I’ve yet to notice any discussion on the local chat boards about what may be one of the most important additions yet to Bricktown - a Mickey Mantle museum - as detailed in this story by Berry Tramel. This is one of a handful of potential attractions that could be coming to Bricktown, and all of them have the potential of transforming Bricktown from a regional to a national tourist destination.
Think about it - some names will remain eternal as sports legends: Babe Ruth, Mohammad Ali, Pete Rose, Jim Thorpe, Joe Namath … and yeah, absolutely, Mickey Mantle.
People will come. Oh yes, they will come.
I’ll argue with Berry about Mantle’s visits to OKC. Just read Pody Poe’s biography and you’ll quickly discover Mickey Mantle was a regular at Poe’s Nichols Hills “casino.”
Of course, OKC should jump on this opportunity. Build it out on the first floor of the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark between LIT and the Mickey Mantle statue, facing Mickey Mantle Drive, across from the Mickey Mantle Steakhouse. It’s a natural spot - and don’t forget that Mickey Mantle graces every seat at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.
Surely there’s a way to make this museum a reality.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
It would be nice to hear one of the City officials come out and speak on this. This is an obvious home run and Tulsa should never even be considered. This deal should get locked in right away.
This could be one of many museums to come to Bricktown, but by far the “biggest” tourism magnet.
May 27th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
How about as the main tenant of the Cotton Exchange project, on the portion east of the canal?
May 27th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I suspect Mickey would be happiest at a ballpark, don’t you think?
May 29th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Should this not be in NYC? Maybe this is a second one? Trust me, I want it here but if you really want to honor him NYC might be the best.
May 30th, 2008 at 9:53 am
The widow wants it in Oklahoma - and he was an Oklahoman.
June 8th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I agree that it would be a great compliment to the already mickey attractions in Bricktown. This would really be a destination for fans and could draw a lot of business with the ballpark right there. Just hope they make it right and fitting to the legend.