BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — With a more than 12-thousand-seat amphitheater coming to Broken Arrow, some Wagoner County leaders are concerned about traffic control and safety since it'll be unlike anything they've ever had.
Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott recommended at a November county commissioners meeting that the city of Broken Arrow staff contact Tulsa Special Events staff who handle traffic control for the BOK Center. The BOK Center seats over 19,000 people.
Planners say Sunset Amphitheater will be unlike anything seen in Broken Arrow before. Once the amphitheater opens in 2025, the quiet and stillness is going go away with the attendees and major entertainment superstars.
2 News reported in November that Wagoner County Commissioner James Hanning and Sheriff Chris Elliott believe the arena has the potential to be a public safety issue due to the high number of people projected to attend.
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TPD Lt. Jack Hoehner said his team directs cars at least three days before and after an event to get them to highways or other streets away from the BOK Center. He said, on average, the BOK Center hires 28 officers to direct cars and pedestrians to avoid traffic jams— not including BOK Center security personnel on the inside.
Jim Lesperance of Tulsa doesn't think it'll be a problem.
"Certainly, the police and fire departments are all top-notch in the city from what I've seen," Lesperance said. They're very professional and outstanding. I'm sure they can handle it."
Lt. Hoehner said communication with the BOK Center is the key to a successful plan. He said they get emails about twice a week regarding ticket sales and the number of tickets sold determines the plan.
"The base of the plan is the same. As more people get there, we just expand out farther and we have more working to control the intersections for pedestrians," Lt. Hoehner said.
City of Broken Arrow staff say the amphitheater will have a security officer for every 200 vehicles. Plus, no tailgating is allowed.
Broken Arrow city staff say they'll travel to Colorado Springs next year to see how a similar amphitheater handles safety and traffic control. They've also invited Wagoner County staff to attend.
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