One of the most common questions I hear from clients relocating to the Tulsa Metro is whether there is enough to do here, especially for active families and sports fans. The answer is a resounding yes. Tulsa has quietly built a sports and recreation scene that punches well above its weight, from professional baseball and soccer to award-winning park systems and one of the strongest disc golf communities in the region. Whether you are a die-hard sports fan, a weekend cyclist, or just looking for ways to stay active as a family, Tulsa delivers in ways that surprise most newcomers.
Tulsa Drillers Baseball: A Downtown Staple
The Tulsa Drillers are the city's beloved Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, playing in the Texas League at ONEOK Field in the heart of downtown Tulsa. Since moving to ONEOK Field in 2010, the Drillers have become one of the most family-friendly entertainment options in the metro. With 7,833 seats and a view of the downtown skyline from the outfield, every game feels like a genuine Tulsa experience. The season runs from April through September, and ticket prices are affordable enough for regular visits. For families relocating to Tulsa, a Drillers game is one of the best ways to get a feel for the community. It is the kind of ballpark where you run into neighbors, enjoy a hot dog, and watch fireworks on summer Friday nights.
FC Tulsa: Soccer on the Rise
FC Tulsa competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of professional soccer in the United States, and shares ONEOK Field with the Drillers. The atmosphere at an FC Tulsa match is electric. In 2025, the team won the USL Championship Western Conference title and set a record attendance of over 9,000 fans. Tulsa has a passionate soccer community, and FC Tulsa games draw a diverse crowd of families, young professionals, and dedicated supporters. The season runs from March to October, making it a great way to enjoy downtown evenings in the spring and fall. For relocating families with soccer-playing kids, FC Tulsa also offers youth programs and camps.
Tulsa Oilers: Hockey and Indoor Football at the BOK Center
The BOK Center in downtown Tulsa is home to not one but two professional teams. The Tulsa Oilers hockey team plays in the ECHL from October through April, bringing fast-paced ice action to the city's premier arena. In the spring and summer, the Tulsa Oilers indoor football team takes the field in the Indoor Football League at the same venue. With a seating capacity of 19,199, the BOK Center regularly hosts major concerts and events alongside its sports programming. If you are moving to Tulsa from a colder climate and miss live hockey, the Oilers provide a genuine dose of high-energy winter sports.
University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane
For college sports fans, the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Football games are played at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, which seats 30,000 and sits right on the TU campus near midtown. Basketball takes place at the Donald W. Reynolds Center, a modern 8,355-seat arena. TU athletic events are a cornerstone of the Tulsa community, offering an authentic college sports experience without the overwhelming scale of a Power Five program. Season tickets are accessible, and the campus location makes game day easy to navigate.
Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles
ORU's basketball program gained national attention during their unforgettable 2021 NCAA Tournament run to the Sweet Sixteen, and the excitement around Golden Eagles basketball has only grown since. Home games are played at the Mabee Center, a 10,585-seat arena on the ORU campus in south Tulsa. The energetic student section and community support make ORU games a fun, family-friendly option for sports fans across the metro.
River Parks Trail System: Cycling, Running, and Walking
The River Parks Trail System is one of Tulsa's greatest assets for outdoor recreation. With more than 30 miles of paved multi-use trails winding along the Arkansas River, the system connects downtown Tulsa to Gathering Place, Turkey Mountain, and neighborhoods on both sides of the river. Whether you are a serious cyclist logging weekend miles or a parent pushing a stroller on an evening walk, the River Parks trails accommodate everyone. The trail system is also the backbone of Tulsa's cycling community, hosting group rides, charity walks, and running clubs throughout the year. For clients who tell me they want an active lifestyle, the River Parks are always one of the first places I tell them about.
Disc Golf: A Surprising Tulsa Strength
Disc golf deserves a special mention. Tulsa has quietly built an outstanding disc golf scene, with courses like the OU Schusterman Disc Golf Course, Hunter Park, McClure Park, and Chandler Park drawing players from across the region. The River Parks Disc Golf Course offers a beautiful round right along the Arkansas River. Whether you are a seasoned player or just curious about the sport, Tulsa's disc golf offerings are accessible, low-cost, and a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Pickleball: The Fastest-Growing Sport in Tulsa
Pickleball has exploded in popularity across the country, and Tulsa has kept pace. The city now boasts 30-plus pickleball locations, including dedicated facilities like the Diadem Pickleball Complex, Top Seed Pickleball (with nine indoor and three outdoor courts), and Ace Pickleball Club. Courts at McClure Park, The Gathering Place, and community centers like Hicks Park and Florence Park offer free or low-cost play. Pickleball is a social sport, and newcomers are welcomed quickly. For active adults and retirees moving to Tulsa, the pickleball scene is a fantastic way to meet people and stay healthy.
Pro Tip
When you are house-hunting in Tulsa, take an afternoon to visit one of these venues or trailheads. Walk the River Parks path near a neighborhood you are considering. Drive past ONEOK Field on a game night. Go watch a pickup pickleball game at McClure Park. The way a community plays tells you as much about its character as anything on a brochure. And if you want a local's perspective on which neighborhoods are closest to the best recreation, I am happy to guide you.
Why Sports and Recreation Matter When Choosing a Home
When I work with relocating families, access to recreation is often one of the top three priorities. A neighborhood that puts you within walking distance of the River Parks trail system, or a fifteen-minute drive from ONEOK Field, adds real value to your daily life. Tulsa has the rare advantage of offering big-city sports and amenities while keeping everything accessible. You can grab a coffee on Cherry Street, bike the River Parks trail, and catch a Drillers game all in one summer afternoon. That kind of lifestyle is hard to find in larger metros, and it is one of the reasons so many out-of-state buyers are choosing Tulsa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What professional sports teams play in Tulsa?
Tulsa is home to the Tulsa Drillers (Double-A baseball, Dodgers affiliate), FC Tulsa (USL Championship soccer), Tulsa Oilers (ECHL hockey and IFL indoor football), and NCAA Division I programs at the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University.
Where do the Tulsa Drillers play?
The Drillers play at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa, located in the historic Greenwood District. The stadium seats 7,833 and offers beautiful views of the downtown skyline.
Are the River Parks trails good for biking and running?
Absolutely. The River Parks Trail System offers over 30 miles of paved multi-use trails along the Arkansas River, connecting downtown, Gathering Place, Turkey Mountain, and multiple neighborhoods. It is the premier destination for cycling, running, and walking in the Tulsa Metro.
Does Tulsa have pickleball courts?
Yes, Tulsa has 30-plus pickleball locations, including dedicated facilities like the Diadem Pickleball Complex and Top Seed Pickleball, plus free courts at McClure Park, The Gathering Place, and community centers throughout the metro.
Is there disc golf in Tulsa?
Tulsa has a thriving disc golf scene with courses at OU Schusterman, Hunter Park, McClure Park, Chandler Park, and the River Parks Disc Golf Course, among others.
What is the best way to watch a live game in Tulsa?
For a classic summer evening, a Drillers game at ONEOK Field is hard to beat. For soccer fans, FC Tulsa matches offer a passionate atmosphere. Hockey fans should catch the Oilers at the BOK Center. And for college sports, catch the TU Golden Hurricane or ORU Golden Eagles on their home courts and fields.