Watching the Tulsa Oilers at home is easy. Following them up the road to Wichita is one of the best experiences in Oilers fandom. Tulsa and the Wichita Thunder meet 14 times in 2026-27, and several of those games are in Kansas. This guide covers what Oilers fans need to know about a road trip to INTRUST Bank Arena, from parking and arrival tips to which games are worth the drive.
Quick answer: INTRUST Bank Arena is at 500 E. Waterman in downtown Wichita, roughly 175 miles from the BOK Center. The arena operates its own lots, while other downtown lots are privately run, and fans can reserve parking through ParkMobile, according to the arena’s parking page. The next Oilers visit is the Halloween matinee on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 2:05 p.m. Central.
INTRUST Bank Arena at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 E. Waterman, Wichita, KS 67202 |
| Home team | Wichita Thunder (ECHL) |
| Distance from Tulsa | About 175 miles from the BOK Center |
| Phone | (316) 440-9000 |
| Time zone | Central, the same as Tulsa |
Why Make the Road Trip to Wichita?
The Oilers and Thunder have shared a league every season since 1992-93, which makes this the longest rivalry in Tulsa’s modern history. Our story on the Oilers-Thunder rivalry explains how it started. Because Wichita is close enough for a day trip, Oilers fans regularly fill sections of the visiting arena, and the atmosphere reflects that.
Besides, seeing the rivalry from the other side is part of the fun. You will hear a different crowd, different traditions and, if things go well, a quiet arena when Tulsa scores.
Getting There From Tulsa
Naturally, most fans drive. The trip is usually around two and a half to three hours, depending on traffic, weather and stops. Plan for longer travel in winter, when ice and snow can affect roads in Oklahoma and Kansas. Before you leave, check road conditions and leave extra time for the Kansas Turnpike tolls if your route uses it.
For a weekend game, many fans turn the trip into an overnight stay, which makes the drive home easier after a late finish.
Parking and Drop-Off at INTRUST Bank Arena
According to the arena’s website, here is how parking works:
- Arena lots: INTRUST Bank Arena operates Lots 1-4. Other lots downtown are independently owned and set their own rules.
- Reserved parking: Fans can reserve and prepay through ParkMobile.
- Downtown map: The Downtown Wichita website offers an interactive parking map.
- Rideshare: Drop-off is near Emporia and English. Rideshares are not allowed to drop off in arena lots.
- ADA drop-off: Guests with disabilities may be dropped off in arena parking lots.
- Q-Line trolley: A free trolley runs along Douglas about every 10 to 15 minutes, stopping just north of the arena.
Before You Go: Policies to Check
Every arena sets its own entry rules. Bag sizes, prohibited items and re-entry policies at INTRUST Bank Arena may differ from those at the BOK Center, so check the arena’s event-day information page before you pack. In addition, families with young children may want to use the arena’s free Tag-A-Tot wristband program, which links a child’s wristband to a guardian’s contact information.
For reference, the BOK Center’s clear-bag rules are summarized in our first-timer’s guide. Do not assume the same policy applies in Wichita.
Tips for Visiting Fans at INTRUST Bank Arena
- Buy tickets early. Rivalry games and weekend matinees tend to draw bigger crowds.
- Wear your colors, keep it friendly. The best rivalries are loud, not ugly, and both arenas enforce codes of conduct.
- Arrive early to park, clear security and watch warm-ups.
- Follow the game score if you are traveling to a later game; our guide on how to watch Tulsa Oilers games explains streaming.
- Know the rules of the rivalry. Our hockey penalties guide helps when emotions run high on the ice.
Which Oilers Games in Wichita Are Worth Circling?
The Halloween matinee on Oct. 31 at 2:05 p.m. is the obvious pick this fall, since it comes after back-to-back games between the teams at the BOK Center on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. Tulsa already lost 5-1 in Wichita on Oct. 23, as our early-season results report explains, so the next visit is a chance for revenge. Check the official schedule for the full list of road dates as the season continues.
Also remember that Wichita visits Tulsa’s WeStreet Ice Center on Dec. 6, a rare chance to see the rivalry in a small rink.
The Bottom Line
A road trip to Wichita is the easiest way to see the Oilers away from home and one of the most memorable. Check the arena’s policies, plan your parking in advance and leave plenty of time for the drive. With 14 meetings on the schedule, there will be more than one chance to make the trip.
Published Oct. 25, 2026. Venue details come from INTRUST Bank Arena’s website, and dates come from the Tulsa Oilers’ schedule. Policies and times can change, so confirm before you travel. Tulsa Hockey is not affiliated with either team or arena.
