BOK Center Transforms In Preparation For PBR Weekend

The PBR is this weekend in Tulsa, and that means tons of dirt are being brought inside the BOK Center for a big transformation. As the BOK Center transforms for the PBR weekend, it’s a dance between dump trucks and loaders to get all the dirt in place. 750 tons of dirt will fill the arena, and the dirt is flattened and packed in so it’s ready for all the action.

“It’s about eight inches thick on top of the plywood which is safe for the bulls and the cowboys,” PBR Director of Remote Operations Jim Palermo said.

The dirt used at the BOK Center is local. It comes from Sand Springs and the same dirt is used over and over again, year after year. PBR Director of Remote Operations Jim Palermo said the dirt has to have a certain level of moisture.

“It needs to be a little bit wet and heavy for the bulls. If it’s too dry, then it just flies everywhere and they can get injured. And also the cowboys can get injured. If it’s too thick and muddy, then the bulls end up being slower,” Palermo said.

It’s a lot of prep work, to get ready for the “toughest sport on dirt.” “The animals are athletes. The riders are athletes and to come and see it in person is truly amazing,” Palermo said.

The PBR begins Friday, April 15 and runs through Saturday, April 16.