any of u guys who are drooling over her aware that she/he has a *****

Not to be rude Skywest. But Lady Gaga is indefinitely more popular among today's youth than ACDC and Rush. Gaga would be a huuuge landing for the Ford Center. And it's actually surprising as no one would expect her to ever come here. Ever. I hope this is true, I would literally have a heart attack.

The point is? Classic rock never gets old. I'm enjoying my Rush concert on DVD right now. 30 year old music.

as much as I hate Lady Gaga!it would be a big draw for The Ford center!she's so damn weird!

any of u guys who are drooling over her aware that she/he has a *****

Oh lord. Check out her new music video. She clearly debunks that rumor by getting butt naked. Regardless, we are talking about the exciting possibility of her being booked at the Ford Center, which from an event perspective, is huge; irrelevant to the fact that you buy into unconfirmed stories about human beings. Look at her birth certicate.

And classic rock does get old, as time goes by, that period of music will appeal to less and less people. I'm not saying it's bad. I love ACDC also, but I would rather see something much more relevant to today's music movements.

But back on track. The next phase of improvements is for sure being delayed or is this speculation?

I have 4 tickets to Lady Gaga's concert at the Ford Center. On sale now! Wait, I think you have to be a special member of her fan club to be offered tickets first. That and including backstage pass. Free autographs, pose with her for pictures, etc. :)

Anyone who is jealous over tulsa getting nickleback needs to be checked at the door. Corporate rock sucks.

I have 4 tickets to Lady Gaga's concert at the Ford Center. On sale now! Wait, I think you have to be a special member of her fan club to be offered tickets first. That and including backstage pass. Free autographs, pose with her for pictures, etc. :)

I despise you. What if I gave you the money? Please?

I have 4 tickets to Lady Gaga's concert at the Ford Center. On sale now! Wait, I think you have to be a special member of her fan club to be offered tickets first. That and including backstage pass. Free autographs, pose with her for pictures, etc. :)

I love Lady Gaga. She is such a freak. I would pay to see that freak show! When do tickets go on sale to the public? She is arguably the biggest pop star in the world right now.

I would love to get some rock concerts back to the Ford Center. AC/DC back in December is one of the few we've had in a while. Ever since the BOK Center opened every show is rolling through there. Nickelback will be there next month for the second time in a year. I'm hoping once the renovations are finished we'll get a few more.

this has been rehashed dozens of times. Ford purposely closed for many months due to the renovations. We KNEW the shows were going to go to Tulsa, not to mention they would pick up some because of a new venue. They are just getting tours that we've already had, nothing really new. Once the Ford Center renovations are complete, we'll be able to get far bigger and better shows than BOK, not to mention, we have an NBA team.

I love Lady Gaga. She is such a freak. I would pay to see that freak show! When do tickets go on sale to the public? She is arguably the biggest pop star in the world right now.

Oh my god, its true!! July 20th...book it!

Lady Gaga : News : Monster Ball 2010 North American Tour Announcement! (http://www.ladygaga.com/news/default.aspx?nid=25001)

The biggest pop artist in thw world will be here in OKC....can we please put to rest all of "Tulsa gets the better acts" talk now?

I love Lady Gaga. She is such a freak. I would pay to see that freak show! When do tickets go on sale to the public? She is arguably the biggest pop star in the world right now.


Another sad commentary on this fine Country!!

9th stop on the tour. Not bad.

Don't people just go to her shows to see if her ***** will pop out again?


-------------------
what the hell? you can't say p-e-n-i-s?

Nice to see OKC amongst some of those cities on her tour.

Don't people just go to her shows to see if her ***** will pop out again?


-------------------
what the hell? you can't say p-e-n-i-s?

:omg::LolLolLol

They are just getting tours that we've already had

Very true. Also, in terms of emerging and indie acts, we get a lot of tours at the Diamond Ballroom and the Conservatory. Tulsa does get more on the theater circuit though with Cain's and the Brady.

Very true. Also, in terms of emerging and indie acts, we get a lot of tours at the Diamond Ballroom and the Conservatory. Tulsa does get more on the theater circuit though with Cain's and the Brady.

Yep, they just landed Conan at the Brady Theater, which irks me. Nonetheless, I bought tickets.

[/COLOR]


Another sad commentary on this fine Country!!

?? What's your point?

I thought the Ford Center was going to be closed all summer for phase 2 of renovations..?

?? What's your point?

The fact that some believe she's the biggest pop star at this moment. IMO, doesn't say much for the music industry.

Please read pages 1-7 for update.

The fact that some believe she's the biggest pop star at this moment. IMO, doesn't say much for the music industry.

Lady Gaga, The Illuminati Puppet | The Vigilant Citizen (http://vigilantcitizen.com/?p=1676)

The fact that some believe she's the biggest pop star at this moment. IMO, doesn't say much for the music industry.

RC how old are you?

I am going to go out on a stretch and imagine you probably are not the target audience for any pop singer/and or group.

I hate to continue this topic but who is bigger than her?

I hate to continue this topic but who is bigger than her?

Do you mean who can draw a larger audience or who can create more media buzz? I would say there are at least 100 acts that can draw a larger audience.

Shim (combination of she and him) doesn't even make the top 50 on this chart.
http://www.pollstarpro.com/files/TopTourOfTheDecade.pdf

Perhaps it is time to move the Lady Gaga specific discussion to the A&E section of the board since we have a few tasteless individuals (shocker) posting here. This thread is also about renovations. Yes the announcement of a major concert plays in to that, but any specific discussion about the artist and such should be in another area.

media buzz

Of course the next issue is, how does this sales tax shortfall affect MAPS3 (whose tax collections start next month) and did Mayor Cornett know about this before the MAPS3 election?

Do you mean who can draw a larger audience or who can create more media buzz? I would say there are at least 100 acts that can draw a larger audience.

Shim (combination of she and him) doesn't even make the top 50 on this chart.
http://www.pollstarpro.com/files/TopTourOfTheDecade.pdf

Considering she just came on the scene in late 2008, one wouldn't expect her to be up that high on a 2000 - 2009 chart.

Of course the next issue is, how does this sales tax shortfall affect MAPS3 (whose tax collections start next month) and did Mayor Cornett know about this before the MAPS3 election?

Undoubtedly he knew all about it as the sales tax collections have been on a steady decline for a year now (often double digits). At first glance one might think something nefarious is going on, but in this case, I don't see it holding up.

Even with the sales tax shortfall as the starting point for MAPS 3, when presuming the same avg yearly growth the City has experienced over the past 10 years, it works out almost exactly to the $100M/year average of MAPS 3. If you want to see the math on it, I had a thread called "Retraction".

The City is excellent at projecting revenue estimates over a long term. The 7 year MAPS for Kids tax came within $2M of revenue projections and that figured out to be within half a percent.

Where they got into trouble was the relatively short revenue projection for the 15 month Ford tax. That shortfall didn't have the advantage of time to bring it back out.

peeps... if you want to talk about pop music stars then start another thread. this thread is about ford center renovations.

back to topic. -M

I thought the Ford Center was going to be closed all summer for phase 2 of renovations..?

Techincally this Summer is/was scheduled for phase 3 of the renovations. Phase 1 was before the Thunder started their first season (new locker rooms, sound and lighting upgrades, etc.).

I think our city leaders dropped the ball on this by not announcing something before a new event was announced for this summer.

I think our city leaders dropped the ball on this by not announcing something before a new event was announced for this summer.

I think SMG is well aware of the construction schedule and doesn't need press releases from the city to determine when to book events.

The press release would be for the citizens benefit, not SMG who could find these things out behind the scenes. My point being our tax dollars were supposed to be spent this Summer for a major city project and for now, we can only speculate on why that is apparently not going to happen. We deserve to know why and what the new renovation schedule is.

The press release would be for the citizens benefit, not SMG who could find these things out behind the scenes. My point being our tax dollars were supposed to be spent this Summer for a major city project and for now, we can only speculate on why that is apparently not going to happen. We deserve to know why and what the new renovation schedule is.

Then write or call:

City Manager
200 N Walker, 3rd Floor
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405 297-2345
citymanager@okc.gov

Public Works Department
420 W. Main, 7th Floor
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405 297-2581

The press release would be for the citizens benefit, not SMG who could find these things out behind the scenes. My point being our tax dollars were supposed to be spent this Summer for a major city project and for now, we can only speculate on why that is apparently not going to happen. We deserve to know why and what the new renovation schedule is.

That may have been your point but it sounded like you were more concerned about having an announcement before a new concert was advertised.

That may have been your point but it sounded like you were more concerned about having an announcement before a new concert was advertised.

Yes, by annoucing a concert in July, it startled me as I have been counting down the days for the Ford Center to close again. I spend a lot of time there (sporting events and concerts). Now suddenly, there is a 'hint' that something is amiss and I want to know why. Thanks for the phone/address numbers but I would think the media would be all over this issue.

i personally think having the concert is a good thing for OKC and surely wouldn't mind pushing or altering the construction schedule to get the biggest act in the world. .....

the construction will happen and Im sure they can do the expansion without messing with the arena. They could splice up the arena work so that expansion could happen this year and arena work could take place next summer.

That's what we get for having a playoff team so quickly. ........

Perhaps the original construction schedule did not consider that the Thunder would be in the playoffs. I believe that the construction was supposed to begin at the end of the season. The end of the season for the Thunder has become uncertain now that they look like they are going to be in the playoffs. Their playoff run could potentially last for about two months.

totally agreed Rod. That was my point - and also that the city could still do the expansion while save the arena work to later.

This would allow for events to take place, but also for the building to be expanded (in the areas not necessary to be used for events.

The fact that some believe she's the biggest pop star at this moment. IMO, doesn't say much for the music industry.

I can't comment personally on her musical talent, but my daughters, who've been singing all their lives and are rather heartless in their commentary about singers, went to see her in January. They said the show was amazing and I specifically asked about her voice, since I know they're pretty harsh critics. Both of them told me she has an excellent voice. As far as style of music, that's always been personal taste, and I'm not sure other people's opinions are that important. Like art, people like what they like, and we're never going to get complete agreement on musical genres.

Oh, and to get back on topic, I see people assuming that the reason the improvements have been postponed or foreshortened is due to a tax shortfall. Do we absolutely know that is the case and not related to the Thunder and the potential playoffs?

Honestly, I believe its AOK to hold off on the next phase of construction. Personally, I still think that it would look rather cramped against the Crosstown. Why don't we wait for that sucker to be moved south and for the elevated highway just south of the Ford Center to be torn down?

Also, put the majority of the tax money toward the arena and the owners can fund the remainder price of the practice facility. I want my pennies to go toward what I can use and, lol, I'm positive that its not what's being built up on Britton Road...

Honestly, I believe its AOK to hold off on the next phase of construction. Personally, I still think that it would look rather cramped against the Crosstown. Why don't we wait for that sucker to be moved south and for the elevated highway just south of the Ford Center to be torn down?

Also, put the majority of the tax money toward the arena and the owners can fund the remainder price of the practice facility. I want my pennies to go toward what I can use and, lol, I'm positive that its not what's being built up on Britton Road...

It'll be a few more years before the new highway opens IIRC.

I hate to continue this topic but who is bigger than her?

Britney... sad but true.. She could sell 100,000 tickets in less than 12 hours I bet.

...Oh, and to get back on topic, I see people assuming that the reason the improvements have been postponed or foreshortened is due to a tax shortfall. Do we absolutely know that is the case and not related to the Thunder and the potential playoffs?

Think it could be a combination of the two. Still a little fuzzy on if the Ford improvements are truly millions behind or not. Think the last story I saw mentioned it was in the $12M range, but is that in cost over runs or tax revenue shortfall (we know the tax has brought in less than projected). Then is all of that off set by the half-price practice facility (presuming that the bid cost and the actual cost are the same). The practice facility had 3 months of the 15 month tax earmarked for it $24M, mol). The bid came in at $10M. So that’s a “savings” of $14M right there, if the Ford renovations are in the $12M range, seems we are on track (but as noted, phase 3, the construction of the additional sf for team offices and new entrance have yet to be completed).

Waiting a year may actually be in the taxpayers best interest (pun intended).
MAPS may end up with cash surplus | Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City) | Find Articles at BNET (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_19990224/ai_n10125647/?tag=rel.res3)

“More important, the MAPS program has earned around $4.7 million of interest income, which will be funneled back into the program. “Most of the additional interest income is due to the delay of the downtown arena. We had anticipated spending that money earlier to begin construction of the arena and since we did not, the money was invested and has now come back with a pretty good return for us.” -- MAPS Program Manager Jim Couch (2/24/99)




Honestly, I believe its AOK to hold off on the next phase of construction. Personally, I still think that it would look rather cramped against the Crosstown. Why don’t we wait for that sucker to be moved south and for the elevated highway just south of the Ford Center to be torn down?

Also, put the majority of the tax money toward the arena and the owners can fund the remainder price of the practice facility. I want my pennies to go toward what I can use and, lol, I’m positive that its not what’s being built up on Britton Road...

As seen above, the Practice Facility is where millions were saved.

I see your point about it being cramped... is the proximity to the crosstown going to be a problem when it does come down? Is there a risk of causing damage to that brand new glass entrance?

That said, the proximity is actually a good thing as with traffic going by there every day, the visibility is there (esp if it has the multi-story NBA graphics). Once relocated a few blocks south, partially below grade, that advantage is gone).

The current I-40 isnt going to be removed until 2014 at the earliest, and that's if they stay on schedule. Look how many times it's been delayed.

It'll be a few more years before the new highway opens IIRC.

Do not worry. I'm well aware of this. What does IIRC stand for anyway?

As seen above, the Practice Facility is where millions were saved.

I see your point about it being cramped... is the proximity to the crosstown going to be a problem when it does come down? Is there a risk of causing damage to that brand new glass entrance?

That said, the proximity is actually a good thing as with traffic going by there every day, the visibility is there (esp if it has the multi-story NBA graphics). Once relocated a few blocks south, partially below grade, that advantage is gone).

This is why I believe the funds for a new boulevard should not be spent, but rather focused on vamping up Robinson Avenue from the new I-40 that will be further south.

Do not worry. I'm well aware of this. What does IIRC stand for anyway?

If I Remember Correctly.

From Mike Baldwin's Thunder chat today at NewsOK.com:

Quote:
[Comment From Edward: ]
Do you know anything about the Ford Center not closing for the Summer for remodeling? They started announcing concerts this Summer. I wonder if it has anything to do with the Thunder making the playoffs. Tuesday March 16, 2010 11:17 Edward

11:18 Mike Baldwin: Edward: It will NOT close this summer. We'll have a story in the paper on that Wednesday or Thursday.
Tuesday March 16, 2010 11:18 Mike Baldwin

11:19 Mike Baldwin: It has nothing to do with the thunder and the playoffs. Bottom line is they can make improvements inside the Ford Center without shutting it down. The new entryway project won't begin until this fall and won't affect the 2010-11 Thunder season or future concerts
Tuesday March 16, 2010 11:19 Mike Baldwin

11:19 Mike Baldwin: They will shut it down for a couple of months in 2011, in June and July for a new floor in the 100 concourse but it will be open this summer

Ah thanks, that explains a lot. It's actually good news as I thought we would be without concerts for 6 straight months at Ford Center.

A new floor in the 100 concourse. Thank goodness. I have always felt like that was the most obvious weak link aesthetically in the building.

The current I-40 isnt going to be removed until 2014 at the earliest, and that’s if they stay on schedule. Look how many times it’s been delayed.

Metro, do you have a link on that? Reportedly the new I-40 is still on (revised) schedule to open in 2012 and the Mayor said a couple of times he wanted the Park/Boulevard open by 2014 (obviously requires the old one to be torn down, design finalized, Boulevard funding secured etc). Given all of that it does seem unlikely they will be finished with it by 2014.

You are definitely correct about the relocation being behind schedule though

Crosstown Project Breaks Ground (11/22/05)


The I-40 Crosstown, estimated at $360 million, is expected to be complete in 2008 with construction of the new boulevard taking an additional two years. The timetable could be affected by availability of funding.

Could be affected? ROFLMAO

By August of 2009, the cost had risen to $600M (the tear down of the old and Boulevard cost had been removed and became separate projects, another $180M, mol) with a completion date of 2012.

You are definitely correct about the relocation being behind schedule though

Crosstown Project Breaks Ground (11/22/05)



Could be affected? ROFLMAO

By August of 2009, the cost had risen to $600M (the tear down of the old and Boulevard cost had been removed and became separate projects, another $180M, mol) with a completion date of 2012.

Give credit where credit is due - Tom Elmore and other I-40 haters are partly responsible for the delay and cost over runs. How many lawsuits and complaints were filed to stop I-40 before it went through the abandoned yard at Union Station? There were also environmental issues that came up (a sludge pit).

Metro, do you have a link on that? Reportedly the new I-40 is still on (revised) schedule to open in 2012 and the Mayor said a couple of times he wanted the Park/Boulevard open by 2014 (obviously requires the old one to be torn down, design finalized, Boulevard funding secured etc). Given all of that it does seem unlikely they will be finished with it by 2014.

You are definitely correct about the relocation being behind schedule though

Crosstown Project Breaks Ground (11/22/05)



Could be affected? ROFLMAO

By August of 2009, the cost had risen to $600M (the tear down of the old and Boulevard cost had been removed and became separate projects, another $180M, mol) with a completion date of 2012.

Larry, I'm trying to find the link. The article was posted on here recently. I did however find this link to a Gazette article from last Oct. that states it won't start demolition until 2013. If/when I find the more recent articles stating 2014 I'll post it. I looked on Forward I40 website, and of course they are vague as possible.

Boulevard planned to replace Crosstown bridge, but its design, funding are uncertain | OKG Scene.com (http://www.okgazette.com/p/12776/a/4906/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=LwBkAGUAZgBhAHUAbAB0AC4AYQB zAHAAeAAslashAHAAPQAxADIANwAyADkA#at)

If I Remember Correctly.

or about 20 other things..

IIRC - Definition by AcronymFinder (http://www.acronymfinder.com/IIRC.html)

or about 20 other things..

IIRC - Definition by AcronymFinder (http://www.acronymfinder.com/IIRC.html)

That may be true, but in the context of its use in this thread I'd say my explanation was fairly accurate.

sure, but by internet slang it could also mean If I Really Cared, Isn't It Really Cool, If I Read Correctly......

In my experience the most common usage has been the definition I gave. Maybe we should ask SkyWestOKC which he meant?

Thanks Metro, just hadn't seen anything different than the 2012 completion date and the mayors 2014 statements