SageNet Center , originally known as the Exposition Center from 1966 to 2007 and QuikTrip Center, until 2012, and River Spirit Expo from 2013 to 2021, is the center of the Tulsa State Fair and one of the largest clearspan buildings in the world. The Expo Center provides 354,000 square feet (32,900 m) of column-free space under a cable-suspended roof. The building spans 448,400 total square feet on two levels, connected by side ramps and stairs, allowing for a variety of show floor plans.
17-774: The Expo Center, originally called the International Petroleum Exposition Center (and often called the IPE Building), was funded by a $ 3.5 million bond issue in 1966, and upon completion became home to the International Petroleum Exposition . At the time of its completion, it was the world's largest building under a single roof. Standing in front of the Expo Center is the Golden Driller which
34-527: A reported 10-year naming rights agreement. In November 2012 it was reported that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation had agreed to buy the naming rights for the building commencing in 2013, as part of a deal that would have also seen the end of horse racing at Expo Square's Fair Meadows Race Track . Several weeks later, however, the Fair Board voted to reconsider the decision and reinstate racing, which also had
51-482: A second-place award from The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation in 1966 for their design paper submission. Their paper dealt with the unique method of framing the structure, whereby the roof is suspended with cables, such as used in bridge construction but rarely seen in buildings. In July 2007 the building was renamed the QuikTrip Center, after Tulsa's QuikTrip Corporation paid $ 2.6 million as part of
68-665: The 1979 exhibition, the IPE was permanently cancelled. The former IPE Building was later renamed as the Tulsa Expo Center . [[ ]] United States Oil and Gas Association The United States Oil & Gas Association , formerly the Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, is a trade association which promotes the well-being of the oil and natural gas industries in the United States . Primarily,
85-511: The IPE Building), it was funded by a $ 3.5 million bond issue in 1966, and upon completion became home to the International Petroleum Exposition. The Golden Driller statue was relocated to the main entrance of the building. The 1966 exhibition had the largest attendance in its history. The 1971 show was also successful. However, conditions in the industry were changing. Oil production had greatly moved outside of
102-465: The United States and foreign producers had greater influence over the markets. Oil production also had moved offshore, as land-based wells had become relatively less profitable. The Houston-based Offshore Technology Conference siphoned attention away from the IPE. Attendance declined further in 1976. Oil prices collapsed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After only 20 thousand visitors attended
119-632: The World". At its creation, the association worked to provide petroleum to the Allied forces. As of June 2018, Bloomberg, LP, lists Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association of Oklahoma, Inc. located at 6701 North Broadway, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73116, and states that its business is to, "... support legislation for the energy industry at the Oklahoma State Capitol and to provide education programs and seminars. The Texas association
136-658: The effect of putting the new naming deal on hold. In September 2021 the building was renamed once again, the SageNet Center. The building hosts many events throughout the year such as the Tulsa boat show, the Wanenmacher gun show (the largest gun show in the world), and Daryl Starbird's custom car show. During the Tulsa State Fair the largest facility is the Expo Center where vendors and exhibit booths line
153-665: The entire floor, providing both educational and commercial services. The Chili Bowl midget car race is held each January in a clay track inside the center. The event attracts NASCAR and USAC drivers from around the country. Since 1998, the building has hosted the American Bicycle Association 's annual Grand National Championships, a major event for BMX bikers. 36°08′04″N 95°55′51″W / 36.13444°N 95.93083°W / 36.13444; -95.93083 International Petroleum Exposition The International Petroleum Exposition (IPE)
170-426: The entrance to the exhibition grounds. It drew so much favorable comment that the owner re-erected it in the next exposition in 1959. In 1966, all of the exhibition buildings were demolished. They were replaced by a single hall that covered 10 acres (4.0 ha). At the time, it was said to be the largest single building under one roof. Originally called the International Petroleum Exposition Center (and often called
187-482: The organization focuses on the production of these resources. Other organizations exist to deal with concerns of transportation, refining and processing, and other discrete functions of the fossil fuel industry. The predecessor organization, Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, was founded on October 13, 1917, after the United States entered World War I , in Tulsa , Oklahoma , which called itself "The Oil Capital of
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#1732798810862204-629: The week, and the fact that the city was still trying to recover from the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, the IPE drew enough visitors to be considered a success. The organizers decided to repeat the show annually. From 1924 through 1927, the IPE show was held at the Tulsa circus grounds. In 1928, it moved to the Tulsa Fairgrounds, In 1930, the event was moved to May, to avoid conflict with the Tulsa State Fair , which
221-430: Was a specialized trade fair held in Tulsa , Oklahoma , at varying intervals from 1923 to 1979. Its main purposes were to display the latest oil industry technology, sell equipment and services, and to educate industry workers and the general public about the production of oil. William G. Skelly , a leading Tulsa oilman and entrepreneur, is credited with conceiving the International Petroleum Exposition in 1923, while he
238-523: Was added as a symbol of the International Petroleum Exposition in 1966. Weighing 43,500 pounds and standing 76 feet (23 m) tall, the Golden Driller has become the symbol of Expo Square and a Tulsa landmark. Design of the building was performed by David R. Graham and Associates of Tulsa. Team members included engineers David R. Graham , C.E.C, Melvin L. Sedlacek , C.E.C. and architect Bert E. Griffin , A.I.A. Sedlacek and Griffin received
255-512: Was always presented in the fall at the fairgrounds. By 1930, had been extended to ten days and drew over 120,000 visitors. Some important industry groups such as the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and the American Petroleum Institute scheduled meetings in Tulsa to coincide with the IPE. The Great Depression reduced the frequency of the event after 1930. Thereafter it was held in 1934, 1936, 1938 and 1940. It
272-432: Was completely suspended until 1948 because of World War II. When it reopened in 1948, over 300,000 people visited the show. However, there was competition from other events and the event had become very costly to produce, so the directors voted to hold the exhibition every five years. The next exposition was held in 1953. The Mid-Continent Supply Company commissioned the now-famous Golden Driller statue and displayed it at
289-544: Was serving as president of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. He became president of the IPE in 1925 and held that position for the rest of his life. The first show was held in Tulsa on October 8–14, 1923. The city had been dubbed "Oil Capital of the World" and headquarters of many major oil companies and suppliers, so it seemed a logical choice. The venue was vacant ground downtown between Main to Cheyenne streets and from Archer to Cameron streets. Despite heavy rains during
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