A HISTORIC SITE - back to top
Almost every other major city in America was established and prospering while Oklahoma City was still a wild, open prairie. It is doubtful if any other state or city has packed as much significant history into such a short time period. Oklahoma City sprang into being almost overnight. At high noon on Monday, April 22, 1889, the U.S. government opened the territory for settlement and settlers rushed to stake their claims. A sprawling tent city sprang up near the Santa Fe railroad tracks, and in no time at all Oklahoma City was a bustling town of 10,000. On this very corner, where the Cox Business Services Convention Center now sits, a sharply dressed gambler from Texas calling himself “Kid” Bannister set up a tent across from the Santa Fe Depot. A sign on the tent proudly proclaimed it to be the first bank in the Territory. Next door to the Kid’s “Bank” was John Burgess from Kansas with a wagon full of liquor. He played cat and mouse with U.S. Marshals from this location for two years until he opened the most notorious of all the early saloons, the Two Johns. Also located on this enterprising block was the first Oklahoma City Post Office. It was a one-room log shed. G.A. Beidler was the postmaster who assisted the thousands who called for their mail during the first two or three weeks.
A variety of businesses continued to occupy this four-block area until the fall of 1972, when the $22 million Myriad Convention Center (now the Cox Business Services Convention Center) opened its doors.
A NEW ERA - back to top
In 1972, the Myriad became the heart of the new downtown. It offered facilities to fit every need. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “Myriad” as “having innumerable aspects or elements,” “too may to count,” an appropriate name for the multi-purpose venue offering such a variety of events and facilities.
ASTOUNDING EVENTS - back to top
From basketball to banquets, concerts to conventions, the Myriad (now the Cox Business Services Convention Center) has hosted numerous events over the years. The arena has been home to a number of Oklahoma City sports franchises, including the Oklahoma City Stars CHL Hockey Team, the Oklahoma City Cavalry CBA Basketball Team, the Oklahoma City Blazers CHL Hockey Team, the Oklahoma City Coyotes RHI Roller Hockey Team, and the Oklahoma Wranglers AFL Arena Football Team. Other major sporting events have included the annual All-College basketball tournament, NCAA basketball and wrestling tournaments, the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the International Finals Rodeo (IFR), the BMX Grand Nationals, NHL and NBA exhibition games, professional wrestling, and the 2007 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship. Special events such as Sesame Street Live, Stars on Ice, and the Harlem Globetrotters have become traditions for families in Oklahoma City as well.
ABUNDANT FACILITIES - back to top
At the heart of the Cox Business Services Convention Center is the Arena. With seating for up to 15,000, 65-foot ceilings and 32,000 square feet of floor space, the Arena offers an environment designed for epic exhibitions, inspiration rallies, major sporting events and world-class entertainment. The 100,000 square foot Exhibition Hall is a favorite of conventions, industry trade shows and consumer exhibitions. And today, thanks to $62.5 million expansion and renovation project completed in August of 1999, the facility exceeds one million square feet and boasts 21 new state-of-the art meeting rooms, and a beautiful 25,000 square foot ballroom. Each meeting room and ballroom is also equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. SMG Video Conferencing Services are also available. More recent upgrades from Cox allow the venue to now offer up to Gigabit Ethernet speeds, including four (4) FREE Wi-Fi zones.
ADVANCE TICKET SALES - back to top
Box Office:
Tickets for events at the Cox Business Services Convention Center can be purchased in advance at U.S. Army Box Office located at the neighboring Ford Center. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Ford Center box office is located just off West Reno Avenue between Robinson and E.K. Gaylord and the two main entrances. Signs are posted on each side of Reno marking short term parking for ticket buyers. The Box Office accepts Cash, Visa and MasterCard. For your convenience, an ATM machine is available on site.
By Phone:
Charge by phone by calling Ticketmaster at any of the following numbers.
- (405) 235-8288
- (405) 360-7776
- (580) 357-3184
- (918) 587-2322
A service charge will be applied to each ticket purchased.
Online:
Order online 24 hours a day at www.ticketmaster.com. A service charge will be added to each ticket.
Outlets:
Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaste outlets including select Macy’s, FYE, and Suncoast Movie Company locations.
Ticket Windows:
The main ticket windows are located near the northeast Arena entrance. Additional ticket windows are also available near the south entrances for use during select events.
Will Call/VIP Will Call:
When purchasing tickets by phone or online, you may choose to pick them up at the Will Call window, which is located at the ticket office near the northeast entrance. Please be prepared to present the credit card used to purchase the tickets, as well as a photo I.D. Press and VIP tickets, or tickets left by a third party, may also be picked up at Will Call prior to the event. A photo I.D. is required.
Children:
Most events do not require a ticket for children under the age of two. However, if you would like your child to have his/her own seat, a ticket is required. Some shows intended for young children (i.e., Sesame Street Live) require that all children over the age of one have a ticket.
Wheelchair Seating:
The Cox Business Services Convention Center complies with all ADA requirements. Seating is reserved for wheelchairs and one companion seat in sections 303, 311, 316, 317 and 325, as well as on the Arena floor. Please specify that you need accessible seating when purchasing tickets.
Cancellations:
In the event of a cancellation, please return tickets to the place of purchase for a refund. If you ordered your tickets by phone or online, Ticketmaster will automatically refund your order.
Refunds:
Please confirm your ticket selection at the time of purchase as tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged except in the event of a cancellation.
Ticket Scalping:
The re-sale of event tickets is not permitted anywhere on the grounds of the Cox Business Services Convention Center. To avoid problems with counterfeit or stolen tickets, or inflated prices, please purchase your tickets through authorized Ticketmaster outlets only.
AED LOCATIONS - back to top
The following areas of the Cox Business Services Convention Center are equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED), which can save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
- Outside Exhibit Hall E
- Outside the northeast Arena entrance
- Outside First Aid on the second floor arena concourse near Section 308
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - back to top
Oklahoma Law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Therefore, guests are required to show proper identification and proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages at the Cox Business Services Convention Center. Only two alcoholic beverages are allowed per person, per purchase, unless otherwise noted. Management reserves the right to refuse service. Additionally, guests may not carry any alcoholic beverages into or outside of the event area. Beer sales are discontinued approximately forty-five (45) minutes before the event is over. We encourage guests to drink responsibly and not to drive after drinking.
AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE (ATM) - back to top
For your convenience, there is an ATM available in the far northeast lobby of the Cox Business Services Convention Center.
BABY CHANGING STATIONS - back to top
Baby changing stations are located in both the men and women’s restrooms throughout the building.
BACKSTAGE PASSES - back to top
Backstage passes can not be purchased are not available through the Cox Business Services Convention Center.
BANNERS & SIGNS - back to top
Banners may be displayed in the arena as long as the banner/sign does not block the view of others, cover existing signs, interfere with the event, contain advertising of any form, present a safety hazard or contain political or obscene material. Banners may not be affixed with any type of material that is permanent in nature or that alters the facility in any manner. Poles and sticks are prohibited. The Cox Business Services Convention Center reserves the right to remove any banner.
CAMERAS/RECORDING DEVICES - back to top
For most events, at the request of the artists and/or leagues, cameras (specifically professional lenses and flash photography) and recording devices (including video) are not permitted.
CELLULAR PHONES - back to top
Cellular phones are permitted provided their use does not prevent other guests from enjoying the event. The use of camera and video features may be restricted if requested by the event.
CONCESSION STANDS - back to top
Hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, Coca-Cola products and beer are among the menu selections available at the two concession stands located near the lower level entrances at the north end of the Arena, and throughout the upper level concourse near sections 302, 304, 309, 313, 315, 319, 324 and 326. All concession stands are accessible to guests with disabilities. Should any guest need additional assistance, please ask one of our representatives.
In addition, portable beer stands are located near the lower level entrances (during select events), as well as along the east and west sides of the upper level concourse.
Additional food vendors offering a variety specialty items are located throughout the concourse.
DIRECTIONS - back to top
The Cox Business Services Convention Center is conveniently located one block north of Interstate 40 in downtown Oklahoma City, just 15 minutes from the Will Rogers World Airport, adjacent to the Myriad Botanical Gardens, four of Oklahoma City’s top downtown hotels and the lively Bricktown dining and entertainment district. Map Driving Directions
Traveling east on I-40:
Exit on Harvey and turn right at the bottom of the off ramp. Proceed three blocks to Reno and turn right. Turn left at Robinson where you can enter the 900-space underground parking garage. See “Parking” for more info.
Traveling west on I-40:
Exit on Robinson and turn right at the bottom of the off ramp. Proceed north past Reno for the parking garage entrance.
Traveling south on I-235 (Broadway Ext):
Exit on N.W. 6th and proceed west to Broadway. At Broadway, turn left and proceed south in the left lane until you veer into E.K. Gaylord. The parking entrance is just south of Sheridan.
Traveling north on I-235:
Exit on Sheridan and proceed to the bottom of the ramp. Follow Sheridan west through Bricktown to E.K. Gaylord and turn left to access the underground parking garage.
Traveling south on I-35:
Exit west on I-40 and follow directions listed above.
Traveling north on I-35:
Exit to I-235 or to westbound I-40.
DISABLED FACILITIES & SERVICES - back to top
The Cox Business Services Convention Center offers many services and amenities to accommodate the needs of our guests with disabilities. Upon arrival, the underground parking garage offers reserved parking spaces near all four elevators for properly licensed or tagged vehicles. For your convenience, please use the south elevators for upper-level seating (Sec.300) and the north elevators for floor-level seats (Sec.100). Seating is reserved for wheelchairs with one companion seat in sections 303, 311, 316, 317 and 325, as well as on the Arena floor. Please specify that you need accessible seating when purchasing tickets. Once inside, Braille signage, and accessible restrooms and concessions counters are available. Service animals are welcome, but must remain on a leash or harness. For further information or to request additional services such as sign interpretation, please contact us by calling (405) 602-8500.
DOORS OPEN - back to top
Doors to the Arena turnstiles inside the Cox Business Services Convention Center typically open 90 minutes prior to the event.
ELEVATORS & ESCALATORS - back to top
For your convenience, elevators between the underground parking garage and the Cox Business Services Convention Center are available on both the north and south sides of the facility. Please note that only the south elevators go to the upper-level seating (Sec. 300-400) and the second floor. Escalators are also available inside the turnstiles at both the north and south entrances. Please note that during an event, staff may turn off escalators, or reverse their direction, to allow guests to exit and re-enter.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION - back to top
In the event of an emergency, please remain calm and WALK to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion. Please do not use the elevators. If you are disabled, facility staff will provide specific instructions and assist you in exiting the building.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES - back to top
The Cox Business Services Convention Center and its partners hire enthusiastic, service-minded individuals. For further information or to submit an application, please visit us online at www.coxconventioncenter.com or stop by the SMG office, located in the far northeast lobby, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
EVENTS CALENDAR - back to top
For the most up to date schedule of events please visit our online Events Calendar. You may also subscribe to receive our monthly Events Calendar by mail. Please email us at info@coxconventioncenter.com to subscribe.
EXITING THE ARENA - back to top
Guests may exit the building by using the escalators or stairwells located at each end of the Arena. In addition, guests can take the elevators located at the south end of the Arena directly to the underground parking garage. Please contact a member of our staff if you need assistance.
FIRST AID - back to top
Professionally staffed and equipped first aid stations are located on both the first floor and on the second floor outside Section 308. In the event of an emergency, please go to the first available officer or staff member for assistance.
FUND-RAISING OPPORTUNITIES - back to top
Tired of the same old fund-raisers? Looking for a creative alternative to bake sales and car washes? Fund-raising opportunities are available now at Ford Center. The SMG Food & Beverage Department provides a unique fund-raising opportunity for non-profit organizations at the Cox Business Services Convention Center and Ford Center. Please click here for further info.
GUEST CONDUCT - back to top
In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment, we ask that while visiting the Cox Business Services Convention Center, guests be courteous to those around them and abide by building policies. Guests using foul or abusive language, behaving in an unruly manner or appearing intoxicated are subject to being ejected and/or arrested.
GUEST RELATIONS - back to top
The SMG Guest Relations team includes ticket takers and ushers, who will be happy to direct you to your seats. If you need further assistance during an event, please notify a member of our staff.
HOTELS - back to top
Four of Oklahoma City’s top hotels, are located directly across the street from the Cox Business Services Convention Center. A skywalk leading from the second floor and a unique underground concourse leading from the parking garage, each offer guests climate-controlled access to two of the adjacent hotels and additional parking. The Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau offers additional information on other nearby hotels and attractions. Please call 1-800-225-5652 or visit them online at www.visitokc.com.
INTERNET ADDRESS - back to top
For the latest event information and further details about the Cox Business Services Convention Center, please visit us online at www.coxconventioncenter.com.
LEAFLETTING - back to top
Leafleting or distributing printed materials of any kind is not permitted on the grounds of the Cox Business Services Convention Center without prior written permission.
LOST & FOUND - back to top
During an event, you may inquire about lost or found items at the SMG office located in the far northeast lobby. For inquiries following an event, please call (405) 297-3300 during normal business hours.
LOST CHILDREN OR COMPANIONS - back to top
Lost children should be escorted to the nearest officer or staff member. In the event that you become separated from your child or a member of your party, you will also want to contact the nearest officer or staff member.
PAGING (IN ARENA) - back to top
Paging is only available in the case extreme emergencies. Should an emergency exist, please notify a staff member. So that we may locate you should the need arise, please notify your babysitter or other necessary parties of your seat location in advance.
PARKING - back to top
The underground parking garage located below the Cox Business Services Convention Center is managed by Republic Parking Systems and offers over 900 parking spaces. Parking spaces are available for disabled guests driving properly licensed or tagged vehicles and are located near all four-elevator entrances. Parking entrances are located on the east side of the building on E.K. Gaylord and the west side of the building on N. Robinson. The current charge for event parking is $6.00 per entry.Prices are subject to change.
Additional parking is available throughout Downtown and Bricktown. There are more than 18,000 parking spaces including approximately 1,300 parking meters. For further information on the Cox Business Services Convention Center parking garage and other City parking facilities, you may call (405) 235-PARK or visit www.parkingokc.com
Oklahoma Spirit Trolleys provide shuttle
service to most off-site parking garages. See
Shuttle Service
Motorcycle parking is also available in the parking locations listed above. Parking on the plaza of the Ford Center and Cox Business Services Convention Center is prohibited. Violators will be towed.
PASS GATE - back to top
See “RE-ENTRY“
PETS - back to top
Pets are not allowed inside the Cox Convention Center. Only service animals (i.e. guide dogs for persons with sight disabilities) are permitted, but must remain on a leash or harness.
PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED ITEMS - back to top
We ask all guests to arrive early and travel light, as you may be subject to search, which includes metal detecting hand wands upon entry. For safety reasons, prohibited items include but are not limited to:
- Alcohol, illegal drugs or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
- Cans, bottles, coolers or other similar containers
- Fireworks
- Flags/Signs with poles
- Laser pens/pointers of any type
- Noisemakers such as air horns
- Outside food or drinks
- Oversized bags, including backpacks, duffel bags or diaper bags
- Weapons of any type, including chains, knives and firearms
- Any other item deemed unacceptable by event or building management
RE-ENTRY - back to top
Should you need to exit the building during an event, please go to a designated exit or “Pass Gate” located at the northeast entrances on both the first and second floor and at the south entrances on the second floor. An usher is staffed at each “Pass Gate” to stamp your hand as you exit. The usher will ask to see your stamp, as well as your ticket stub when you re-enter through the gate. Please note that you will not be able to carry beverages with you as you exit or enter.
REPUBLIC PARKING SYSTEM - back to top
Republic Parking Systems is a professional parking management company. Republic currently operates the underground parking garage at the Cox Business Services Convention Center, as well as several other City-owned parking garages located downtown. To contact the parking office, please call (405) 297-2543.
RESTROOMS - back to top
All restrooms inside the Cox Convention Center provide diaper-changing stations and are accessible to persons with disabilities. Restrooms are located at the north end of the Arena on the first floor, as well as throughout the second floor concourse.
SMG - back to top
The Cox Business Services Covnention Center is managed by SMG, which is headquartered in Philadelphia and provides facility services to over 200 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, performing arts theatres and convention and trade centers. With facilities across America, and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, SMG controls over 1.5 million entertainment seats worldwide and manages more than ten million feet of exhibition space. For additional company information, visit www.smgworld.com.
SEATING ASSISTANCE - back to top
If you need assistance finding your seat, someone is sitting in your seat or there is confusion regarding a seat, please contact the nearest usher or staff member.
SECURITY - back to top
The SMG security staff provides 24-hour security service. Additional event security services are provided by Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC). CSC’s concept has proven to be the most reliable and unobtrusive means of providing crowd management services, satisfying the needs of clients from the fields of entertainment, professional and collegiate athletics. Added security services are provided before, during and after events by off-duty Oklahoma City police officers.
SHUTTLE SERVICE - back to top
Oklahoma Spirit trolleys make scheduled stops at the Cox Business Services Convention Center and offer transportation to off-site parking and numerous other destinations in downtown and Bricktown. The basic fare is only $0.25. For more information, call (405) 235-7433 or visit http://www.gometro.org.
SMOKING - back to top
In accordance with Oklahoma City ordinances, smoking is not permitted inside the Cox Business Services Convention Center. Prohibited areas include all entrances and lobbies, elevators and stairwells, as well as the Arena, Exhibit Halls and meeting rooms. Failure to comply with the ordinance after a warning may result in ejection and/or the issuance of a summons. If you wish to go outdoors to the plaza to smoke, please go to a designated exit or “Pass Gate,” where an usher will stamp your hand. The usher will ask to see your stamp and your ticket stub when you re-enter through the same gate.
STAIRS - back to top
Stairs leading from the underground parking garage to the first floor of the Cox Business Services Convention Center are located at both the north and south ends of the garage. The stairs at the south end, as well as the stairs outside the northeast Arena entrance, lead from the first floor to the second floor concourse of the Arena. Smoking is not permitted in the stairwells.
TICKETS - back to top
Tickets for events at the Cox Business Services Convention Center can be purchased in advance at the Ford Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including paricipating Foley's and Wherehouse Music locations, by phone at (405) 235-8288, (405) 360-7776, (918) 587-2322 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. See “Advance Ticket Sales.”
WHEEL CHAIR SERVICE - back to top
The Cox Business Services Convention Center offers wheelchair service for guests who may need assistance to and from their seats. Please contact a Guest Relations representative for assistance. Wheelchair assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the limited number of wheelchairs available, they may not be borrowed or rented as seating during the event. If wheelchair assistance becomes necessary during an event, please notify the nearest staff member.
Wi-Fi ACCESS - back to top
Four FREE Wi-Fi zones are available in designated areas outside meeting rooms on the north side of the Cox Business Services Convention Center.
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