Mabee Center, Tulsa

The Mabee Center, located on the campus of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, is a landmark multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of up to 10,154. Opened in 1972, the 105,000-square-foot venue was designed by architect Frank Wallace, the creative mind behind many ORU campus structures. Named after Tulsa oilman John Mabee-whose foundation contributed $1 million to its construction-the arena has served as a cornerstone for both sports and entertainment in the region.

Throughout its history, the Mabee Center has hosted major musical acts, family-friendly shows, and significant sporting events. These include the NAIA men’s national basketball championships in the 1990s and several NCAA men’s basketball tournaments from the 1970s through the mid-1980s. It is also the home court for the ORU Golden Eagles men's and women's basketball teams and was the largest indoor venue in Eastern Oklahoma until the BOK Center opened.

In 2021, the Mabee Center underwent a major modernization project, featuring new seating, LED house lights, a state-of-the-art sound system, digital screens, updated concourses, sleek blue exterior paint, blue glass panels, upgraded suites, and high-speed WiFi. These updates ensure it remains a competitive venue for events of all kinds-from intimate performances to large-scale sports competitions.

In recognition of its cultural and musical significance, the Mabee Center was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2013. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, marking five decades of bringing world-class entertainment and athletics to Tulsa. Adjacent to the arena, the similarly designed Global Learning Center complements the venue’s architectural and institutional footprint.