Remembering the Myriad: Electrician reflects on nearly 40 years of iconic events

For Ted Faulkinberry, it’s not just the memories that define the building that was once the Myriad Convention Center, but the years of hard work—and few people can say they’ve seen as many shows there as he has.

The Myriad Convention Center, which opened in 1972, has been a cornerstone of Oklahoma City's event landscape, hosting everything from major conventions to concerts, and playing a key role in the city's growth and cultural development.

The building was later named the Cox Convention Center and is now home to Prarie Surf Studios and is set to be demolished and transformed into a new arena for the city.

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A Life Spent Behind the Scenes

Faulkinberry, who served as The Myriad’s electrician for nearly 40 years, was there at the very beginning. The first concert he attended in the venue was Boston in 1979, followed by his first gig working as the light technician for ZZ Top.

The job quickly became more than just another job; it was a passion.

"It was something different every day," Faulkinberry said. "I had a lot of sleepless nights."

The Rush of Legendary Events

From powering the spotlights for iconic performers to adjusting lights mid-show, Faulkinberry was often found in the background making sure everything went off without a hitch. There was never a dull moment.

“We had hockey in here one night, and the next night we had *NSYNC. As they were rolling out, we were rolling in the Rolling Stones. I don’t think I went home for two weeks,” he recalled.

But it wasn’t just about doing his job. It was about problem-solving on the fly, often with no room for error.

A Night to Remember: The Tool Stage Collapse

Faulkinberry remembers a particularly harrowing night in 2001 when he was working during a performance by Tool. As the stage began to collapse, he and his team rushed to save the show.

"We were propping the stage up so it wouldn't collapse on the performers," he said. "The audience had no idea what was going on."

Myriad's Iconic Acts and Unforgettable Moments

Over the years, The Myriad became home to legendary shows and performances from artists like Kiss, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Elton John, not to mention the many sports events and concerts that spanned nearly four decades.

More coverage: Remembering the Myriad: Timeline of notable performances

Ted’s memories are not just of the iconic performances but also of the moments that defined the space. One standout moment was a Blazers hockey championship a year after the Murrah bombing in 1995.

"It’s electrifying when you get 13,000 people in here for a hockey game," Faulkinberry said.

The End of an Era

Now that The Myriad is gone, Faulkinberry reflects on his time there with mixed emotions. After decades of backstage passes and hard work, he’s no longer adding to his collection of memories. His final show was a bittersweet moment.

"It’s really sad to me to spend half my life here. I’ll miss it," he said. "It’s more than just a building to me."

As the building fades into history, Faulkinberry’s legacy remains – one of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for the venue that became his second home.

“I became a man here,” Faulkinberry said. “I’ve loved working here – I’ve always loved the people I’ve worked with. They’re like family.”