Like I said, I just have reservations. Not that quality development won't happen, by any means. The vacant land in that area has so much potential, and I just hope it gets developed well. Not quickly. I am not wanting the first plan to be the only one, if that makes sense. But that Goodwill lot is an example of what I fear can happen. Mazaheri had a deadline to develop it, and the city let him get away with doing nothing.

I just hope that gets curtailed. Better to sit vacant than owned by someone with no ambitions or desire to develop it, aside from turning it into a parking lot.

I wasn't meaning any criticism, and I know these areas will take a lot of time to develop.

There are really six big commercial opportunities downtown:

1. Strawberry Fields (ugh, I know)
2. REHCO property between the parks
3. Stage Center site and entire block west of MBG
4. The current site of Paycom Center
5. Bricktown and adjacent
6. Producers Coop

That's a ton of under-utilized property and it's going to take decades to digest it all.

If I remember correctly, SF doesn't own any of the land fronting the park, correct?

If I remember correctly, SF doesn't own any of the land fronting the park, correct?

They do through Fred Mazaheri who is part of that group.

^

Channel 9 bought that entire property (less the hotel and parking garage) and just put millions into it.
And at the end of the day that - even more so than a mixed use building - it’s a parking garage. A very BUSY parking garage. With a hotel attached. And - in the near future - a billion dollar arena across the street, surrounded by mixed use. That building isn’t going ANYWHERE.

Well, I did a say distant future. Its going to be one the most valuable piece of properties in downtown. It wouldn't be completely crazy for them to sell 10,15,20 years down the road. Probably nothing at all will happen, but things do change.

The RFP for A&E services has been issued.

Finalist interviews in September; it will probably take until at least October to have a finalized agreement.

*******

Project Title: Project No AE-0002, Oklahoma City Arena, located within the area bounded by Robinson Ave, E.K. Gaylord Blvd, Sheridan Ave, and Reno Ave.

Total Project Budget: $900,000,000 Construction Budget: $750,000,000 (minimum)

Scope of Work: The general scope of work includes providing a full range of design, planning, architectural and engineering services in order to construct a first class, state of the art arena on behalf of the City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball Club ("Club"). A minimum of 750,000 square feet of arena is proposed and is outlined in the "Development Agreement" between the Club and the City. Included, will be the master planning of the entire block bounded by Robinson Ave, E.K. Gaylord Blvd, Sheridan Ave, and Reno Ave which will include Multi-use, transit use and connections to surrounding uses. The project will also include a parking garage located within this boundary with at least 650 spaces, demolition of an existing building on the proposed site, and all FF&E.


Proposal Schedule:
• Deadline for submitting Questions: July 17, 2024
• Answers Published: July 19, 2024
• Letter of interest submission deadline: July 25, 2024
• Notification of Short-Listed Firms: August 5, 2024
• Interviews: September 5, 2024. Meeting invites will be sent.

Oklahoma City leaders will select from a field of seven architecture firms to design the new home of the Oklahoma City Thunder:

https://www.newson6.com/story/66c01bfbb7f0ec976ad4de43/oklahoma-city-narrowing-selection-of-architect-for-new-arena



https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/prairetail-Night-exterior.jpeg?w=681&h=383&crop=1

I would guess AECOM or Populous will end up getting it. Populous has a great relationship with Oklahoma sports, and AECOM has done amazing work elsewhere.

I hope the preliminary designs all get shared. Glad there were so many Bids (7 for a project of this scope is likely a good number).

Would love it if AECOM got it - the Intuit Dome looks incredible.

Would love it if AECOM got it - the Intuit Dome looks incredible.

That would be cool but temper expectations just a tiny bit. That was a passion project for the world's 7th richest person. A true "spare no expense it will be perfect" project.

That would be cool but temper expectations just a tiny bit. That was a passion project for the world's 7th richest person. A true "spare no expense it will be perfect" project.

True, but $1 bil will still go a long way in OKC

^

And, since this is based on tax collections over a fixed period, certainly more than $1 billion will end up in the budget; I'd guess more like $1.2-1.3 billion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTyhs4gv4v0


Watching the DNC convention in the United Center, it gives me goose bumps--why not build something similar to Chicago's United Center.

https://blog.ticketmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/United-Center-Bulls_BSP3742-1024x681.jpg
Architect: Populous - NBA Basketball: 20,917 - 169 executive suites.

Start out with 70 suites. Minimum seating BB 18,500. Additional suites could be constructed upon demand.
Would truly make OKC's downtown arena 'Loud City.'

. . . More than $900 million budget; OKC can build a mammoth Tal Mahal style arena downtown--take advantage of the collegiate NCAA tournament playoffs and host some sweet 16 quarter finals.


.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTyhs4gv4v0


Watching the DNC convention in the United Center, it gives me goose bumps--why not build something similar to Chicago's United Center.

https://blog.ticketmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/United-Center-Bulls_BSP3742-1024x681.jpg
Architect: Populous - NBA Basketball: 20,917 - 169 executive suites.

Start out with 70 suites. Minimum seating BB 18,500. Additional suites could be constructed upon demand.
Would truly make OKC's downtown arena 'Loud City.'

. . . More than $900 million budget; OKC can build a mammoth Tal Mahal style arena downtown--take advantage of the collegiate NCAA tournament playoffs and host some sweet 16 quarter finals.


.

Why base our brand new arena off a 30+ year old design?

Why base our brand new arena off a 30+ year old design?

Grew up in those old 30 year old designs - Municipal Auditorium, Municipal Building & Museum of Art built around 1937. Give it that modern look adding more glass; it will bring back memories.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipO9eSiyCHRKgmEVDO1Cr4BWBVguwUEMyu_g7UuJ=s680-w680-h510

https://live.staticflickr.com/8347/8208864802_e1202471fd_c.jpg

We've committed a billion for this project, let's build where we reward the taxpayers with great exterior design that blends with downtown and an interior capable of handling the NBA and collegiate sports (capacity 18,500) slightly larger than our current Paycom Center--the average capacity of NBA arenas is 18,790.

We should know in about a week what specs the city will release for the firms to bid on.

Our city is very fortunate to be one of 30 communities with an NBA franchise.

Our current branding, team name 'Thunder' is reminiscence of a thundering herd of buffalos. Our logo was
hastily put out during the relocation process--much like our DT arena was built to lure the NHL.

You will probably see a slightly improved version of the Thunder logo upon completion of the new Oklahoma City downtown arena (site: Prairie Surf Media) 4 square block site.

Merchandizers will reap the benefits of marketing the latest Thunder memorabilia.

Our city is very fortunate to be one of 30 communities with an NBA franchise.

Our current branding, team name 'Thunder' is reminiscence of a thundering herd of buffalos. Our logo was
hastily put out during the relocation process--much like our DT arena was built to lure the NHL.

You will probably see a slightly improved version of the Thunder logo upon completion of the new Oklahoma City downtown arena (site: Prairie Surf Media) 4 square block site.

Merchandizers will reap the benefits of marketing the latest Thunder memorabilia.

I'm not saying I think the current Thunder logo is the best ever, but, I fear OKC, not being a leader in hip and trendy, will wind up on the tail end of a fad. Like the purple and turquoise on every uniform or warm up of the 1990s; the elliptical logo with the fat accent on the right side (ESPN, Petty Motorsports, etc.); camo on every available inch for Military Appreciation Day, etc.

Or, the Thing I Fear The Most On Earth...The Detroit Pistons "Flaming horse logo".

A new home for the Thunder comes with its perks. The new arena is expected to total roughly 750,000 sq. ft.,
25% larger than the current Paycom Center. With a bigger arena comes bigger crowds. And bigger crowds
come more ready to scream at the top of their lungs to support their team destined to rule the NBA
moving forward.--INSIDE THE THUNDER

The current Paycom Center seats 18,203, are we expecting the seating capacity to slightly exceed
the current Paycom arena capacity?


https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oWtAjUBlco8/sddefault.jpg

Anxious to see what the specs are for the new arena, and estimated costs--when the actual
bids go out. These firms have put their names in the hat; AECOM, Gensler, HKS, Overland Partners,
Perkins and Will, Populous and Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates all tossed their
names in for consideration.

Interviews with selected firms will be held in the first week of September.

.

I'm not saying I think the current Thunder logo is the best ever, but, I fear OKC, not being a leader in hip and trendy, will wind up on the tail end of a fad. Like the purple and turquoise on every uniform or warm up of the 1990s; the elliptical logo with the fat accent on the right side (ESPN, Petty Motorsports, etc.); camo on every available inch for Military Appreciation Day, etc.

Or, the Thing I Fear The Most On Earth...The Detroit Pistons "Flaming horse logo".

Envy Detroit--she has four major professional sports franchises NFL (Lions), MLB (Tigers), NBA (Pistons) & NHL (Red Wings).

The Thunder relocation timeline:

One April 18, 2008 in a 28–2 vote by the league's Board of Governors approved the move to Oklahoma City for the 2008–2009 season after reaching a settlement with the city of Seattle.

April 23, 2008: Schultz files suit to rescind his sale of the Sonics to Bennett, saying Bennett was dishonest in his promise to keep the team in Seattle.

June 20, 2008: The trial between the city and the Sonics ends after six days in the courtroom.



(Less than two months preparation to move to OKC)

July 2, 2008: Mere hours before Pechman is scheduled to render her verdict, Bennett and Greg Nickels, then mayor of Seattle, call simultaneous news conferences to announce a settlement. The Sonics are allowed to leave immediately in exchange for a $45-million payment and no promise of a replacement team.

September 3, 2008: The new name and branding identity for the Oklahoma City NBA team was introduced.

September 14, 2008: OKC Thunder sells out season tickets

Here's a report from JW - Jason Watson, Professor of Design: https://www.jamesrobertwatson.com/thunderlogo.html#:~:text=The%20new%20name%20and%20 branding,introduced%20on%20September%203%2C%202008 .

The Professional Basketball Club, LLC investments - $395 million [$350 purchase, $45 million to break the lease].

I have been to 10 different NBA stadiums for games, including the United Center. The United Center is ranked 9 out of 10 for me. I hope we can build something better than a partially renovated 30-year-old arena.

Laramie, i do not think that they are planning to increase the seating capacity very much, if any. Remember we had to slap things on the side of the Paycom to get shops/eateries/etc. It's an oval with after-the-fact protrusions. Any new arena built from the ground up will have the ability to have those things integrated into the design much better. They will also have more land to do it in so they don't have so much of a constraint on how it's designed. It wouldn't take much to increase the footprint and with the way the bowl designs are changing, you may have a very different type of box situation than today and different way of doing the tiers too.

Laramie, i do not think that they are planning to increase the seating capacity very much, if any. Remember we had to slap things on the side of the Paycom to get shops/eateries/etc. It's an oval with after-the-fact protrusions. Any new arena built from the ground up will have the ability to have those things integrated into the design much better. They will also have more land to do it in so they don't have so much of a constraint on how it's designed. It wouldn't take much to increase the footprint and with the way the bowl designs are changing, you may have a very different type of box situation than today and different way of doing the tiers too.

The same or fewer seats in a larger volume of space usually means LESS noise inside. Which is bad and will need to be addressed in the design.

The same or fewer seats in a larger volume of space usually means LESS noise inside. Which is bad and will need to be addressed in the design.

There’s little to no chance that the new arena will have a better environment than the current one, IMO. Would expect more suites, and would expect them to be closer to the court than the current ones. With a college arena, you can make up for this in unique ways such as Baylor putting five rows of student seating behind the benches at Foster Pavilion. But with how similar most NBA arenas are to each other, I think the best we can hope for is marginal improvements related to the fact that this one will be purpose-built for basketball, whereas Paycom was built to attract either an NBA or an NHL team. And that’s okay, IMO. The new arena will be a notable improvement in many other ways, the modern-day NBA isn’t exactly known for raucous crowds, and the Thunder will probably never be able to capture the initial “Loud City” magic that was largely the result of the city finally getting a big league team and that team immediately turning things around and contending for titles.

There’s little to no chance that the new arena will have a better environment than the current one, IMO. Would expect more suites, and would expect them to be closer to the court than the current ones. With a college arena, you can make up for this in unique ways such as Baylor putting five rows of student seating behind the benches at Foster Pavilion. But with how similar most NBA arenas are to each other, I think the best we can hope for is marginal improvements related to the fact that this one will be purpose-built for basketball, whereas Paycom was built to attract either an NBA or an NHL team. And that’s okay, IMO. The new arena will be a notable improvement in many other ways, the modern-day NBA isn’t exactly known for raucous crowds, and the Thunder will probably never be able to capture the initial “Loud City” magic that was largely the result of the city finally getting a big league team and that team immediately turning things around and contending for titles.

There are teams doing what you suggest similar to colleges to improve arena noise and the lower dollar ticket fan experience. The Clippers new arena being the best example I can think of off the top of my head. There may be some suites closer to the floor but I have a feeling getting the fans in seats closer to the floor is going to be the priority. We’ve seen what happens when you stack two many rows of suites together in the middle (staples center or whatever it’s called now) if there are suites closer to the floor, I would imagine them being better versions of the bunker type suites/club we have now. The main thing I expect to improve is spacing between seats (both front/back and sides). Paycom feels extremely cramped even for me and I’m not a big or tall person. For an organization that is known for a great/loud fan environment and that is usually very thoughtful and strategic in everything they do, I have little doubt that fan experience and environment will be at the top of their list and will be able to marry that with ways to increase revenue. Those things don’t have to be mutually exclusive and to get the average modern sports fan with a 75 inch (and growing) HD flat screen off the couch and into the arena, they will have to think that way as will everyone else from here on out. They are very aware of that.

All of that to say, I disagree. They can build something with an environment that is as good or better if they do it right.

There are teams doing what you suggest similar to colleges to improve arena noise and the lower dollar ticket fan experience. The Clippers new arena being the best example I can think of off the top of my head. There may be some suites closer to the floor but I have a feeling getting the fans in seats closer to the floor is going to be the priority. We’ve seen what happens when you stack two many rows of suites together in the middle (staples center or whatever it’s called now) if there are suites closer to the floor, I would imagine them being better versions of the bunker type suites/club we have now. The main thing I expect to improve is spacing between seats (both front/back and sides). Paycom feels extremely cramped even for me and I’m not a big or tall person. For an organization that is known for a great/loud fan environment and that is usually very thoughtful and strategic in everything they do, I have little doubt that fan experience and environment will be at the top of their list and will be able to marry that with ways to increase revenue. Those things don’t have to be mutually exclusive and to get the average modern sports fan with a 75 inch (and growing) HD flat screen off the couch and into the arena, they will have to think that way as will everyone else from here on out. They are very aware of that.

All of that to say, I disagree. They can build something with an environment that is as good or better if they do it right.

These are all good counterpoints, appreciate your insight on this.

I wonder if the new arena is going to just get the existing (new) center scoreboard? I think it was like 8 million dollars, so that would be a solid saving to put money elsewhere.

I wonder if the new arena is going to just get the existing (new) center scoreboard? I think it was like 8 million dollars, so that would be a solid saving to put money elsewhere.

I hope not considering how nice several of the other new scoreboard concepts are by comparison. I don't want to waste money by any means, however the new arena needs to wow not cut corners because it is cheaper to do.

Yeah I don’t see the point in moving the scoreboard over, especially given that it’ll be used for the next five seasons.

Someone will buy it.

Yeah I don’t see the point in moving the scoreboard over, especially given that it’ll be used for the next five seasons.

Yeah, they are not going to want to immediately go back and ask for more money. Its easier just to bury that in the capital expenses of a new arena.

Yeah, they are not going to want to immediately go back and ask for more money. Its easier just to bury that in the capital expenses of a new arena.

There is always the possibility of moving some of the video panels and then incorporating them into the new internal signage.

There is always the possibility of moving some of the video panels and then incorporating them into the new internal signage.

I was about to say this. Most of the scoreboard is consistent of multiple LED panels placed together and wired by means of a DMX ethernet cable linked from one node to the next in the back. It could be utilized on the exterior, probably the interior for some elements, maybe even integrated into the new scoreboard if they retain the same manufacturer to make installations a bit smoother.

Working at my church, we have LED panels on the stage, but they can be broken down and arranged differently. The only crux is that those panels are rather heavy.

That's what they did with the old scoreboard. Given how modular they are, surely there will be a way to sell or re-use the panels in some form or fashion.

Someone will buy it.

Move the current scoreboard from Paycom Center to the new State Fair Coliseum.

Our new downtown arena will need a Daktronics LED Halo Board.

https://images.fastcompany.com/image/upload/f_webp,c_fit,w_750,q_auto/wp-cms-2/2024/07/p-1-91158767-clippers-halo-board.jpg

For the record, the halo scoreboard at the new Clippers stadium reportedly cost around $100 million... about 10% of the total project cost of our new arena...

I love the idea of two screens similar to what Seattle did with their arena.

19102

I really hope we do not build a halo board…I was looking at some of the footage in the upper deck and it makes it feel like you are separate from the crowd.

The Denver nuggets score board is pretty amazing. Went to a game there last year and it was a very enjoyable experience https://wp.usatodaysports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2013/09/nuggets_scoreboard_for_web.jpg

For the record, the halo scoreboard at the new Clippers stadium reportedly cost around $100 million... about 10% of the total project cost of our new arena...

And it’s cool but man…it seems like a bit too much. I like to at least feel like I should watch the game being played on the floor lol.

For the record, the halo scoreboard at the new Clippers stadium reportedly cost around $100 million... about 10% of the total project cost of our new arena...

Now way will OKC install a 'halo' board at that price--sounded like a good idea; but for $100 million, leave that 'hot potato' on the burner.

Like CaaOKC's idea with the double screens:

https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/NHL22_Reveal_KRAKEN_ARENA_16x9.jpeg

.

The same or fewer seats in a larger volume of space usually means LESS noise inside. Which is bad and will need to be addressed in the design.

Good point Swake:

Definitely will need to be addressed; should be able to easily meet the requirements 750,000 or more square feet for the concourse. More seats, 18,500 minimum (League average 18,900) and luxury suites and bunker suites with room for growth. The 650 parking spaces on site--should be able to exceed the parking.

Beautiful façade that becomes UNIQUELY OKC. Nice Terrazzo floors or whatever is the current trend for arena flooring.

All of this can be done with a $900 million budget; probably won't exceed cost overruns.

Our new arena should be competitive with Intuit Dome (LA), Fiserv Forum (MIL) and Chase Center (SF).

https://i0.wp.com/dt1jqiolganbd.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2019-02-21-20.26.19.jpg?ssl=1

.

Good point Swake:

Definitely will need to be addressed; should be able to easily meet the requirements 750,000 or more square feet for the concourse. More seats, 18,500 minimum (League average 18,900) and luxury suites and bunker suites with room for growth. The 650 parking spaces on site--should be able to exceed the parking.

Beautiful façade that becomes uniquely OKC. Nice Terrazzo floors or whatever is the current trend for arena flooring.

All of this can be done with a $900 million budget; probably won't exceed cost overruns.

Our new arena should be competitive with Intuit Dome (LA), Fiserv Forum (MIL) and Chase Center (SF).


.

the budget is going to be 1.2 billion or more

the budget is going to be 1.2 billion or more

Now look you're cornballing--you need to go somewhere and sit down . . . :D


Total Project Budget: $900,000,000 Construction Budget: $750,000,000 (minimum)




$1.2 billion could be the actual cost should overruns exceed the current $900 million budget.

Now look you're cornballing--you need to go somewhere and sit down . . . :D




$1.2 billion could be the actual cost should overruns exceed the current $900 million budget.

lol the passed vote .. and MOA with the thunder sets the arena budget at a MINIMUM of 900 million dollars

the tax will generate more then that plus the 50 mil from the team plus the maps 4 dollars ... and that doesn't include the TIF / land / demo costs ..

lol the passed vote .. and MOA with the thunder sets the arena budget at a MINIMUM of 900 million dollars

the tax will generate more then that plus the 50 mil from the team plus the maps 4 dollars ... and that doesn't include the TIF / land / demo costs ..

Oklahoma City Council Approves Arena Development Plan In 7-2 Vote: https://www.news9.com/story/664c6908b7e0f282d3d62bf3/oklahoma-city-council-approves-arena-development-plan-in-7-2-vote-#:~:text=The%20city%20revealed%20plans%20to%20buil d%20an%20arena,completion%20date%20for%20the%20are na%20is%20June%202028.

Now way will OKC install a 'halo' board at that price--sounded like a good idea; but for $100 million, leave that 'hot potato' on the burner.

Like CaaOKC's idea with the double screens:

https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/NHL22_Reveal_KRAKEN_ARENA_16x9.jpeg

.

would it work for basketball though? I too like, but I think a bball court would be too small. ..

Now way will OKC install a 'halo' board at that price--sounded like a good idea; but for $100 million, leave that 'hot potato' on the burner.



.

OKC will have a best in class video board in the new arena ... what ever that looks like in 4 years ... even if it is a halo board for 100 mil

Totally different markets of course, but the arena plans were announced around the same time. Philadelphia might ditch those plans and move across the river to Jersey. https://www.roi-nj.com/2024/09/03/real_estate/sixers-organization-taking-n-j-offer-to-move-to-camden-seriously/?utm_content=bufferaffe7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Totally different markets of course, but the arena plans were announced around the same time. Philadelphia might ditch those plans and move across the river to Jersey. https://www.roi-nj.com/2024/09/03/real_estate/sixers-organization-taking-n-j-offer-to-move-to-camden-seriously/?utm_content=bufferaffe7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

And different because the owner of the team would own the arena. Granted, the project in NJ would possibly get a large amount of tax credits ($400 million or so).

And different because the owner of the team would own the arena. Granted, the project in NJ would possibly get a large amount of tax credits ($400 million or so).

the total funding package from NJ would be 1.3 billion ...


HBSE could be eligible to receive two Aspire tax credits worth up to $400 million each.


the Governor’s Office is eager to work with the Legislature to enable the structuring of up to $500 million of special-purpose bonds

sounds familiar

Plans have been filed to demolish the old Myriad/Cox Center/Prairie Surf Studios to make way for a new $1 billion arena.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena091124a.jpg


Last December, OKC voters approved a penny sales tax increase to fund the new home for the Thunder and other events.

Prairie Surf Studios had been leasing the property from the city but were notified they must vacate.

Demolition should start immediately after the new year; plans also call for the removal of the pedestrian skybridge that connects to the Wyndham Grand Hotel. The area to be razed is the entire block between Sheridan, Reno, Robinson, and EK Gaylord in the very heart of downtown.

The city is currently interviewing architectural applicants for the new arena and conceptual renderings will soon follow.

The target date for completion of the arena is June 2028. The fate of Paycom Center is unknown.



HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena091124b.jpg

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena091124c.jpg

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena091124d.jpg

It's happening!

The city should reveal the architect in the next few weeks, as interviews took place in the early part of this month.

Can't wait to see some conceptual plans and how this entire property can open on all four sides instead of the current concrete monolith.

I wonder what's going to happen with Prairie surf Studios?

I wonder what's going to happen with Prairie surf Studios?

The main investor is also heavily involved in the Producers Coop development (the Stadium District) so there is a good chance it will move there.

Pete, when do you think the renderings will be available? This is exciting!

Pete, when do you think the renderings will be available? This is exciting!

I keep hearing we'll see some conceptual plans around the first of the year.

The opportunity for the new arena to better integrate with the surrounding four sides of the block (especially to Sante Fe station to the east) is what sold me on voting for the new arena in the first place, so I am really hoping they do something good.

The opportunity for the new arena to better integrate with the surrounding four sides of the block (especially to Sante Fe station to the east) is what sold me on voting for the new arena in the first place, so I am really hoping they do something good.

No doubt. It's even worse on the western exposure facing the Myriad Gardens.

Did the plans mention method of demolition? I guess the building is not tall enough to justify an implosion?