Wow...I don't feel comfortable placing myself or my family into a certain environment, so you criticize me for it, and also hint that I have issues as a parent.
Absolutely amazing. You know absolutely nothing about either myself or my family, but jump to instant conclusions. Nice. Just because I have a different point of view on something is no reason to question...or attack...my character.

-Chris-

No attack personally; nor did I imply parenting problems.I do criticize your selective hyper danger sensor. Calm down dude. I am not saying you will pass your hyper-danger sensitivity to your children, but I hope you don't.

I don't agree that the Fair is a danger war zone. Attitudes like this hold back large scale economic events for the city of Oklahoma City. It also hurts areas of town and their values.

But back to the topic. I have never been to the races, I only hear them. I don't mind the noise, in fact, I think it is kind of charming. Like hearing the PA announcer at the HS football games.

I do criticize your selective hyper danger sensor. Calm down dude. I am not saying you will pass your hyper-danger sensitivity to your children, but I hope you don't.



LOL...let's see. I am a firefighter/emt, stormchaser (since 1985)...I skydive, scuba dive, climb (real climbing...not the grain elevator stuff), ski...lot's of other stuff as well. Your right, I am such a wuss. :Smiley112

-Chris-

LOL...let's see. I am a firefighter/emt, stormchaser (since 1985)...I skydive, scuba dive, climb (real climbing...not the grain elevator stuff), ski...lot's of other stuff as well. Your right, I am such a wuss. :Smiley112

-Chris-

I don't think it's the State Fair your afraid of, tell us the truth, it's the Clowns, "FEAR THE CLOWNS"

Fried turkey legs make me tremble....

From the articles they has been on the horizon for a spell, and I don't seem to recall any great outcry in the past about Save Da Track!

Did the horizon shift closer way more quickly than some imagined, or is it not a mega mondo loss except to a few?

Also, I don't have them at my fingertips. Did recent renderings of improved fairgrounds show or not show the speedway area in place?

Finally, best guesses on space usage after the speedway is no more?

I think almost everyone with a high opinion of the track, me included, knew it was doomed eventually. But I thought it was still at least a year from reality. The major disappointment for me is I wish I would've known last year was it. I'd like to have a farewell season.

My guess is a parking lot.

Also, I know a trauma surgeon who was SHOT in a robbery attempt three years ago while walking to his car in the parking lot next to Presby. I can see how it is more of a controlled environment than a Fair Ground with police everywhere. :ohno:



One thing I really like is facts...accurate facts, that is. While there was a physician shot in a robbery attempt on campus, it was (according to somebody here that would definitely know) at least 10 years ago, if not longer...and took place off Stonewall, at the old 5 story building that no longer exists, not Presby.

Didn't think to ask about the stabbing. Next time he walks through I will though.

-Chris-

As far as NE OKC hospital being "controlled." I know for a fact that someone was stabbed outside the Children's Hospital entrance a couple months ago. Just a random person, in a robbery attempt.

Hmmm...according to OUPD incident logs this never happened. I guess it could be some kind of conspiracy though...

-Chris-

Remember "Blame Canada" on Southpark? I think we should institute "Blame Clay" here in OKC. It's always handy to have a scapegoat, and he seems to be the popular choice, looking at message boards and the DOK comments section.:wink:

LOL...blame Canada was hilarious

Along with the new (convention center, I-40, canals, river lakes, arena, ballpark, etc) you must occasionally lose something old. I miss All Sports Stadium and hearing 89er Charlie bugeling "Charge!" from my house. I'll miss the sound of the stock cars on Friday nites in the summer. It will be a nice memory but I accept it is time. I hope something good is built on the land. They need some new attractions there just as the Texas State Fair got the huge ferris wheel and now put in a chair lift to take people over the midway.

Along with the new (convention center, I-40, canals, river lakes, arena, ballpark, etc) you must occasionally lose something old. I miss All Sports Stadium and hearing 89er Charlie bugeling "Charge!" from my house. I'll miss the sound of the stock cars on Friday nites in the summer. It will be a nice memory but I accept it is time. I hope something good is built on the land. They need some new attractions there just as the Texas State Fair got the huge ferris wheel and now put in a chair lift to take people over the midway.

I agree, especially All Sports Stadium, I supervised the Grounds Crew for several years before they moved to Bricktown.

One thing I really like is facts...accurate facts, that is.

Me too. Where are those facts that state how dangerous the fair is? Oh right...you treated someone. :Smiley247

One thing I really like is facts...accurate facts, that is. While there was a physician shot in a robbery attempt on campus, it was (according to somebody here that would definitely know) at least 10 years ago, if not longer...and took place off Stonewall, at the old 5 story building that no longer exists, not Presby.

Didn't think to ask about the stabbing. Next time he walks through I will though.

-Chris-

Well, time flies and he told us from his mouth. Shot in the head, but not life threatening. He told us Presby, maybe he omitted the building, since obviously we wouldn't know where it was, because we weren't around back then.

Still happened. Put that fact in your pipe and smoke it.

Hmmm...according to OUPD incident logs this never happened. I guess it could be some kind of conspiracy though...

-Chris-

It could be your oversight.

Assault: 2007-08-20 800 BLOCK OF NW 13TH ST ASSAULT
Rape: 2007-11-04 900 BLOCK OF NE 13TH ST
Robbery: 2007-07-12 700 BLOCK OF NE 13TH ST
Assault: 2007-12-04 1400 BLOCK OF N LINCOLN BL

As far as I can tell, the police are OKCPD, not OUPD.

:doh:

I was right about the MD being shot, just off a couple years. I can see how that definitely skews my claim that OU Medical Center has random crime and I hope you don't bring your family there to visit.

Also, there had been a rash of robberies this summer in the parking lots. They sent out emails warning people. I suppose the OU Medical Center was just lying? Maybe.

Why are you guys giving KD5ili such a hard time? If he thinks the State Fair is unsafe for him and his family then it is probably best he doesn't go. I haven't seen where he is suggesting anyone else not go or trying to prevent them from going. I have been many places as a single person that I wouldn't dare go to now that I have a wife and children depending on me. The State Fair isn't one of them but that is up to me decide.

The best you can do is try to address the fear. Do people get robbed at the state fair? Sure they do, but it is usually because they didn't take proper steps to ensure their own safety and while it does happen, it is rare (which is why it make the news).

While we were in OKC last month we parked in the Bricktown garage. We locked the doors, got out, walked down the alley between the garage and the Brick and didn't think anything of it. Last week my wife got an email from friend in Norman saying she couldn't believe we parked in that garage. She thinks people get mugged there all the time. My wife was freaked out that we put the family in danager by parking there. It took me 3 days to convince here it was safe - even though we just parked there without incident.

How about trying to make a post while leaving my family out of it. Grow up, man...I never claimed that there was no crime around the hospital. I choose not to participate in a particular even because I feel it's not safe. Quit attacking me as a person and stating that I am a poor father because you disagree. I played along, but now I am tired of it. Either stick to the issue or shut the hell up...plain and simple. You want to argue stats and facts, fine...just leave my family the hell out of it. It's not relevant, and none of your business.

-Chris-

Its very interesting to see how many people are intolerant of the activies that other people enjoy. I am curious why so many people are excited to see the race track shutdown and leave a lot of people without access to an activity they enjoy. There are numerous things that the city funds that I do not use, but I do not attack the people that enjoy those activities. Also, the race track draws numerous people that are not voting citizens in the OKC city limits and have no recourse against their city councilmen or mayor. Also, the fiscal impact is more than the lost revenues generated from the tax on ticket sales at the track. There is also going to be a significant lose from sale taxes in every business that supports racers, from the selling of racing fuels to racing engine parts.

I really enjoyed going to the races off and on for the past 40 years. It was great entertainment on a summer night for $10. Also, sitting in the grand stands on a 4th of July let you not only watch the fireworks at the race track, but you could also see the fireworks downtown.

Even though it is sad this old stadium is shutting down, ultimately it will be good for race fans. It won't take long before a nice place is built.
The racing is good for the city. It brings money and jobs.
I had never been, not much of a race fan myself, but I hope something is built in the near future

Why are you guys giving KD5ili such a hard time? If he thinks the State Fair is unsafe for him and his family then it is probably best he doesn't go. I haven't seen where he is suggesting anyone else not go or trying to prevent them from going. I have been many places as a single person that I wouldn't dare go to now that I have a wife and children depending on me. The State Fair isn't one of them but that is up to me decide.

The best you can do is try to address the fear. Do people get robbed at the state fair? Sure they do, but it is usually because they didn't take proper steps to ensure their own safety and while it does happen, it is rare (which is why it make the news).

While we were in OKC last month we parked in the Bricktown garage. We locked the doors, got out, walked down the alley between the garage and the Brick and didn't think anything of it. Last week my wife got an email from friend in Norman saying she couldn't believe we parked in that garage. She thinks people get mugged there all the time. My wife was freaked out that we put the family in danager by parking there. It took me 3 days to convince here it was safe - even though we just parked there without incident.

Kerry, I thought I would never say it, but I agree with everything you said your post ;)

I haven't been to the speedway -- is any of it what you would consider historical? Will you mourn the venue or the lack of racing? Will another venue outside the city limits be just as good, or even better to view a race? It may be just as cheap to sell this land and start over elsewhere.

I do think it is sad for the dirt track fans and people with fond memories of the sounds of racing. I agree with nik4411 that someone will keep the racing going, somewhere.

The American Sprint Car Series released its 2010 Sooner Region schedule. OKC is not on the schedule.

Race fans scramble to save historic track | OKG Scene.com (http://www.okgazette.com/p/12834/a/5506/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=LwBEAGUAZgBhAHUAbAB0AC4AYQB zAHAAeAAslashAHAAPQAxADIANwAzADEA)

The American Sprint Car Series released its 2010 Sooner Region schedule. OKC is not on the schedule.

Let me see. The track is permanantly closed and you just now figured out Oklahoma City was not on the sceduale? Well, DUH!:omg:

NASCAR just released their schedule as well, and they're passing on OKC this year too..

NASCAR just released their schedule as well, and they're passing on OKC this year too..

Damn the luck!

Damn the luck!

I think the Grand Prix of OKC got cancelled as well.

Let me see. The track is permanantly closed and you just now figured out Oklahoma City was not on the sceduale? Well, DUH!:omg:

Well excuse the f*ck out of me for trying to participate. The schedule only came out this week and it was only reported on NewsOK yesterday.

I'm so f'ing sorry I bothered you.

Race fans scramble to save historic track | OKG Scene.com (http://www.okgazette.com/p/12834/a/5506/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=LwBEAGUAZgBhAHUAbAB0AC4AYQB zAHAAeAAslashAHAAPQAxADIANwAzADEA)

Thinking maybe, just maybe, this Saturday wasn't the bestest choice to schedule a protest/rally/gathering/etc.

I think the Grand Prix of OKC got cancelled as well. Once again, Damn the luck!

Well excuse the f*ck out of me for trying to participate. The schedule only came out this week and it was only reported on NewsOK yesterday.

I'm so f'ing sorry I bothered you.

It's been in the Oklahoman and at least one television station's newscasts. Hum. :omg:

Well excuse the f*ck out of me for trying to participate. The schedule only came out this week and it was only reported on NewsOK yesterday.

I'm so f'ing sorry I bothered you.

But Fred, it's just so easy and so much fun getting you all worked up. lol

Well excuse the f*ck out of me for trying to participate. The schedule only came out this week and it was only reported on NewsOK yesterday.

I'm so f'ing sorry I bothered you.

Lighten up Francis...

Anyway.... back on topic. I am just wondering how much lower the fair attendance will drop this year. The loss of the grandstand will mean a loss in the number of people attending the fair. Everything people drove for miles to see is long gone.

I can hardly wait for the next exciting change to the fairgrounds. Will they remove the space needle, after all it is getting old and showing it's age. Will they force the food vendors to follow menu guidelines set by Weight Watchers. Will they get rid of the new car showroom and replace it with bicycles and rickshaws.

If they keep taking away the things the working class people like, there will no longer be a need to run the state fair any longer than a weekend.

I don't think a large number of Oklahoma Citians drove very long to see that. The racing spectation sport in OKC via the Speedway was not a large percentage. That is a fairly low amount of people that go and watch, and it is usually the same people that come back again.

I do not think that the "Everything people drove for miles to see is long gone". What about the expos? The Car Shows? The Circus? Horse Shows? The actual State Fair itself and all the millions of things to do other than watch racing?

They can take the Space Needle if they want. It's ugly and it is showing its age. Replace it with something modern. It'd be nice if they would replace the Speedway with something modern also, but alas, I don't see it happening.

Point is. The Speedway is expendable and is not as detrimental to the life of the Fair Grounds as you seem to think. Although it is a sad loss, it does need to go.

Anyway.... back on topic. I am just wondering how much lower the fair attendance will drop this year. The loss of the grandstand will mean a loss in the number of people attending the fair. Everything people drove for miles to see is long gone.
I can hardly wait for the next exciting change to the fairgrounds. Will they remove the space needle, after all it is getting old and showing it's age. Will they force the food vendors to follow menu guidelines set by Weight Watchers. Will they get rid of the new car showroom and replace it with bicycles and rickshaws.

If they keep taking away the things the working class people like, there will no longer be a need to run the state fair any longer than a weekend.

It's obvious you didn't attend the 2009 State Fair, there was only 1 event held at the Racetrack (Monster Trucks), this event could be held in an open field.

Mick and the boys have to go. OKC history is going to the wayside. Maybe Mick will put a dress shop there or a nice flower garden. Our state fair is a joke. I don't go anymore, neither do my friends. I went to the races every friday night with my dad and brothers. Saw some concerts there too. See what happen to the Monorail, whats next? I think we need to tear down the Made in Oklahoma bld and put in a new Mick, Kirk Clay art gallery.

Mick and the boys have to go. OKC history is going to the wayside. Maybe Mick will put a dress shop there or a nice flower garden. Our state fair is a joke. I don't go anymore, neither do my friends. I went to the races every friday night with my dad and brothers. Saw some concerts there too. See what happen to the Monorail, whats next? I think we need to tear down the Made in Oklahoma bld and put in a new Mick, Kirk Clay art gallery.

A flower garden/horticulture area would be a nice addition, as well as a newly constructed art gallery.

The monorail had seen it's time, before it was removed, the State Fair did a study and it was estimated that less than 10% of fair attendees rode the monorail. As for the Speedway, you can't justify spending the money required to update and maintain a facility that is only used a few days out of each year.