Roughnecks are back in Tulsa
- by Soccer America , Feb 26, 2014
The name Roughnecks received almost 50 percent of the total votes in the name-the-team contest, almost as many votes as the other three names -- Tulsa Strike, FC Tulsa and Oil City FC -- combined. The new team’s official name with be Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
“We realize the name may be unpopular with some fans and also realize that it comes with lofty expectations," said Mike Melega, general manager of the baseball Tulsa Drillers, who are majority owners. "We are not trying to present this team as the past Roughnecks, because we have so much to prove as both a team and an organization. But, like that franchise, we do want to work to build a club and an operation that everyone in the city can be proud of. We hope the name will help introduce the game and the city’s soccer history to a new generation of fans.”
The original Tulsa Roughnecks began play in 1978 and remained in the NASL until its demise after the 1984 season, capturing the NASL championship in 1983.
The new Roughnecks will play their home games at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa. They are currently taking deposits for season tickets.
I think it is a good name that shows some respect for the history of soccer in Tulsa and our city's historic role in the oil business