All games (excluding blackout games, which are available on ESPN3.com) are broadcast to the WNBA LiveAccess game feeds on the league website. Furthermore, some Shock games are broadcast nationally on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC. The WNBA has reached an eight year agreement with ESPN, which will pay right fees to the Shock, as well as other teams in the league.^[3]

All-time notes[link]

Regular season attendance[link]

• A sellout for a basketball game at The Palace of Auburn Hills (Detroit) is 22,076.
• A sellout for a basketball game at BOK Center (Tulsa) is 17,839.

Draft picks[link]

• 1998 Expansion Draft: Rhonda Blades (1), Tajama Abraham (3), Tara Williams (5), Lynette Woodard (7)
• 1998: Korie Hlede (4), Rachael Sporn (14), Gergana Branzova (24), Sandy Brondello (34)
• 1999: Jennifer Azzi (5), Val Whiting (17), Dominique Canty (29), Astou Ndiaye-Diatta (41)
• 2000: Edwina Brown (3), Tamicha Jackson (8), Chevonne Hammond (44), Cal Bouchard (60)
• 2001: Deanna Nolan (6), Jae Kingi (22), Svetlana Volnaya (38), Kelly Santos (54)
• 2002: Swin Cash (2), Lanae Williams (18), Ayana Walker (20), Jill Chapman (21), Kathy Wambe (22), Ericka Haney (47)
• 2003 Miami/Portland Dispersal Draft: Ruth Riley (1)
• 2003: Cheryl Ford (3), Kara Lawson (5), Syreeta Bromfield (28)
• 2004 Cleveland Dispersal Draft: Jennifer Rizzotti (13)
• 2004: Iciss Tillis (11), Shereka Wright (13), Erika Valek (23), Jennifer Smith (32)
• 2005: Kara Braxton (7), Dionnah Jackson (13), Nikita Bell (20), Jenni Lingor (33)
• 2006: Ambrosia Anderson (17), Zane Teillane (35)
• 2007 Charlotte Dispersal Draft: selection waived
• 2007: Ivory Latta (11)
• 2008: Alexis Hornbuckle (4), Tasha Humphrey (11), Olayinka Sanni (18), Natasha Lacy (28), Valeriya Berezhynska (42)
• 2009 Houston Dispersal Draft: selection waived
• 2009: Shavonte Zellous (11), Brittany Miller (18), Tanae Davis-Cain (37)
• 2010 Sacramento Dispersal Draft: Scholanda Robinson (7)
• 2010: Amanda Thompson (19), Vivian Frieson (31)
• 2011: Liz Cambage (2), Kayla Pedersen (7), Italee Lucas (21), Chastity Reed (25)
• 2012: Glory Johnson (4), Riquna Williams (17), Vicki Baugh (25), Lynetta Kizer (29)

Trades[link]

• July 29, 1999: The Shock traded Korie Hlede and Cindy Brown to the Utah Starzz in exchange for Wendy Palmer and Olympia Scott-Richardson.
• April 24, 2000: The Shock traded Jennifer Azzi and the 12th pick in the 2000 Draft to the Utah Starzz in exchange for the third and eighth picks in the 2000 Draft.
• April 20, 2001: The Shock traded Val Whiting to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2002 Draft.
• April 24, 2001: The Shock traded Anna DeForge to the Houston Comets in exchange for Jennifer Rizzotti.
• May 13, 2001: The Shock traded Tamicha Jackson to the Portland Fire in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2002 Draft.
• May 27, 2001: The Shock traded Jennifer Rizzotti to the Cleveland Rockers in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2002 Draft.
• May 27, 2001: The Shock traded Olympia Scott-Richardson and a third-round pick in the 2002 Draft to the Indiana Fever in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2002 Draft.
• May 3, 2002: The Shock traded Claudia das Neves to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2003 Draft.
• May 11, 2002: The Shock traded a fourth-round pick in the 2003 Draft to the Sacramento Monarchs in exchange for Stacy Clinesmith.
• July 7, 2002: The Shock traded Wendy Palmer and a second-round pick in the 2003 Draft to the Orland Miracle in exchange for Elaine Powell and a first-round pick in the 2003 Draft.
• April 27, 2003: The Shock traded Dominique Canty to the Houston Comets in exchange for Allison Curtin.
• April 28, 2003: The Shock traded Edwina Brown and Lanae Williams to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Telisha Quarles and Petra Ujhelyi.
• April 29, 2003: The Shock traded Kara Lawson to the Sacramento Monarchs in exchange for Kendra Holland-Corn.
• May 19, 2003: The Shock traded a third-round pick in the 2004 Draft to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Tamara Moore.
• July 31, 2003: The Shock traded Tamara Moore to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Stacey Thomas.
• February 11, 2004: The Shock traded Kendra-Holland Corn and the 26th pick in the 2004 Draft to the Houston Comets in exchange for the 11th and the 32nd picks in the 2004 Draft.
• April 17, 2004: The Shock traded Shereka Wright, Sheila Lambert and Erika Valek to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Chandi Jones.
• April 14, 2005: The Shock traded Iciss Tillis to the Washington Mystics in exchange for the 13th pick in the 2005 Draft.
• June 29, 2005: The Shock traded Andrea Stinson and a second-round pick in the 2006 Draft to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Plenette Pierson.
• July 30, 2005: The Shock traded Chandi Jones, Stacey Thomas, and a first-round pick in the 2006 Draft to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Katie Smith and a second-round pick in the 2006 Draft.
• April 5, 2006: The Shock traded Ambrosia Anderson and a second-round pick in the 2007 Draft to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Jacqueline Batteast and a third-round pick in the 2007 Draft.
• May 18, 2006: The Shock traded two third-round picks in the 2007 Draft to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Angelina Williams.
• February 22, 2007: The Shock traded Ruth Riley to the San Antonio Silver Stars in exchange for Katie Feenstra and the right to swap first-round picks in the 2008 Draft.
• February 6, 2008: The Shock traded Ivory Latta to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for LaToya Thomas and the 18th pick in the 2008 Draft.
• February 19, 2008: The Shock traded Swin Cash to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the fourth pick in the 2008 Draft.
• June 22, 2008: The Shock traded LaToya Thomas to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Eshaya Murphy.
• August 12, 2008: The Shock traded Eshaya Murphy, Tasha Humphrey, and a second-round pick in the 2009 Draft to the Washington Mystics in exchange for Taj McWilliams-Franklin.
• April 9, 2009: The Shock traded Ashley Shields to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for the 18th pick in the 2009 Draft.
• April 7, 2010: The Shock traded the seventh pick in the 2010 Draft and a second-round pick in the 2011 Draft to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Chante Black and Amber Holt.
• April 14, 2010: The Shock traded Crystal Kelly to the San Antonio Silver Stars in exchange for Shanna Crossley.
• May 27, 2010: The Shock traded Shavonte Zellous to the Indiana Fever in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2011 Draft.
• June 14, 2010: The Shock traded Plenette Pierson to the New York Liberty in exchange for Tiffany Jackson.
• July 22, 2010: The Shock traded Kara Braxton to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Nicole Ohlde and a first-round pick in the 2011 Draft.
• July 26, 2010: The Shock traded Alexis Hornbuckle to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Rashanda McCants.
• February 1, 2011: The Shock traded a second-round pick in the 2012 Draft to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Andrea Riley.
• May 2, 2011: The Shock traded Scholanda Robinson to the San Antonio Silver Stars in exchange for second- and third-round picks in the 2012 Draft.
• January 12, 2012: The Shock traded Andrea Riley to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Temeka Johnson.

All-Stars[link]

• 1999: Sandy Brondello
• 2000: Wendy Palmer
• 2001: None
• 2002: None
• 2003: Swin Cash, Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan
• 2004: Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan
• 2005: Swin Cash, Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan, Ruth Riley
• 2006: Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan, Katie Smith
• 2007: Kara Braxton, Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan
• 2008: No All-Star Game
• 2009: Katie Smith
• 2010: None
• 2011: Liz Cambage

Honors and awards[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Tulsa Shock Official Website

v t e Sports teams in Oklahoma Baseball PCL: Oklahoma City RedHawks · TL: Tulsa Drillers Basketball NBA:Oklahoma City Thunder · WNBA: Tulsa Shock · D-League: Tulsa 66ers · ABA: Oklahoma Stallions · UBL: Oklahoma Impact · Tulsa Tornadoes Football APFL: Oklahoma Defenders · WFA: Tulsa Threat Hockey AHL: Oklahoma City Barons · CHL: Tulsa Oilers Roller derby WFTDA: Green Country Roller Girls · Oklahoma City Roller Derby · Oklahoma Victory Dolls Soccer NPSL: FC Tulsa · WPSL: Oklahoma Alliance · Tulsa Spirit College athletics NCAA Division I Oklahoma Sooners · Oklahoma State Cowboys · Oral Roberts Golden Eagles · Tulsa Golden Hurricane NCAA Division II Cameron Aggies · Central Oklahoma Bronchos · East Central Tigers · Northeastern State RiverHawks · Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies · Southeastern Oklahoma Savage Storm · Southwestern Oklahoma Bulldogs NAIA Division I Bacone Warriors · Langston Lions · Mid-America Christian Evangels · Northwestern Oklahoma Rangers · Oklahoma Baptist Bison · Oklahoma Christian Eagles · Oklahoma City Stars · Oklahoma Science & Arts Drovers · Rogers State Hillcats · St. Gregory's Cavaliers · Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm

City of Tulsa
—  City  —
Skyline of Downtown Tulsa
Flag of City of Tulsa Flag Official seal of City of Tulsa Seal
Nickname(s): Oil Capital of the World, Tulsey Town, T-Town, The 918
Location in the state of Oklahoma
Coordinates: 36°07′53″N 95°56′14″W / 36.13139°N 95.93722°W / 36.13139; -95.93722Coordinates: 36°07′53″N 95°56′14″W / 36.13139°N 95.93722°W / 36.13139; -95.93722
Country	United States
State	Oklahoma
Counties	Osage, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Mayor	Dewey F. Bartlett, Jr. (R)
Area
• City	186.8 sq mi (483.8 km2)
• Land	182.7 sq mi (473.1 km2)
• Water	4.2 sq mi (10.9 km2)
Elevation	722 ft (194 m)
Population (2010)
• City	391,906 (46th)
• Density	2,132.6/sq mi (823.6/km2)
• Metro	937,478
• Demonym	Tulsan
Time zone	CST (UTC−6)
• Summer (DST)	CDT (UTC−5)
Area code(s)	539/918
FIPS code	40-75000[1]
GNIS feature ID	1100962[2]
Website	www.cityoftulsa.org

Tulsa ( /ˈtʌlsə/) is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 46th-largest city in the United States. With a population of 391,906 as of the 2010 census,^[3] it is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region with 937,478 (2010) residents in the MSA and 988,454 (2010) in the CSA.^[4] Tulsa's CSA is projected to reach one million between 2010 and 2012.^[5] The city serves as the county seat of Tulsa County, the most densely populated county in Oklahoma,^[6] and extends into Osage, Rogers, and Wagoner counties.^[3]

Tulsa was first settled between 1828 and 1836 by the Lochapoka Band of Creek Native American tribe. In 1921, it was the site of the infamous Tulsa Race Riot, one of the largest and most destructive acts of racial violence in the history of the United States.^[7] For most of the 20th century, the city held the nickname "Oil Capital of the World" and played a major role as one of the most important hubs for the American oil industry.^[8] Tulsa, along with several other cities, claims to be the birthplace of U.S. Route 66 and is also known for its Western Swing music.^[9]

Once heavily dependent on the oil industry, economic downturn and subsequent diversification efforts created an economic base in the energy, finance, aviation, telecommunications and technology sectors.^[10] The Tulsa Port of Catoosa, at the head of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, is the most inland river port in the U.S. with access to international waterways.^[11][12] Two institutions of higher education within the city have sports teams at the NCAA Division I level, Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa.

Located in Tornado Alley, the city frequently experiences severe weather. It is situated on the Arkansas River at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in northeast Oklahoma, a region of the state known as "Green Country". Considered the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma,^[13][14] Tulsa houses two world-renowned art museums, full-time professional opera and ballet companies, and one of the nation's largest concentrations of art deco architecture.^[15] The city has been called one of America's most livable large cities by Partners for Livable Communities,^[16] Forbes,^[17] and Relocate America.^[18] People from Tulsa are called "Tulsans."

History[link]

The Meadow Gold sign has greeted Route 66 travelers in Tulsa for decades.

What was ultimately to become Tulsa was originally part of Indian Territory and was first settled by the Lochapoka and Creek tribes in 1836.^[19] They established a home under a large oak tree at the present day intersection of Cheyenne Avenue and 18th Street, and named their new settlement "Tallasi", meaning "old town" in the Creek language, which later became "Tulsa".^[19] On January 18, 1898, Tulsa was officially incorporated and elected its first mayor, Edward Calkins.^[20]

When Tulsa was a small town near the banks of the Arkansas River in 1901, Tulsa's first oil well, named Sue Bland No. 1,^[20] was established that year. By 1905, the discovery of the large Glenn Pool (located approximately 15 miles south of downtown Tulsa and site of the present day town of Glenpool) prompted a rush of entrepreneurs to the area's growing number of oil fields; Tulsa's population swelled to over 140,000 between 1901 and 1930.^[21] By 1909, seven years after the discovery of oil in the area, Tulsa's population had sprouted to 18,000. Known as the "Oil Capital of the World" for most of the 20th century, the city's success in the energy industry prompted construction booms in the popular Art Deco style of the time.^[8] Profits from the oil industry continued through the Great Depression, helping the city's economy fare better than most in the United States during the 1930s.^[22]

Cain's Ballroom came to be known as the "Carnegie Hall of Western Swing"^[9] in the early 20th century.

In the early 20th century, Tulsa was home to the "Black Wall Street", one of the most prosperous African American communities in the United States at the time.^[7] Located in the Greenwood neighborhood, it was the site of the Tulsa Race Riot, one of the nation's costliest acts of racial violence and civil disorder.^[7] Sixteen hours of rioting on May 31 and June 1, 1921, resulted in over 800 people admitted to local hospitals with injuries, an estimated 10,000 left homeless, 35 city blocks composed of 1,256 residences destroyed by fire, and $1.8 million in property damage.^[7] An official report claimed that 23 black and 16 white citizens were reported killed, but other estimates suggest as many as 300, mostly blacks, died.^[7] Efforts to obtain reparations for survivors of the violence have been unsuccessful.^[23]

In 1925, Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery, known as the "Father of Route 66,"^[24] began his campaign to create a road linking Chicago to California by establishing the U.S. Highway 66 Association in Tulsa, earning the city the nickname the "Birthplace of Route 66".^[25] Once completed, U.S. Route 66 took an important role in Tulsa's development as the city served as a popular rest stop for travelers, who were greeted by Route 66 icons such as the Meadow Gold Sign and the Blue Whale of Catoosa. During this period, Bob Wills and his group The Texas Playboys began their long performing stint at a small ballroom in downtown Tulsa. In 1935, Cain's Ballroom became the base for the group,^[9] which is largely credited for creating Western Swing music. The venue continued to attract famous musicians through its history, and is still in operation today.^[9] For the remainder of the mid-20th century, a master plan called for the construction of parks, churches, museums, rose gardens, improved infrastructure, and increased national advertising.^[8] The Spavinaw Dam, built during this era to accommodate the city's water needs, was considered one of the largest public works projects of the era.^[26] In the 1950s, Time magazine dubbed Tulsa "America's Most Beautiful City."^[8]

A national recession greatly affected the city's economy in 1982, as areas of Texas and Oklahoma heavily dependent on oil witnessed a freefall in gas prices and a mass exodus of oil industries.^[27] Tulsa, heavily dependent on the oil industry, was one of the hardest hit cities by the fall of oil prices.^[27] By 1992, the state's economy had fully recovered,^[27] but leaders would attempt to expand into sectors unrelated to oil and energy.

In 2003, the "Vision 2025" program was approved by voters with the purpose of enhancing and revitalizing Tulsa's infrastructure and tourism industry. The keystone project of the initiative, the BOK Center, was designed to be a home for the city's minor league hockey and arena football teams, as well as a venue for major concerts and conventions. The multi-purpose arena, designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli, broke ground in 2005^[28] and was opened on August 30, 2008.^[29]

A 1909 panoramic view of Tulsa

Geography[link]

The Tulsa skyline as viewed from Turkey Mountain

Tulsa is located in the northeastern corner of Oklahoma, 99 miles (159 km) northeast of Oklahoma City; situated between the edge of the Great Plains and the foot of the Ozarks in a generally forested region of rolling hills. The city touches the eastern extent of the Cross Timbers, an ecoregion of forest and prairie transitioning from the drier plains of the west to the wetter forests of the east.^[30] With a wetter climate than points westward, Tulsa serves as a gateway to "Green Country", a popular and official designation for northeast Oklahoma that stems from the region's green vegetation and relatively large number of hills and lakes compared to central and western areas of Oklahoma,^[31] which lie largely in the drier Great Plains region of the Central United States. Located near the western edge of the U.S. Interior Highlands, northeastern Oklahoma is the most topographically diverse part of the state, containing seven of Oklahoma's 11 eco-regions^[32] and more than half of its state parks.^[33] The region encompasses 30 lakes or reservoirs^[34] and borders the neighboring states of Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. The geographic coordinates of the city of Tulsa are 36°7′53″N 95°56′14″W / 36.13139°N 95.93722°W / 36.13139; -95.93722 (36.131294, -95.937332),^[35] with an elevation of 700 feet (210 m) above sea level.

Topography[link]

As seen from space, most of Tulsa lies east of the Arkansas River.

The city is split by the prominent Arkansas River, which flows in a wide, sandy-bottomed channel. Its flow through the Tulsa area is controlled by upstream flood control reservoirs, but its width and depth can vary widely throughout the year, such as during periods of high rainfall or severe drought. However, a low-water dam maintains a full channel at all times in the area adjacent to downtown Tulsa. This portion of the river is known as Zink Lake.^[36] Heavily wooded and with abundant parks and water areas, the city holds several prominent hills with names such as "Shadow Mountain" and "Turkey Mountain", which create varied terrain, especially in its southern portions. While its central and northern sections are generally flat to gently undulating, the Osage Hills extension into the northwestern part of the city further varies the landscape. Holmes Peak, in the northwest corner of the city, is the tallest point in five counties at 1030 ft (314 m).^[37] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 186.8 square miles (484 km²), of which 182.6 square miles (473 km²) of it is land and 4.2 square miles (11 km²) of it (2.24%) is water.

Climate[link]

Tulsa is situated near the heart of Tornado Alley and has a temperate climate of the subtropical variety with a yearly average temperature of 60.8 °F (16.0 °C) and an average precipitation of 42.4 inches (1,080 mm) ^[38] As is typical of temperate zones, weather patterns vary by season with occasional extremes in temperature and rainfall.^[39] The highest temperature recorded in Tulsa was 115 °F (46 °C) on August 10, 1936.^[40]

Lightning over downtown Tulsa is common in the spring months.

Primarily in the spring and early summer months, the city is subjected to severe thunderstorms containing large hail, damaging winds, and, occasionally, tornadoes,^[39] providing the area with a disproportionate share of its annual rainfall.^[38] Severe weather is not limited to this season, however. For instance, on December 5, 1975, and on December 24, 1982, Tulsa experienced tornadoes.^[39] Due to its potential for major flooding events, the city has developed one of the most extensive flood control systems in the nation.^[41] A comprehensive flood management plan was developed in 1984 following a severe flood caused by a stalled weather front that dropped 15 inches (380 mm) of rain overnight, killing 14, injuring 288, and destroying 7,000 buildings totaling $180 million in damage.^[41] In the early 1990s^[41] and again in 2000,^[42] the Federal Emergency Management Agency honored Tulsa as leading the nation in flood plain management.

Triple digit temperatures (>=38 °C) are observed on average 11 days per annum, sometimes exceeding 105 °F (41 °C) from July to early September,^[43] usually accompanied by high humidity brought in by southerly winds.^[39] Lack of air circulation due to heat and humidity during the summer months leads to higher concentrations of ozone, prompting the city to release "Ozone Alerts", encouraging all parties to do their part in complying with the Clean Air Act and United States Environmental Protection Agency standards.^[44] The autumn season is usually short, consisting of pleasant, sunny days followed by cool nights.^[43] Winter temperatures, while generally mild, occasionally experience extremes below 0 °F (−18 °C) while annual snowfall averages about 9.1 inches (23 cm).

Cityscape[link]

Panoramic view of Tulsa from above the University of Tulsa in 2008

Architecture[link]

The Philtower, built in the late Gothic Revival style, is surrounded by contemporary office buildings.

A building boom in the early 20th century gave Tulsa one of the largest concentrations of art deco architecture in the United States.^[48] Most commonly in the zigzag and streamline styles,^[22] the city's art deco is dotted throughout its older neighborhoods, primarily in downtown and midtown. A collection of large art deco structures such as the Mid-Continent Tower, the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, and the Philtower, have attracted events promoting preservation and architectural interest. In 2001, Tulsa served as the host city for the International Art Deco Congress, a semiannual event designed to promote art deco architecture internationally.^[49] Building booms in the 1970s and '80s gave the city a larger base of contemporary architectural styles. The BOK Tower, built during this period, is the 2nd tallest building in Oklahoma and the surrounding states of Missouri, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Kansas.^[50] Tulsa also has the second-, third-, and fourth-tallest buildings in the state, including the Cityplex Tower, which is located in South Tulsa across from Oral Roberts University, far from downtown.^[51] One of the area's unique architectural complexes, Oral Roberts University, is built in a Post-Modern Futuristic style, incorporating bright gold structures with sharp, jetting edges and clear geometric shapes. The BOK Center, Tulsa's new arena, incorporates many of the city's most prominent themes, including Native American, art deco, and contemporary architectural styles.^[52] Intended to be an architectural icon,^[53] the building was designed by César Pelli, the architect of the Petronas Towers in Malaysia.

Neighborhoods[link]

Downtown Tulsa is an area of approximately 1.4 square miles (3.6 km²) surrounded by an inner-dispersal loop created by Interstate 244, Highway 64, and Highway 75.^[54] The area serves as Tulsa's financial and business district, and is the focus of a large initiative to draw tourism, which includes plans to capitalize on the area's historic architecture.^[55] Much of Tulsa's convention space is located in downtown, such as the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and the Tulsa Convention Center, and the BOK Center. Prominent downtown sub-districts include the Blue Dome District, the Brady Arts district, and the Greenwood Historical District, Owen Park Historical Neighborhood, the site of ONEOK Field, a baseball stadium for the Tulsa Drillers opened in 2010.^[56][57][58]

The Arkansas River marks the division between West Tulsa and other regions of the city.

The city's historical residential core lies in an area known as Midtown, containing upscale neighborhoods built in the early 20th century with architecture ranging from art deco to Greek Revival. The University of Tulsa, the Swan Lake neighborhood, Philbrook Museum, and the upscale shopping districts of Utica Square, Cherry Street, and Brookside are located in this region. A large portion of the city's southern half has developed since the 1970s, containing low density housing and retail developments. This region, marked by secluded homes and suburban neighborhoods, contains one of the state's largest shopping malls, Woodland Hills Mall, as well as Southern Hills Country Club, and Oral Roberts University. East of Highway 169 and north of 61st street, a diverse racial makeup marks the eastern portions of the city, with large Asian and Mexican communities and much of the city's manufacturing industry.

Areas of Tulsa west of the Arkansas River are called West Tulsa, and are marked by large parks, wilderness reserves, and large oil refineries. The northern tier of the city is home to OSU-Tulsa, Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa International Airport, the Tulsa Zoo, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, and the nation's third-largest municipal park, Mohawk Park.^[59]

Walkability[link]

A 2011 study by Walk Score ranked Tulsa 32nd most walkable of fifty largest U.S. cities.^[60]

(Downtown Tulsa)

Demographics[link]