Introduction
On October 14, 2016, iconic Oklahoma native Toby Keith took the stage at Tulsa’s BOK Center for the first time in that venue’s history—a landmark moment for both the artist and his hometown fans . Part of his 2016 Interstates & Tailgates Tour, the Tulsa show featured very special guests: Texas country star Casey Donahew and country-rock artist Ben Haggard & The Strangers .
The tour was a fitting showcase of Keith’s dual identity as a chart-topping country singer and proud Oklahoman. Rising to fame in the mid-1990s, he delivered 32 No. 1 hits and sold over 40 million albums during his career . With anthems like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Red Solo Cup,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” Keith had already cemented his legacy by the time he performed at the BOK Center.
Local media highlighted the significance of this Tulsa concert. K95.5 Tulsa noted it was among just three October appearances that year and pointed out that Keith chose Tulsa for a major highlight of his fall tour . Meanwhile, Tulsa Today confirmed that evening’s performance would mark the artist’s BOK Center debut and noted high attendance and enthusiasm, though detailed reviews were limited .
Beyond music, Toby Keith’s bond with Tulsa carried deeper resonance. As an Oklahoman who often gave back to his home state—supporting causes like OK Kids Korral—his return to Tulsa for a homecoming concert amplified the emotional stakes . It was more than a concert: a communal celebration of shared roots, pride, and hometown success.
In this historic night at the BOK Center, Toby Keith delivered a heartfelt performance that bridged his rise to stardom with his enduring connection to Tulsa—reminding fans why he remained one of country music’s most beloved sons.