Officials had projected a $200,000+ profit in the arena's first year of operation, but the final profit ended up being well over a million dollars.
Tulsa's BOK Center turned a profit of $1.1 million in its first year of operation — well beyond the budgeted $285,000 profit and despite some unexpected costs, such as $400,000 in energy bills.
The reason for the surplus: $2.8 million in sales-tax revenues generated at arena events. Arena officials had budgeted $1.6 million in tax revenues. Overall, 166 events were held at the arena, including 26 concerts and 31 Tulsa Oilers (CHL) hockey games.
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