Why is it that the general attitude on this board is pretty negative about anything anybody announces? If indeed MidFirst is buying naming rights it could signal that they are going to be aggressively expanding their influence. Generally the naming rights are at least as important for developing a regional or national presence as it it is for local influence. Perhaps MidFirst is going to actively add in Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, etc. Think positively.

And, perhaps this means MidFirst is seriously going to become a player downtown. That would be good.

Why is it that the general attitude on this board is pretty negative about anything anybody announces? If indeed MidFirst is buying naming rights it could signal that they are going to be aggressively expanding their influence. Generally the naming rights are at least as important for developing a regional or national presence as it it is for local influence. Perhaps MidFirst is going to actively add in Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, etc. Think positively.

And, perhaps this means MidFirst is seriously going to become a player downtown. That would be good.

I'm with you, Rover. I've also noticed some posters seem a bit more testy in 2011...I wonder if they are trying to quit smoking or are suffering from UV light deprivation? Except for betts, she's awesome all the time...I find myself nodding in agreement at the majority of her posts.

Why is it that the general attitude on this board is pretty negative about anything anybody announces? If indeed MidFirst is buying naming rights it could signal that they are going to be aggressively expanding their influence. Generally the naming rights are at least as important for developing a regional or national presence as it it is for local influence. Perhaps MidFirst is going to actively add in Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, etc. Think positively.

And, perhaps this means MidFirst is seriously going to become a player downtown. That would be good.

Which is basically what I was saying in my post above yours. I described the atmosphere as 'oppositional'. It seems most any announcement about anything has to first be met with opposition. Like I said in that post, I think it all goes much deeper than this forum.

Which is basically what I was saying in my post above yours. I described the atmosphere as 'oppositional'. It seems most any announcement about anything has to first be met with opposition. Like I said in that post, I think it all goes much deeper than this forum.

Even in the thread about the new hotels. It got almost hostile about the brick and design issue and everyone ASSUMED that they were trying to skirt the rules, get away with something, build an ugly or out of place building. THEN, the facts start to come out. Instead of rejoicing for the activity and positive development, everyone wanted to assume the worst. I just don't get it.

I'll reply, even if we're off topic. The reason some of us assumed they were trying to skirt the rules is because people in the past have tried to skirt the rules. Even the Hampton Inn, built by the same developer, was going to be more stories of "stucco" until the kibosh was put on that plan. On occasion it has taken citizens raising a minor ruckus to get attention paid to attempts to circumvent guidelines. I am perhaps oversensitive to EIFS, because I hate it and I hate what happened to lower Bricktown. Most of the developers have the money to invest in quality and that's what I think they should do, personally. So, if I was out of line, my sincere apologies, but it's only because I care so much about the area. I do not like the "who cares what it looks like....it's development!" attitude.

I'll reply, even if we're off topic. The reason some of us assumed they were trying to skirt the rules is because people in the past have tried to skirt the rules. Even the Hampton Inn, built by the same developer, was going to be more stories of "stucco" until the kibosh was put on that plan. On occasion it has taken citizens raising a minor ruckus to get attention paid to attempts to circumvent guidelines. I am perhaps oversensitive to EIFS, because I hate it and I hate what happened to lower Bricktown. Most of the developers have the money to invest in quality and that's what I think they should do, personally. So, if I was out of line, my sincere apologies, but it's only because I care so much about the area. I do not like the "who cares what it looks like....it's development!" attitude.

I think we're all talking about two different things. I agree with betts about the arena naming rights. I also agree she has every right to disagree with the plans for Bricktown. I don't think anyone here was talking about you, betts. You have nothing to apologize for.

I'll reply, even if we're off topic. The reason some of us assumed they were trying to skirt the rules is because people in the past have tried to skirt the rules. Even the Hampton Inn, built by the same developer, was going to be more stories of "stucco" until the kibosh was put on that plan. On occasion it has taken citizens raising a minor ruckus to get attention paid to attempts to circumvent guidelines. I am perhaps oversensitive to EIFS, because I hate it and I hate what happened to lower Bricktown. Most of the developers have the money to invest in quality and that's what I think they should do, personally. So, if I was out of line, my sincere apologies, but it's only because I care so much about the area. I do not like the "who cares what it looks like....it's development!" attitude.

I don't think it is a "who cares" attitude. Virtually everyone on here is passionate. But that doesn't mean that all the assumptions have to be negative. I see so many negative comments on here that are conclusions jumped to. Being vigilant and passionate is great....but assuming a problem before there is even a reason is silly, imho. Not everyone is stupid, a crook or has bad taste...even if they do things differently than someone else might.

Even in the thread about the new hotels. It got almost hostile about the brick and design issue and everyone ASSUMED that they were trying to skirt the rules, get away with something, build an ugly or out of place building. THEN, the facts start to come out. Instead of rejoicing for the activity and positive development, everyone wanted to assume the worst. I just don't get it.

But the most recent set of "facts" in that thread somewhat contradict the story given by the developer and support some of the concerns posted in the thread (or at least the review committee seems to be expressing the same concerns).

But the most recent set of "facts" in that thread somewhat contradict the story given by the developer and support some of the concerns posted in the thread (or at least the review committee seems to be expressing the same concerns).

I don't thing the "facts" supported anything but that the developer asked for comments early and will now respond. If they find the developer strongarms or ignores the requirements, THEN we can believe they have bad intentions. Until then, they are just going through the process.

I think I agree with the concept of adding on a title to the arena that won't change when sponsors change. I like that idea. Just like with the Bricktown ballpark, as has already been mentioned. Maybe we should come up with a standing name for the arena to put after the sponsor name. Like Midfirst Bank OKC Arena, or whatever. That way if the sponsor changes, the OKC Arena name still stands. Going with the Cox Myriad Convention Center would've kept the Myriad name intact but just added a sponsor to the name. I think that would've been a better option for the Cox Convention Center, because when the naming rights for Cox end, we'll have to come up with an entirely different name for the facility, when we could just locally call it the Myriad Convention Center until a new naming rights agreement can be reached. Since there's already the Myriad Gardens, why not just make it the Myriad District? In that district, have the Cox Myriad Convention Center and the Midfirst Bank Myriad Arena.

Myriad should definitely be in the title... even if it has to be "Suchnsuch Arena at the Myriad" or Myriad Gardens.

I'd even be in favor of the that sort of branding anywhere from Santa Fe to Walker south of Sheridan applied to even Stage Center and whatever goes in pace of the Ford dealership.

Everyone does understand that the naming rights revenue is one of the ways that the team will be able to pay competitively to keep talent to make the Thunder a top or competitive team, right? Without it ticket prices will have to rise or the team will have to make certain financial decisions regarding players without regard for the effect on the on-court performance.

Yeah, I don't think any of us are against selling the naming rights. I think it just needs a more permanent name included as well. Like with the ATT Bricktown Ballpark. That way when the sponsor changes when naming rights are up, we don't have to adjust to yet another new name for the same facility.

I think we should just call the whole area that includes the OKC Arena, Cox Convention Center, and Myriad Gardens the Myriad Entertainment District, or whatever. Because, right now the name Myriad Gardens is sorta out of place since the convention center no longer holds the name "Myriad." I'd then call the Cox Convention Center, the Cox Myriad Convention Center, and call the arena the Midfirst Bank Myriad Arena. That way when the sponsor changes, it can just got back to Myriad Convention Center and Myriad Arena respectively. All the locals will just call it Myriad Convention Center or Myriad Arena, just as most locals call it the Bricktown Ballpark or simply "The Brick". But, the official name would have the naming rights.

Some may confuse the arena inside the Cox Convention Center with the OKC Arena. Well, to differentiate, the Cox Center is really the Cox Convention Center, so just call it that. Say the OKC Barons play at the Cox Myriad Convention Center. And the OKC Thunder play at the Midfirst Bank Myriad Arena.

There could be confusion in calling both the arena and convention center the same title. Another idea would be to honor a former mayor or significant person. For example, call it the Midfirst Bank Norick Arena. Locals would just know it as the Norick Arena. Or honor Mick Cornett for getting and NBA team here, and cal it the Midfirst Bank Cornett Arena, or simply Cornett Arena for short. Or you could honor the MAPS program and call it the Midfirst Bank MAPS Arena.

I'd still go back with Myriad on the convention center though, after the Cox name. Especially with a new convention center being built, the Cox Center will really become a multi-use venue for a "Myriad" of events, as it has both an arena for shows and sporting events, and some meeting rooms and exhibition space.

*edit*

There could be confusion in calling both the arena and convention center the same title. Another idea would be to honor a former mayor or significant person. For example, call it the Midfirst Bank Norick Arena. Locals would just know it as the Norick Arena. Or honor Mick Cornett for getting and NBA team here, and cal it the Midfirst Bank Cornett Arena, or simply Cornett Arena for short. Or you could honor the MAPS program and call it the Midfirst Bank MAPS Arena.

I'd still go back with Myriad on the convention center though, after the Cox name. Especially with a new convention center being built, the Cox Center will really become a multi-use venue for a "Myriad" of events, as it has both an arena for
shows and sporting events, and some meeting rooms and exhibition space.

Please don't do that, it's not a college arena.

If people on here really like Thunder Arena or Thunderdome, then just call it the Midfirst Bank Thunder Arena or Midfirst Bank Thunderdome. At least that keeps a permanent name on it.

If people on here really like Thunder Arena or Thunderdome, then just call it the Midfirst Bank Thunder Arena or Midfirst Bank Thunderdome. At least that keeps a permanent name on it.

No. Most of the people around will just call it the Thunderdome. MidFirst can just look pretty on the building. Media can go ahead do the extra work typing that into their articles. Thunderdome it is.

Among everyone I know, the arena is either called the OKC Arena, Ford Center (yes still) or over the last few months, we just call it the Thunderdome because EVERYONE knows what we're talking about when we call it that.

^^^
Names can die hard. We have been calling it the Ford Center since it opened right? Same with the Ballpark or the Brick, people were calling it that before it got its official name and it stuck. True for stores...my grandmother called the grocery store where she shopped and wrote the checks to Skaggs Albertson (no matter how many different times the sign on the front of the building changed).

Among everyone I know, the arena is either called the OKC Arena, Ford Center (yes still) or over the last few months, we just call it the Thunderdome because EVERYONE knows what we're talking about when we call it that.

You want to name it after the Thunder for free? Why would you give the naming right to the NBA team for free but not sell it some other company for $20,000,000?

You want to name it after the Thunder for free? Why would you give the naming right to the NBA team for free but not sell it some other company for $20,000,000?

Who cares about the business standpoint? The fans and the people can call the place whatever they want. We will just leave it up to the media and business freaks to call it MidFirst Arena. They can't force the name change on us. Ford Center. Thunderdome. Those names stick forever.

Who cares about the business standpoint? The fans and the people can call the place whatever they want. We will just leave it up to the media and business freaks to call it MidFirst Arena. They can't force the name change on us. Ford Center. Thunderdome. Those names stick forever.

I think I will just call it by its name.

Same here... I'll admit I still call it the Ford Center, but that's only because "to me" it has no name.

Actually, if you watch the national sports news, which I do nightly, we are called Oklahoma City almost as often as we're called the Thunder. Some cities lend themselves to that. For instance, the Atlanta Hawks are called Atlanta almost as often as they're called the Hawks. The older teams, like the Celtics and Knicks are almost never identified by city, but for some reason Oklahoma City must have a ring to it the announcers and commentators like to use. Trust me, we've gotten an incredible amount of press as a city by having the Thunder. And, as we have gotten better and are on national television more, really nice shots of the city are shown at every break. This has been PR we couldn't afford to buy, just as was said before the team moved here.

My relatives in NYC are big Thunder fans, because of Kevin Durant, and if you watch away games you'll notice more and more people are showing up in Thunder gear. Kevin Durant's jersey last year was in the top 10 sellers internationally and I bet this year it will easily be in the top 5. He's the top vote getter for in the West forwards in the All Star balloting. He's probably done more to make Oklahoma City a "national brand" than anything in the history of the city. Instead of hearing, "Oh you're from Oklahoma City, where they had that bomb," I can guarantee you more and more people are saying, "Oh, you're from Oklahoma City. Kevin Durant is amazing." We've gotten our money's worth in advertising, not to mention the fact that people in Oklahoma City are having a tremendous amount of fun with the Thunder.

That's already happened to me many times, and in China and Japan of all places. ........

I agree with Kerry - give it a while and it will settle in with it's new name. As long as it's not something stupid long like the "Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark", then we won't need a reason to shorten it to "The Dome" or something lol. MidFirst Arena really has a good touch to it that wouldn't be bad at all. There are far worse names out there.

If it MidFirst Areana then Thunder (and people like him) can call it "The Bank".

A Large Oval Building Downtown Where People Gather From Time to Time For Different Events

If it MidFirst Areana then Thunder (and people like him) can call it "The Bank".

So, when KD hits the game winning shot, ala Saturday night, the announcers can yell...."KD rises up and deposits Money in the Bank!!!!!"

If it MidFirst Areana then Thunder (and people like him) can call it "The Bank".

I like it! That's pretty awesome!

So, when KD hits the game winning shot, ala Saturday night, the announcers can yell...."KD rises up and deposits Money in the Bank!!!!!"

If you listen to radio play by play - that was a "Thunder money ball".

Who cares about the business standpoint?

You should. You own it.

You should. You own it.

Building naming rights are negotiated by landlords all the time. You don't think that everyone in the big office buildings get to put their name on the building without paying for it, do you? Everyone makes a big deal about the city owning it, but they are just the landlord. Thunder is a tenant...the biggest tenant. This practice is not limited to ball parks and arenas.

Building naming rights are negotiated by landlords all the time. You don't think that everyone in the big office buildings get to put their name on the building without paying for it, do you? Everyone makes a big deal about the city owning it, but they are just the landlord. Thunder is a tenant...the biggest tenant. This practice is not limited to ball parks and arenas.

The OKC arean is the largest speculative building in OKC. Many people in OKC don't know how buildings get their name. They see the name on the building and they assume that is who owns it. That is a safe bet in OKC where buildings are usually owner-occupied but the OKC Arena is NOT owner-occupied.

Noticed tonight on the Thunder game in New Orleans tonight, that we are not alone. The New Orleans Arena.

^^Ha!I forgot about that!

Noticed tonight on the Thunder game in New Orleans tonight, that we are not alone. The New Orleans Arena.

However, that is not a good thing. In New Orleans, the owner of the Hornets basically went into major debt owning the team and the NBA had to step in and buy it. One of the revenue sources he didn't have was naming rights money and that hurt him and ultimately, the team.

While not temporarily named for its city, Cowboys Stadium is the same situation, much closer to home, not to mention Rangers Ballpark.

First Fidelity Bank just signed Desmond Mason to be their spokesperson/ advertising figurehead, any chance they could be in the running for the sponsorship?

However, that is not a good thing. In New Orleans, the owner of the Hornets basically went into major debt owning the team and the NBA had to step in and buy it. One of the revenue sources he didn't have was naming rights money and that hurt him and ultimately, the team.

Oh, I'm not condoning having Untitled.doc for our Arena. I don't like OKC Arena anymore than the next guy, but just pointing out we aren't alone -- and it doesn't seem to be a big deal to the image of the city if it is untitled for the time being.

First Fidelity Bank just signed Desmond Mason to be their spokesperson/ advertising figurehead, any chance they could be in the running for the sponsorship?

No. They couldn't afford it. BancFirst just signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Russell Westbrook and it's doubtful they could be in the running for the sponsorship.

I like "The Bank"....that's definitely catchy! So many puns!

The Lost Ogle had this idea on "4 bold ways Tulsa can waste money".

http://www.thelostogle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Tulsafordcenter.jpg

The Lost Ogle had this idea on "4 bold ways Tulsa can waste money".

http://www.thelostogle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Tulsafordcenter.jpg



While I am certain the club owners lack the humor, and/or the nads, to do such a thing .... FUNNY!

It's far better to have a local sponsor than no sponsor. Oklahoma City Arena definitely sounds small time.

Good point.


That way the name of the building stays constant no matter if the sponsor changes (how many names has the Ballpark gone through and thats with the same sponsor).

It's always been the _____ Bricktown Ballpark, so just like you are suggesting...

I don't think Oklahoma City needs to be in the name. It's on the court, it's being said by the announcers constantly, it's on the uniforms, etc. Anything that adds "OKC" or "Myriad" or "Cornett" or "Thunder" just makes it a mouthful.

I think it should just be the MidFirst Center. It's quick and easy to say. Easy to make a logo with. A lot of MidFirst's branding just says "MidFirst", rather than "MidFirst Bank", plus leaving "bank" out of the name gets people to Google and find out what "midfirst" is.

There's a reason it's not called the "Bank of Oklahoma Center"...

First Fidelity Bank just signed Desmond Mason to be their spokesperson/ advertising figurehead, any chance they could be in the running for the sponsorship?

It's already a done deal. Deal has been signed with Midfirst Bank. Signs to go up in the next few months, likely before the playoffs.

I saw his first ad on television last night. He looked and sounded great.

Looks like the new signs are up:

That would be hilarious if the Tulsa CVB bought the naming rights.

That would be hilarious if the Tulsa CVB bought the naming rights.

The St. Petersburg Times bought the naming right to the arena in Tampa (home of the Tampa Tribune) so anything is possible. That is almost like the Dallas Morning News buying the naming rights to the OKC Arena.

It would have been hilarious if Boeing would have bought the naming rights. They are moving a few hundred jobs here along with almost a thousand here already.

It's already a done deal. Deal has been signed with Midfirst Bank. Signs to go up in the next few months, likely before the playoffs.

Fritter girl should get the credit for Midfirst rumor, she was dropping hints months ago and I guessed it. Check the original thread in the Thunder section.

St. Pete Times buying naming rights to the Ice Palace in Tampa is nothing like Dallas News buying rights in OKC. St. Pete and Tampa are literally right next to each other (like the Twin Cities in MN). They are part of the same tourist and metro area. Not a big deal, just trying to inform a little about geography.

St. Pete Times buying naming rights to the Ice Palace in Tampa is nothing like Dallas News buying rights in OKC. St. Pete and Tampa are literally right next to each other (like the Twin Cities in MN). They are part of the same tourist and metro area. Not a big deal, just trying to inform a little about geography.

I lived in Tampa for 8 years. There is no love between Tampa and St Pete. The taxpayers of Tampa were pissed when the words "St. Petersburg" got put on their arena.

I'm with Kerry - the short time I spent there, you'll see that Tampa and St. Pete might geographically be close to one another, but that's it. They are VERY different towns...very very different. It's because of how the towns started their booms. The St. Pete folks would have gotten a good chuckle out of it for sure, while the Tampa people would have been p-o'd.

Nevertheless, they share one metro area and one media market. Not at all similar to the idea of Dallas Morning News putting it's name on the OKC Arena.

Understand your point Oil Capital, would be more like Moore or Edmond buying the naming rights to the OKC Arena (rather than Tulsa)

Or Dallas Morning News buying naming rights to Ft. Worth's arena....

I said "almost".

I said "almost".

Yeah we know you said "almost". But it's not "almost" similar. It is not at all similar. ;-)