Press release:

********

City Council to consider hiring arena architects on Tuesday
10/18/2024

On Tuesday, Oklahoma City Council will consider approving a contract with the architectural team of MANICA Architecture as the Design Architect and TVS as the Architect of Record for the design and development of Oklahoma City’s new arena.

“Both TVS and Manica Architecture have designed iconic arena and stadium projects worldwide,” OKC Director David Todd said. “They have a proven track record of creating functional, memorable buildings that communities are proud of.”

Kansas City-based MANICA specializes in sport and entertainment venues. Some of their NBA and NFL designs include Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Chicago, and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, which is currently under construction.

Some of Atlanta-based TVS’s projects include Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; and the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Florida.

Next Steps

The arena will be built on the City-owned site where Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, is located. The existing building is expected to be demolished in 2025. Design will begin immediately, and construction will start in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.

Arena Background

In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly (71%) approved a penny sales tax to build a new, publicly-owned arena. In May 2024, the Oklahoma City Council approved a development agreement for the City’s new arena between the City and PBC Sports and Entertainment, LLC (PBCS&E), owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue.

The new arena will be funded by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax that will start when the MAPS 4 tax ends and will not increase the sales tax rate. The arena will also be paid for with $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.

The $900 million arena will be at least 750,000 square feet and be built to:

Benefit the residents of Oklahoma City.
Meet NBA specifications and requirements.
Maximize team revenues, ensuring the sustainability of major league professional sports in Oklahoma City.
The City will own and be responsible for maintaining and operating the new arena, which will be home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team.

The Thunder will continue to play home games at Paycom Center until the new arena opens, with a target completion date of June 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030. The Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.

Kansas City-based MANICA specializes in sport and entertainment venues. Some of their NBA and NFL designs include Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Chicago, and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, which is currently under construction.

Some of Atlanta-based TVS’s projects include Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; and the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Florida.

While not spots venues, I like the examples listed for TVS. Super creative and interesting. If the intent is to combine MANICA's experience in arena design with TVS's aesthetic used in projects like Longgang (https://www.tvsdesign.com/projects/project-detail/longgang-international-arts-center/)or Jio (https://www.tvsdesign.com/projects/project-detail/jio-world-centre-nita-mukesh-ambani-cultural-centre/), then it very well may be something iconic.

Press release:

********

City Council to consider hiring arena architects on Tuesday
10/18/2024

On Tuesday, Oklahoma City Council will consider approving a contract with the architectural team of MANICA Architecture as the Design Architect and TVS as the Architect of Record for the design and development of Oklahoma City’s new arena.

“Both TVS and Manica Architecture have designed iconic arena and stadium projects worldwide,” OKC Director David Todd said. “They have a proven track record of creating functional, memorable buildings that communities are proud of.”

Kansas City-based MANICA specializes in sport and entertainment venues. Some of their NBA and NFL designs include Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Chicago, and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, which is currently under construction.

Some of Atlanta-based TVS’s projects include Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; and the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Florida.

Next Steps

The arena will be built on the City-owned site where Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, is located. The existing building is expected to be demolished in 2025. Design will begin immediately, and construction will start in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.

Arena Background

In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly (71%) approved a penny sales tax to build a new, publicly-owned arena. In May 2024, the Oklahoma City Council approved a development agreement for the City’s new arena between the City and PBC Sports and Entertainment, LLC (PBCS&E), owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue.

The new arena will be funded by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax that will start when the MAPS 4 tax ends and will not increase the sales tax rate. The arena will also be paid for with $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.

The $900 million arena will be at least 750,000 square feet and be built to:

Benefit the residents of Oklahoma City.
Meet NBA specifications and requirements.
Maximize team revenues, ensuring the sustainability of major league professional sports in Oklahoma City.
The City will own and be responsible for maintaining and operating the new arena, which will be home to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team.

The Thunder will continue to play home games at Paycom Center until the new arena opens, with a target completion date of June 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030. The Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.

this passed .. Nice and Hammon voted NO ..

this passed .. Nice and Hammon voted NO ..

I am guessing they are going to vote no one every part of this, to try to save some face.

this passed .. Nice and Hammon voted NO ..

Did they say what problem they had with the architect? Did they have another suggestion? LOL.

Did they say what problem they had with the architect? Did they have another suggestion? LOL.

I'm sure they would just say no voter approved arena.

Did they say what problem they had with the architect? Did they have another suggestion? LOL.

It’s what all the cool kids are doing these days, saying no to everything.

Press release:

************

City Council hires architects for OKC arena
10/22/2024

On Tuesday, Oklahoma City Council approved a contract with the architectural team of MANICA Architecture as the Design Architect and TVS as the Architect of Record for the design and development of Oklahoma City’s new arena.

“Both TVS and Manica Architecture have designed iconic arena and stadium projects worldwide,” OKC Director David Todd said. “They have a proven track record of creating functional, memorable buildings that communities are proud of.”

Kansas City-based MANICA specializes in sport and entertainment venues. Some of their NBA and NFL designs include Chase Center in San Francisco, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Chicago, and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, which is currently under construction.

“At Manica Architecture, we choose projects where we can truly make a difference in that city, and Oklahoma City is at the top of that list,” said David Manica, owner and founder of Manica Architecture. “This project won't be the start of the renaissance in Oklahoma City, but rather the continuation of that momentum. We begin this effort with no preconceptions. We want to come to the table to listen and really understand what the city and team want for future generations. We have an incredible opportunity to work together to create a signature facility that can make the city shine and be truly unique to Oklahoma City and its people.”

Some of Atlanta-based TVS’s projects include Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, NC; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; and the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Fla.

“TVS is honored to serve as Architect of Record for the new Oklahoma City Arena, and we are excited to be partnered alongside Design Architect MANICA, Oklahoma City, and The Thunder,” TVS Principal Rob O’Keefe said. “Together, this formidable team will deliver a facility that will serve the citizens of Oklahoma City for generations.”

Next Steps
The arena will be built on the City-owned site where Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, is located. The existing building is expected to be demolished in 2025. Design will begin immediately, and construction will start in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.

Pete any guestimate on when we might see the first renderings?

Pete any guestimate on when we might see the first renderings?

I think we'll see some conceptual designs after the first of the year.

I'm on a teleconference tomorrow regarding the demolition and I'll post afterward.

Given MANICA's involvement, I think we may be getting something somewhat similar to the Chase Center, which would be awesome! I love the look of it.

Given MANICA's involvement, I think we may be getting something somewhat similar to the Chase Center, which would be awesome! I love the look of it.

I think the Chase Center looks to close to the BOK Center in Tulsa. I hope it looks nothing like anything already done and we get a new fresh design.

19227 19228

Given MANICA's involvement, I think we may be getting something somewhat similar to the Chase Center, which would be awesome! I love the look of it.

That was the first project of theirs that came to mind for me. Chase Center and Intuit Dome are the two that I’ve long advocated as being the examples we should aim for, so things are moving in the right direction in my opinion.

That was the first project of theirs that came to mind for me. Chase Center and Intuit Dome are the two that I’ve long advocated as being the examples we should aim for, so things are moving in the right direction in my opinion.

I think if we want anything like the Intuit Dome, we will need to come up with another billion.

It’s what all the cool kids are doing these days, saying no to everything.

Yes, I am sure they are both as simplistic—with no reasons, morals, or evidence—as y'all paint them to be. OKC's entire history is filled with yes-men who did whatever the elites wanted in this city. I actually think it's a good thing there are some counsel members willing to take different perspectives and argue for a different city.

I wouldn't have posted this response except that it really bugs me when people bash them without even trying to explain their reasons for their vote.


I think if we want anything like the Intuit Dome, we will need to come up with another billion.

I'm hoping to make it to Thunder @ Clippers next week so I'll report back. I'm as excited for the arena as I am for the game.

i think if we want anything like the intuit dome, the thunder ownership group will need to come up with another billion.

fify

fify

He has a point…

…I'm on a teleconference tomorrow regarding the demolition and I'll post afterward.
I was supposed to be on a City-hosted Teams briefing on this topic tomorrow. Not sure whether the meeting you were invited to is the same one as mine, but if so it has been moved to November 13. You might want to check with the meeting organizer to confirm.

Chase Center is a beautiful building, but some of the complaints about it are that it leans heavy toward the corporate feel. Obviously the OKC arena will have more amenities and suites but I hope it’s still average fan friendly, if that makes sense.

Yes, I am sure they are both as simplistic—with no reasons, morals, or evidence—as y'all paint them to be. OKC's entire history is filled with yes-men who did whatever the elites wanted in this city. I actually think it's a good thing there are some counsel members willing to take different perspectives and argue for a different city.

I wouldn't have posted this response except that it really bugs me when people bash them without even trying to explain their reasons for their vote.



I'm hoping to make it to Thunder @ Clippers next week so I'll report back. I'm as excited for the arena as I am for the game.

Its one thing to be a voice of reason and/or to have a different opinion. But these two seem to always vote against the progress of OKC/downtown AND claim that it instead should go to the 'community'. I am all for them voting how they felt with regard to the arena itself. But come on, MOVE ON NOW. I have NO idea why they'd continue to vote no for all other aspects of the arena. Are they saying we shouldn't get the BEST architect for what was already approved?

Again, it gets very tiring seeing the apathy from them. Nice doesn't care since she's moving on to likely do the same in the state govt (kidding, well, maybe a little bit) but I'm not sure how joBeth gets re-elected when she's anti police everything and anti OKC unless it benefits her ward (or 7).

I think you have to be more open minded, again, I don't mind their original vote on the arena - to me that's totally balanced and their reasons made sense to me (the vote was rushed and there was no transparency). But thats in the past, now each vote should be independent on its own laurels and not just a continuation pouting of No arena, No site, No architect, no any and everything arena or downtown. come on, grow up ladies.

Pete any guestimate on when we might see the first renderings?
Listening to a podcast interview with Manica CEO he said they expect renderings in mid-2025, but that was a general timeline. They said the next 2 months will be their listening tour with the different stakeholders.

Yes, I am sure they are both as simplistic—with no reasons, morals, or evidence—as y'all paint them to be. OKC's entire history is filled with yes-men who did whatever the elites wanted in this city. I actually think it's a good thing there are some counsel members willing to take different perspectives and argue for a different city.

I wouldn't have posted this response except that it really bugs me when people bash them without even trying to explain their reasons for their vote.



I'm hoping to make it to Thunder @ Clippers next week so I'll report back. I'm as excited for the arena as I am for the game.

I mean they’ve literally voted against everything regarding the arena. If you didn’t want a new arena, that’s fine but the vote passed by 70+ percent making it clear that it’s what your constituents want. They’re now voting against approving THE ARCHITECT lol. It’s very obvious what they’re doing and they deserve to be called out for it .

Yes, I am sure they are both as simplistic—with no reasons, morals, or evidence—as y'all paint them to be. OKC's entire history is filled with yes-men who did whatever the elites wanted in this city. I actually think it's a good thing there are some counsel members willing to take different perspectives and argue for a different city.

I wouldn't have posted this response except that it really bugs me when people bash them without even trying to explain their reasons for their vote.


Fair enough. I guess their 'Official" reasoning is that it wasn't the lowest bid or feel like the scope will always be "too big".

Is it too much for me to read into this in that Manica will the architect for the arena (pretty straight forward on the press release) and maybe TVS is the architect for everything else that will go on that block? The reason I ask is that TVS's background has more to do with hotels, office buildings and common areas. They have several projects that are mixed-use developments including an amphitheater in Georgia and then places like the UGA performing arts center, Georgia southern PAC and other performance venues. I am probably not breaking any new ground, but thought it was interesting after looking at their project list.

Is it too much for me to read into this in that Manica will the architect for the arena (pretty straight forward on the press release) and maybe TVS is the architect for everything else that will go on that block? The reason I ask is that TVS's background has more to do with hotels, office buildings and common areas. They have several projects that are mixed-use developments including an amphitheater in Georgia and then places like the UGA performing arts center, Georgia southern PAC and other performance venues. I am probably not breaking any new ground, but thought it was interesting after looking at their project list.

I believe you are exactly right. TVS doesn't do arenas; they do hotels and mixed-use projects.

It's amazing to me that at this point of the process, we still don't have even the vaguest idea of what else might be built other than an arena. Any mixed-use aspect hasn't even been mentioned, nor who will build/own it.

I'm as happy as anyone that we will be getting a new arena but the lack of transparency in OKC when it comes to spending billions of tax-payer money is astonishing.

And as a reminder, this is not going to be handled the same way as previous sales-tax-funded projects like MAPS. There will be no citizen oversight committee and they haven't even disclosed how they plan to share information as they proceed.

Curious how architects are awarded a bid without the city counsel seeing even a conceptual idea of what they propose to build. Is that common practice? Seems like a massive leap of faith for something of this magnitude.

Curious how architects are awarded a bid without the city counsel seeing even a conceptual idea of what they propose to build. Is that common practice? Seems like a massive leap of faith for something of this magnitude.

It's common practice.

There was an extensive RFP, a process to select a handful of finalists, then interviews.

It's all based on their vision and body of work and how it aligns with the project. Renderings and concepts come later, once they are under contract.

I know we're a ways away from it but I'd like to see a site plan more than anything at this point, I am curious to see what else they have planned for activating that block and if we're going to get a connection over to Sante Fe station.

I believe you are exactly right. TVS doesn't do arenas; they do hotels and mixed-use projects.

It's amazing to me that at this point of the process, we still don't have even the vaguest idea of what else might be built other than an arena. Any mixed-use aspect hasn't even been mentioned, nor who will build/own it.

I'm as happy as anyone that we will be getting a new arena but the lack of transparency in OKC when it comes to spending billions of tax-payer money is astonishing.

And as a reminder, this is not going to be handled the same way as previous sales-tax-funded projects like MAPS. There will be no citizen oversight committee and they haven't even disclosed how they plan to share information as they proceed.

I will let the cat out of the bag…. The city isn't being transparent as I suspect the thunder ownership will own the development around the arena. Just my hunch. I am guessing a really cheap 100 year ground lease for the out parcels….

I will let the cat out of the bag…. The city isn't being transparent as I suspect the thunder ownership will own the development around the arena. Just my hunch. I am guessing a really cheap 100 year ground lease for the out parcels….

I'm sure you are right but simply amazing this hasn't even been discussed to date.

I love OKC more than anyone, but all the big decisions with tax money are still made in back rooms among a handful of people. In many ways, we still operate like a small town.

I know we're a ways away from it but I'd like to see a site plan more than anything at this point, I am curious to see what else they have planned for activating that block and if we're going to get a connection over to Sante Fe station.

I would expect the actual arena footprint to be along the furthest NE side of the property having primary entrance be on the S of the arena with all activation space and garage/hotel/food/shop to be along the SE to SW sides of the site. Then a makeover of the streetcar stop on the NW corner with secondary entrance to arena.

I would not be surprised to see EKG closed during games just like Reno gets currently.

Major pipedream because of cost, but imagine if we could put EKG below-grade at the Santa Fe station and allow the "capped" roadway to be direct connection into the arena site.


Toronto's arena is similarly positioned near their main transportation hub, but they use a series of skybridges and tunnels to connect to the arena.

Probably a new concept for Thunder Alley ?

I'm very curious as to what this will actually fully cost in the end.

Probably a new concept for Thunder Alley ?

Certainly, as the ownership group was behind that and then everything stopped when the focus shifted to a new arena.

I'm very curious as to what this will actually fully cost in the end.

I've already calculated that based on previous MAPS projections vs. what was actually collected, we will be well north of $1B.

I'm sure you are right but simply amazing this hasn't even been discussed to date.

I love OKC more than anyone, but all the big decisions with tax money are still made in back rooms among a handful of people. In many ways, we still operate like a small town.

I think thats done everywhere with such projects. Denver's plan around Ball Arena had similar secrecy until the formal announcement this week.

I would expect the actual arena footprint to be along the furthest NE side of the property having primary entrance be on the S of the arena with all activation space and garage/hotel/food/shop to be along the SE to SW sides of the site. Then a makeover of the streetcar stop on the NW corner with secondary entrance to arena.

I would not be surprised to see EKG closed during games just like Reno gets currently.

Major pipedream because of cost, but imagine if we could put EKG below-grade at the Santa Fe station and allow the "capped" roadway to be direct connection into the arena site.


Toronto's arena is similarly positioned near their main transportation hub, but they use a series of skybridges and tunnels to connect to the arena.

If I remember correctly, there will be an addition (not sure in what capacity) to the multi-modal stop at Santa Fe Train Station, so I am going to guess that is on the full east side of the space. I hope we don't have a big gaudy parking garage taking up one of any of the corners and there is at least ground floor retail or hotel built into it. Even better would be for the parking garage to be built in the middle of the development but ingress and egress would be tricky that way.

I think thats done everywhere with such projects. Denver's plan around Ball Arena had similar secrecy until the formal announcement this week.

I just saw this, the proposal looks amazing. They are sorta lucky in a way that the current arena is surrounded by a wasteland of parking, so it is easily developable. OKC has development surrounding the site. I am actually going to Ball Arena tomorrow night for their home opener against OKC, will be cool to see it before it has the areas transformed.

I think thats done everywhere with such projects. Denver's plan around Ball Arena had similar secrecy until the formal announcement this week.

Big difference: the Denver arena has been in place for a while and the development around it is a completely separate project. Our situation is that all this will be done at once with public funds and I guarantee you there were plenty of handshake deals that coincided with the arena.

If I remember correctly, there will be an addition (not sure in what capacity) to the multi-modal stop at Santa Fe Train Station, so I am going to guess that is on the full east side of the space. I hope we don't have a big gaudy parking garage taking up one of any of the corners and there is at least ground floor retail or hotel built into it. Even better would be for the parking garage to be built in the middle of the development but ingress and egress would be tricky that way.

Not all garages have to be horrible. But I guarantee there will be a garage as a part of the OKC arena site.

https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PCWO5VGSYBHHRAPPXZUS2SIFNA.jpg?auth=0457d3ee3d964f aebd495d67c6b7e308fa7e52096acdd7334d25d6977f17f7aa&height=553&width=830&smart=true&quality=80

There were about 1,000 spaces under the Cox Center.

I pray they do something similar rather than building another hideous parking structure that is nothing but an eyesore along a major downtown road.

Not all garages have to be horrible. But I guarantee there will be a garage as a part of the OKC arena site.

https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PCWO5VGSYBHHRAPPXZUS2SIFNA.jpg?auth=0457d3ee3d964f aebd495d67c6b7e308fa7e52096acdd7334d25d6977f17f7aa&height=553&width=830&smart=true&quality=80

Agreed. I feel like as long as it is part of A structure and not something separate. that will help a lot. Back in 2015, I had to go to Little Rock to work and there were four buildings within a stones' throw of each other that all had parking garages built into the project. I also went to Nashville for work and stayed at the Cambria hotel right off of Broadway that had at least three levels of parking with a large restaurant on the ground level and then amenities from the fourth floor up. There are definitely ways to do it, it's just will it be done.

And as a reminder, this is not going to be handled the same way as previous sales-tax-funded projects like MAPS. There will be no citizen oversight committee and they haven't even disclosed how they plan to share information as they proceed.

From what I've been told the Thunder want to have as much control of this project as possible to the point of trying to tell the City who and who can't be involved in meetings. The City needs to reminds them who owns the building and who is paying the vast majority of the costs.

From what I've been told the Thunder want to have as much control of this project as possible to the point of trying to tell the City who and who can't be involved in meetings. The City needs to reminds them who owns the building and who is paying the vast majority of the costs.

That's not the way things work in OKC, which is why there won't be a citizen's committee.

I don't see any reason this project should be handled differently than the MAPS process which has been refined and successful for over 30 years. It is MAPS, just by a different name.

I don't see any reason this project should be handled differently than the MAPS process which has been refined and successful for over 30 years. It is MAPS, just by a different name.

I agree. I just think it is the Thunder management and not the City that is against a citizen's committee. The Thunder would love to push the City out of the decision making so there's no way they'd let citizens have a voice.

I agree. I just think it is the Thunder management and not the City that is against a citizen's committee. The Thunder would love to push the City out of the decision making so there's no way they'd let citizens have a voice.

Not shocking considering how rushed the vote was and no transparency.

Not shocking considering how rushed the vote was and no transparency.

bUt 70% VotED f0r this

(voter turnout was around 10%)

I dont know why folks are surprised about the backroom aspect of this. This whole thing was a backroom deal. Same with the arena in Norman. The whole point is to make a few people even more very very rich while using public resources.

Personally im not against land developers making money off city investments if they are actually beneficial to ALL in the community, like a commuter rail or further BRT expansions.

The point was to keep the Thunder from greener pastures in another city.

Bottom line was new arena or adios.

bUt 70% VotED f0r this

(voter turnout was around 10%)

I dont know why folks are surprised about the backroom aspect of this. This whole thing was a backroom deal. Same with the arena in Norman. The whole point is to make a few people even more very very rich while using public resources.

Personally im not against land developers making money off city investments if they are actually beneficial to ALL in the community, like a commuter rail or further BRT expansions.

LOL. Screaming about voter turnout is so disingenuous. Were people against it discouraged from voting? Were all voters not given the same opportunity to vote that they are in every other election? Was the vote held at the same polling locations?

Everyone within the city limits was given the same opportunity to vote on this and there was a ton of news coverage about it in the weeks leading up to it so unless you live under a rock, you should’ve been aware of it (but regardless being aware of elections is YOUR job as a voter). If eligible voters were so very against this, logically it would seem that they would’ve shown up to the polls to do what they could to stop it. Not voting means you’re okay with either outcome, don’t care, or that you believed it was going to go one direction or the other and decided that you didn’t need to vote on it. Regardless, if you don’t vote, your opinion doesn’t count. This passed by a massive margin for a civic vote and if people didn’t care enough to show up to vote against it…I would put money on the results of that vote accurately reflecting the opinion of most of the city.

bUt 70% VotED f0r this

(voter turnout was around 10%)

I dont know why folks are surprised about the backroom aspect of this. This whole thing was a backroom deal. Same with the arena in Norman. The whole point is to make a few people even more very very rich while using public resources.

Personally im not against land developers making money off city investments if they are actually beneficial to ALL in the community, like a commuter rail or further BRT expansions.

lol rich people bad

The Thunder are the best thing to happen to OKC probably ever, if some people get more rich than others on the deal then so be it.

LOL. Screaming about voter turnout is so disingenuous. Were people against it discouraged from voting? Were all voters not given the same opportunity to vote that they are in every other election? Was the vote held at the same polling locations?

Everyone within the city limits was given the same opportunity to vote on this and there was a ton of news coverage about it in the weeks leading up to it so unless you live under a rock, you should’ve been aware of it (but regardless being aware of elections is YOUR job as a voter). If eligible voters were so very against this, logically it would seem that they would’ve shown up to the polls to do what they could to stop it. Not voting means you’re okay with either outcome, don’t care, or that you believed it was going to go one direction or the other and decided that you didn’t need to vote on it. Regardless, if you don’t vote, your opinion doesn’t count. This passed by a massive margin for a civic vote and if people didn’t care enough to show up to vote against it…I would put money on the results of that vote accurately reflecting the opinion of most of the city.

I don't know of anyone screaming here so you can calm down with that.

Its very well known that voting is not an equal institution in this state and country. Not all folks have time to take out of their day to vote and this was special election in December (when folks are worried about buying their kids christmas presents) Its the same reason we have the political figures we do in this state.

Not to mention there was a huge ad campaign behind this. Some folks had 900 million reasons to spend a few million on ad boosts. The NO campaign did not have those same special interests,

At the end of the day the arena is getting built. But folks shouldnt be surprised when its a few select folks who make tons of money off of the development.

I don't know of anyone screaming here so you can calm down with that.

Its very well known that voting is not an equal institution in this state and country. Not all folks have time to take out of their day to vote and this was special election in December (when folks are worried about buying their kids christmas presents) Its the same reason we have the political figures we do in this state.

Not to mention there was a huge ad campaign behind this. Some folks had 900 million reasons to spend a few million on ad boosts. The NO campaign did not have those same special interests,

At the end of the day the arena is getting built. But folks shouldnt be surprised when it’s a few select folks who make tons of money off of the development.

Sorry. *sarcastically bitching about voter turnout.

This entire post is straight up BS if you’re trying to use it to call into question the support for this. If people were against it…enough of them would’ve voted no that it would not have passed by a whopping 71% (especially with the low turnout).

You can have your disagreements with how any part of this was or is being handled but using voter turnout to disregard the wide/massive public support for it is ridiculous.

Thankfully, the vote affirmation by the citizens passed and the council vote by a similar margin as well.

Admire James Cooper, he saw that this would pass and figured out a potential way to reward his constituents interests.

Let's see how many minority construction companies are awarded bids in the completion of the arena development.

Time to move on and discuss things happening in the present and future.

What is the best guess for the GC for the project? Flintco built the old arena. Are Manhattan or Lingo big enough to handle this kind of project?

Thankfully, the vote affirmation by the citizens passed and the council vote by a similar margin as well.

Admire James Cooper, he saw that this would pass and figured out a potential way to reward his constituents interests.

Let's see how many minority construction companies are awarded bids in the completion of the arena development.

I had met with James a few months into this debate last year and I mentioned the idea of the transit center to him. I am always blabbing to him about transit and sidewalks. I like to think I helped but I am sure he had already considered it as well!

It is odd to me though that Embark just spent a lot of money renovating their transit center. I think Santa Fe would just be regional transit with the local lines being from the Transit Center.

Here is my general guess for a site layout. Three entrances and dock loading/specialty parking underneath on the north.

https://i.imgur.com/KI5Wmab.png

Here is my general guess for a site layout. Three entrances and dock loading/specialty parking underneath on the north.

https://i.imgur.com/KI5Wmab.png

I just hope leaving it up to the ownership group to develop the surrounding areas doesn't come back to bite us.

I just hope leaving it up to the ownership group to develop the surrounding areas doesn't come back to bite us.

It absolutely will.

Two things can be simultaneously true: 1) You love the Thunder and appreciate the investment made by the owners; and 2) you believe there should be transparency and accountability when over $1 billion in tax dollars is being spent on an incredibly important and City-owned property.

In fact, this is the essence of any successful public/private partnership.