PROJECT DESCRIPTION: COSTS $8,865,000

Repair, renovation, remodeling and improvement of the City’s Downtown Arena at 100 W Reno,
now called the Chesapeake Energy Arena, which may include related design, engineering,
real property acquisition, infrastructure, drainage, utilities, roadways, parking,
exterior site improvements, equipment, furnishings, landscaping, irrigation, fencing and
technology improvements; and, expenses of the bond issue.

There is pressure to upgrade the technological aspects of the total arena experience. Nearby Tulsa, Dallas, Houston & San Antonio have kept up with the advances needed to make their arenas more competitive with the regional & national market.

Chesapeake Energy Arena will complement the new convention center to be completed prior to 2020.

It's a city owned facility, who else is going to pay for improvements? The beauty of MAPS is there's no debt on the facility when we start using it. The beast of MAPS is now it's on us to not let it crumble. I'm not saying if we don't pour money into it constantly it's going to crumble, but we shouldn't let a thousand cuts (maintenance/improvement issues) lead to death. The reality is, like it or not, we've got to stay competitive with our arena or we lose the team. It's the plight of any big league city.

And thanks to MAPS it's also easier to stomach the improvement costs. It's not like we are pouring money into a building we are still making payments on.

I can see us needing improvement on the technological site every few years. Technology moves fast, and we need to keep up In that area to be competitive on many levels. Keep up with lighting and electric issues, better boards for a better fan experience and more opportunities for advertising, improve networks (both wireless and wired) capabilities to keep fans happy and to keep up with broadcasting technology.

8 million isn't that much really. That's the bare minimal it takes to keep it current and up to date.

It's a city owned facility, who else is going to pay for improvements?

My point exactly. Because it is a city owned facility it should be open up for more events. Open it for Thunder road playoff games so fans can share the expierience together.

Next they will want solid gold toilet seats or at least 10k gold.

Just joking but I am in favor of keeping it an upper tier stadium. If it takes 8 mil. I am fine with that.

Being the main tenant of the arena, the Thunder's rent payments ought to reflect any additional improvements we do that primarily benefit them. We shouldnt be upgrading the locker rooms and get nothing back from the Thunder.

My point exactly. Because it is a city owned facility it should be open up for more events. Open it for Thunder road playoff games so fans can share the expierience together.

If you open it up for those games, which would be fun as a fan I agree, you then have to pay for services. Cleaning crew, security, etc. For 20,000 people, for up to, what is it, 21 games if all go to 7? Do we the citizens want to foot that bill as well? Just because we own it doesn't mean it doesn't cost us to use it.

(I know it sounds like it, but I'm not actually disagreeing with you, I would totally pay money to go see away games, but that's also 21 days we potentially can't have revenue generating acts performing)

Being the main tenant of the arena, the Thunder's rent payments ought to reflect any additional improvements we do that primarily benefit them. We shouldnt be upgrading the locker rooms and get nothing back from the Thunder.

That's one of the thousand cuts that would eventually kill the team here.

but that's also 21 days we potentially can't have revenue generating acts performing)

That's not going to preclude other events any more than it already does. Schedule for each round of the NBA playoffs isn't set until a few days before it begins. By that point, other performances are either going to be booked, or not.

That's one of the thousand cuts that would eventually kill the team here.

What? That a team worth $800 million actually pay some decent rent? In no other landlord/tenant relationship do you see a landlord make improvements for nothing.

The Thunder doesn't have to rent here, so they are not responsible for upkeep. Landlords are usually on the hook for capital improvements.

Being the main tenant of the arena, the Thunder's rent payments ought to reflect any additional improvements we do that primarily benefit them. We shouldnt be upgrading the locker rooms and get nothing back from the Thunder.

The city gets over a million $ in tax revenue for every game that the Thunder plays in the building. That's a substantial impact and a pretty good return isn't it ?

Edit - I just went out and looked and for the 2013 season, the income value per game to the city was 1.5 million dollars. In 2011 it was 1.2 million dollars.
I imagine it is now higher than 1.5 million.

If you open it up for those games, which would be fun as a fan I agree, you then have to pay for services. Cleaning crew, security, etc. For 20,000 people, for up to, what is it, 21 games if all go to 7? Do we the citizens want to foot that bill as well? Just because we own it doesn't mean it doesn't cost us to use it.

(I know it sounds like it, but I'm not actually disagreeing with you, I would totally pay money to go see away games, but that's also 21 days we potentially can't have revenue generating acts performing)


When other cities open up their arenas for playoff road games, they charge a minimal admission and sell concessions. The city won't lose money if they opened it up.

The city gets over a million $ in tax revenue for every game that the Thunder plays in the building. That's a substantial impact and a pretty good return isn't it ?

How so exactly? Serious question. Does OKC get tax dollars directly from games, such as concessions? Or does THunder get that? Or are you referring to people spending money around the arena before and after games? If so, those dollars could have just as likely been spent in OKC anyways.

The Thunder is good for the city, Im not arguing that. I just dont like seeing taxpayers subsidize or pay for every little thing that directly benefits the Thunder. For example, just a couple years ago, OKC paid for a new basketball court for the Thunder, even though the old one was only about 5 years old. This court was only for the Thunder. Things like that is what I dont like OKC paying for if we arent getting rent bumps from the Thunder. Or do we all accept them shirking most of the costs as they grow in value $25million a year? I lot of what Im asking is really just me looking for answers on how the CHK Arena lease is set up between OKC and Thunder.

How so exactly? Serious question. Does OKC get tax dollars directly from games, such as concessions? Or does THunder get that? Or are you referring to people spending money around the arena before and after games? If so, those dollars could have just as likely been spent in OKC anyways.

The Thunder is good for the city, Im not arguing that. I just dont like seeing taxpayers subsidize or pay for every little thing that directly benefits the Thunder. For example, just a couple years ago, OKC paid for a new basketball court for the Thunder, even though the old one was only about 5 years old. This court was only for the Thunder. Things like that is what I dont like OKC paying for if we arent getting rent bumps from the Thunder. Or do we all accept them shirking most of the costs as they grow in value $25million a year? I lot of what Im asking is really just me looking for answers on how the CHK Arena lease is set up between OKC and Thunder.

Don't be lazy, go google it like I did.There are several credible stories out their citing the revenue streams. The particular story I read stated 13 families from Altus make the trek and spend the night for each home game. They spend money when they come, and I really doubt they would drive up here for nothing and spend it anyway.

I get what you're saying. What would help, for me anyway, would be if we knew what was customary in other NBA cities. Are we the only one doing it this way? If not, then that's probably just how it is being a big league city.

I get what you're saying. What would help, for me anyway, would be if we knew what was customary in other NBA cities. Are we the only one doing it this way? If not, then that's probably just how it is being a big league city.

My example comes from a co-worker who flew to Cleveland last year for the Game 7 - Cavs vs warriors. He spent 2 nights and paid $20 bucks to get inside the arena. Even Toronto has the North Zone outside the arena they charge admission for, home and away games.

Sorry, I was talking to onthestrip, regarding landlord-tenant relationship with NBA teams in municipal facilities

Okay, but none of these municipal entities are going to lose money, unless they are clueless.

(I know it sounds like it, but I'm not actually disagreeing with you, I would totally pay money to go see away games, but that's also 21 days we potentially can't have revenue generating acts performing)
http://www.chesapeakearena.com/events-tickets/events-calendar
Check out the calander between now and the start of the BB season and see how many events are scheduled. There is a dearth of activity that needs to be addressed.

I get what you're saying. What would help, for me anyway, would be if we knew what was customary in other NBA cities. Are we the only one doing it this way? If not, then that's probably just how it is being a big league city.


Seems like every year both NHL and NBA playoffs show the home arena of visiting teams watching the game. Peake seems to be the exception.

Seems like every year both NHL and NBA playoffs show the home arena of visiting teams watching the game. Peake seems to be the exception.

True,

If they were to re-open Thunder Alley or relocate it where fans get that ownership feel, Oklahoma City will solidify itself as a strong, one major league city market. We are a strong small market city.

Can say that OKC has its eye on the future, the GO Bonds, aggressive initiative to improve streets, infrastructure & MAPS extension with the 1/4 cent sales tax to become a permanent tax to address the needed growth for safety (police/fire), you will see our city BOOM IN 2020s.

Since 1993, there has been a remarkable change in OKC's cosmetic appearance. Now is our chance to shed that big ole raggedy city image.

If anyone wants to purchase the arena's old sound system, it's for sale, on Craigslist!

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/msg/6206587881.html

Not anymore

You can see the arena re-roofing project is almost complete:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena100618.jpg

Chainsmokers are coming to the Peake on November 14th. Everyone I have talked to have said they put on a great show

What's new with NBA arenas:


New Gathering Spaces

There has been a trend across major sports of adding more gathering spaces to facilities. That has particularly held true around the NBA and NHL, thanks to renovations that have made them a focal point of their projects.


Technology Upgrades

In order to help connect fans while providing the latest in audio and video production, several arenas have received technology upgrades. Many renovations have resulted in new videoboards and new audio systems, with upgraded Wi-Fi often factoring in as well, but a few in particular have stood out.


Localized Concessions

Upgrading physical stands and incorporating technology in some form, such as self-serve kiosks or mobile ordering, are fairly commonplace in renovation projects. An increasing trend is also seeing teams emphasize local food offerings in their revamped concessions, giving event goers a taste of the city.

Future Upgrades for Chesapeake Energy Arena $8,865,000:

Passage of the Oklahoma City 2017 General Obligation Bond election provides $8,865,000 for the purpose of repairing, renovating, remodeling, improving, equipping and furnishing the City’s Downtown Arena. Yes 21,106 50.68% - No 20,542 49.32%

Thunder Alley: $10 million development.

https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/large960_blur-fbd6a95f08c23dd770855ffdec18ccc2.jpgIf approved by the Urban Renewal Authority, the proposal calls for construction to start by spring 2020 with an opening a year later. Randy Hogan, who developed Lower Bricktown and East Wharf, said Tuesday the complex is designed to create a year-round attraction that can host summer basketball camps, corporate events and festivals.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iaE-33HKdo

Localized Concessions would be the next area we would need to address for The Peake.

What else is needed to keep our downtown arena up to date?

Sources: Current Trends in NBA and NHL Arena Renovations: https://arenadigest.com/2018/11/28/current-trends-nba-nhl-arena-renovations/

Thunder Alley entertainment complex proposed for downtown OKC: https://oklahoman.com/article/5627534/thunder-alley-proposed

the peake has a lacking of bars/clubs/restaurants

Need to have a big room/area for a sports book or a place for a bunch of kiosks to place bets.

That will be the next thing for sports arenas, places to wager on games.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/cubs/2019/06/17/illinois-cubs-consider-opening-sportsbook-wrigley-field/1478044001/

Need to have a big room/area for a sports book or a place for a bunch of kiosks to place bets.

That will be the next thing for sports arenas, places to wager on games.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/cubs/2019/06/17/illinois-cubs-consider-opening-sportsbook-wrigley-field/1478044001/

it is very unlikely that sports gaming will occur in oklahoma in a physical manner outside of tribal casinos ..

it is possible that a state wide moble app may exist at some point in the future

it is very unlikely that sports gaming will occur in oklahoma in a physical manner outside of tribal casinos ..

it is possible that a state wide moble app may exist at some point in the future

I totally disagree. Pro sports are pushing for on site gambling so I can definitely see something like this at the 'Peake in the near future.

I totally disagree. Pro sports are pushing for on site gambling so I can definitely see something like this at the 'Peake in the near future.

Then the Thunder would have to have STATE legislature approve it.

it is very unlikely that sports gaming will occur in oklahoma in a physical manner outside of tribal casinos ..

it is possible that a state wide moble app may exist at some point in the future

going to disagree with you on this.
States are quickly passing laws allowing sports gambling and sports books.
I think the NBA will be open to it at their arenas.
It will be a revenue stream for the franchise.
OKC would need to keep up with the Jones' are face the possibility of losing the franchise.
Dont see this happening in the next 3 years but soon....

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2018/01/24/nba-compensation-legalized-gambling-adam-silver/1064240001/

Then the Thunder would have to have STATE legislature approve it.

the state legislature still has to be the one to approve sports betting in the first place... so just attach something for the Peak to the legislation in the first place... okay.. no big deal.

Then the Thunder would have to have STATE legislature approve it.

Of course. But that will happen.

going to disagree with you on this.
States are quickly passing laws allowing sports gambling and sports books.
I think the NBA will be open to it at their arenas.
It will be a revenue stream for the franchise.
OKC would need to keep up with the Jones' are face the possibility of losing the franchise.
Dont see this happening in the next 3 years but soon....

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2018/01/24/nba-compensation-legalized-gambling-adam-silver/1064240001/

lobbyists that deal with gaming and the tribes in oklahoma don't agree with you

lobbyists that deal with gaming and the tribes in oklahoma don't agree with you

The Tribes will be the biggest opponents of anything to increase sports books; they want this domain all for themselves.

True,

If they were to re-open Thunder Alley or relocate it where fans get that ownership feel, Oklahoma City will solidify itself as a strong, one major league city market. We are a strong small market city.

Can say that OKC has its eye on the future, the GO Bonds, aggressive initiative to improve streets, infrastructure & MAPS extension with the 1/4 cent sales tax to become a permanent tax to address the needed growth for safety (police/fire), you will see our city BOOM IN 2020s.

Since 1993, there has been a remarkable change in OKC's cosmetic appearance. Now is our chance to shed that big ole raggedy city image.

Very good post and I agree 100 percent.

lobbyists that deal with gaming and the tribes in oklahoma don't agree with you

https://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/columnists/gov-kevin-stitt-new-gaming-compacts-must-protect-the-interests/article_ae5596f7-e9e5-5613-9bbb-c6341af9259f.html

seems as if the governor might be on my side of the argument

https://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/columnists/gov-kevin-stitt-new-gaming-compacts-must-protect-the-interests/article_ae5596f7-e9e5-5613-9bbb-c6341af9259f.html

seems as if the governor might be on my side of the argument

Probably deserves its own thread, but as a citizen of one of the tribes with a casino, I kinda agree with Governor Stitt here. It should be renegotiated to be more in line with other states and to better align with the interests of the citizens of Oklahoma.

The deserving of its own thread part, and conflicting with my libertarianism, but I think they should outlaw gambling in Oklahoma. Yeah it would drive it underground, yeah it's legislating morality, but it really is producing no benefit to society that I can see and disproportionally harms those of low income. Plus it's not like weed where it's pretty easy to get even if it's illegal. It would be incredibly difficult to run an illegal slot machine enterprise and the poor people that are most victimized by it aren't just gonna up and fly to vegas for their fix. The ease at which it's available feels like most of the problem and I feel like the other states in which gambling is illegal don't necessarily have any major problems.

You can argue it increases tax revenue but the gambling money would be spent on other things which wait for it... produce tax revenue as well. And I question how much money from out of state gets brought in by the casinos, besides Winstar on Texas border of course. And if you want gambling in Oklahoma then why can't anyone open a casino? Seems unfair that only the tribes get a slice of the pie. Obviously I know it's because of the legal restrictions but it seems like its against the State of Oklahoma's interests. Again, I'm a member of one of these tribes (not that it should matter when making these points) but I see myself first and foremost as an American and then as an Oklahoman. Plus, it's not like it provides any benefit to me as a tribal citizen. Nobody's cutting me a check for some of the proceeds. All I see is those least fortunate being taken advantage of. And it honestly makes me ashamed that a part of my heritage is becoming more and more associated with all this.

I read it to say the Governor just wants to raise the tax. Kinda like the oil tax got raised last year.

My understanding is that Oklahoma County and surrounding is "Unassigned Lands", which means no tribe was ever granted rights to the area. So, every tribe has to approve any tribe doing a "land swap". Getting a Sports Book in an "Unassigned Lands" area that is also an NBA team home sounds like a very heavy lift.

I just want to know what it would take for a massive casino resort hotel to go in the parking lot east of Chickasaw Ballpark

I just want to know what it would take for a massive casino resort hotel to go in the parking lot east of Chickasaw Ballpark

An act of Oklahoma legislature that would never be allowed to happen. And the signature of a governor who would never sign it.

An act of Oklahoma legislature that would never be allowed to happen. And the signature of a governor who would never sign it.

Prob will never happen but a casino in the downtown area would kill it

I think they should outlaw gambling in Oklahoma. Yeah it would drive it underground, yeah it's legislating morality, but it really is producing no benefit to society that I can see and disproportionally harms those of low income.

I have never studied gambling's effects on society so I don't claim to be an expert, but I do study the way social media platforms are designed and they have taken their practices from casinos. One way middle ground would be to pass laws that ban casinos from engineering for "time on machines" that encourage compulsion/mindlessness/addiction. Everything from slot machines to carpet design to ceiling height are all designed to nudge gamblers towards as much time as possible on machines or at tables. What about taking an ethical approach where the casino, machines, and employees encouraged responsible gambling that required breaks. Did you know that many casinos literally have problems with addicted adults where diapers or just going in their pants because they are so addicted that they won't get up to leave a slot machine? It's a highly unethical business model and it's time for casinos (and by the way social media companies) to be held responsible for designing towards such negative consequences.

I used to work with a casino software firm. I actually hated spending time in casinos and eventually left. One of the things i could just never get over was our own products allowed people to cash their paycheck right there in the casino (and we made money off that like as a check cashing service) so they could burn it. Countless times i saw the elderly putting out their social security checks to play. If you think this isn't a problem for low income and the elderly, you're mistaken. Having spent my fair amount of time in casinos in different parts of the country, they're all the same. Mostly older and mostly lower income dobbing those Bingo cards or pushing those slots buttons.

What I will say is, they made the choice to be there. And if it wasn't this vice, it would be another. Alcohol/smoking/etc...hell they often do all three at the same time. So just by removing the casinos, you aren't going to magically fix some issue in society. Plus, there are plenty of people out there that just do it for fun. Just like paying $20 to go see a movie, they may go by and burn some money in the casino because they think its fun. Casinos aren't profitable because they give away money, and people know that. They pay expecting to lose. If they win something, its a bonus. Those that are addicted and are waiting for that next win....well, like any other addiction, they also have to WANT to seek help.

The money brought in has had benefits though. The casinos are a large employer in the state and those funds do help pay for tribal services that wouldn't otherwise be there. Some tribes have other business ventures outside of gambling and those tribes have diversified some (although they still are heavily tilted towards the income of the casino). Social services are the biggest wins for the tribes....healthcare, mental care, etc.

To every ying, there is a yang. And we personally have to make the choice on our own if we want to support that. For me, I chose to exit that world. But i dont think its fair to make a blanket statement that it all needs to go away and would fix all kinds of problems. You'd also be putting a LOT of people out of work. Not just the casino employees, the game vendor staff, food/beverage services, deliveries, third-party software firms (like i was), etc. Just like with any industry, there's a whole ice berg under the water that you dont see.

I will say this. If a casino was legalized in the city, there should be zero TIF or public funds allocated for it.

I have never studied gambling's effects on society so I don't claim to be an expert, but I do study the way social media platforms are designed and they have taken their practices from casinos. One way middle ground would be to pass laws that ban casinos from engineering for "time on machines" that encourage compulsion/mindlessness/addiction. Everything from slot machines to carpet design to ceiling height are all designed to nudge gamblers towards as much time as possible on machines or at tables. What about taking an ethical approach where the casino, machines, and employees encouraged responsible gambling that required breaks. Did you know that many casinos literally have problems with addicted adults where diapers or just going in their pants because they are so addicted that they won't get up to leave a slot machine? It's a highly unethical business model and it's time for casinos (and by the way social media companies) to be held responsible for designing towards such negative consequences.

Here is a good podcast episode about lotteries and casinos:


https://citationsneeded.libsyn.com/episode-63-gambling-and-neoliberal-rot-how-our-most-regressive-tax-flies-under-the-radar

In this episode, we explore how lotteries and casinos have come to represent the last throes of the false neoliberal promise of "jobs” and “growth.” Throughout much of the United States, specifically the Rust Belt and Midwest, casinos and prisons are increasingly the only growth industries, entrenching the shift from an industrial economy to one that exclusively preys on the poor and desperate in a never-ending race to the bottom. Beyond the glitz and easy “tax revenue” lies a massive transfer of wealth from the poor, black and elderly to the super wealthy - achieved, slowly over decades, with zero sustained criticism from the media.

Here is a good podcast episode about lotteries and casinos:

Thanks! Episodes 1 and 2 of this podcast details how social media companies use the persuasive psychology of casinos: https://humanetech.com/podcast/

:ot:

http://fall2017.thedude.oucreate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/chesapeake-1.jpg

Chesapeake Energy Secures Naming Rights To Thunder Arena In 12-Year Deal

(July 22, 2011)

Chesapeake Energy Arena will be the “new name of Oklahoma City’s downtown arena, formerly known as the Ford Center,” according to Randy Ellis of the DAILY OKLAHOMAN. Under the 12-year naming rights deal, Chesapeake, one of the Thunder’s “five founding partners,” will pay the team $3M the “first year, with a 3 percent annual escalation clause for each year, thereafter.” The Thunder “received the rights to most proceeds from the naming rights agreement under the deal it reached with the city to bring the NBA team to Oklahoma City from Seattle.” The city “will continue to receive $409,000 a year plus an escalator amount tied to the Consumer Price Index.” The amount the city receives is “based on its original naming rights contract with Oklahoma Ford Dealers before an NBA team arrived in Oklahoma City.” Ellis notes the deal “includes Chesapeake branding throughout the building including on the basketball court, prominent premium placement on the high-definition scoreboard and new state-of-the-art interior and exterior digital signage.” Most of the signage is “expected to be in place by the start of the Thunder’s 2011-12 season.” Horrow Sports Ventures CEO Rick Horrow said he believes the deal is “imminently fair” and a “win-win for all concerned.” Chesapeake Energy is based in Oklahoma City, and Horrow said the deal "provides another showcasing opportunity of a homegrown company that is now evolving into a national and international corporate sponsor” (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 7/22). Thunder
investor Aubrey McClendon also serves as Chesapeake Energy CEO (THE DAILY).

Source: Smith & Streets Sports Business Journal Daily: https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2011/07/22/Facilities/Thunder.aspx

Will this agreement terminate in 2023; be renegotiated or put up for bids?

Inquiring minds, does anyone know what's in store for Chesapeake Energy future upgrades in MAPS 4.

$135M improvements proposed for arena, Thunder (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=633-135M-improvements-proposed-for-arena-Thunder)

In the third day of proposals for MAPS 4, officials made a pitch for up to $135 million in improvements to Chesapeake Arena and the Thunder practice facility.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena073119.jpg


Completed in 2002 at a cost of $89.2 million, the arena was enhanced in 2008 with another $106 million in additional sales tax revenues that brought the facility up to NBA standards at that time.

11 years of Thunder basketball later and having hosted nearly 18 million guests for concerts and events, upgrades are being sought to expand and modernize the arena for the third decade of use.

In a presentation to city council on Wednesday, representatives claimed a $90 million annual direct spending impact to the local economy.

The proposed budget includes $55 to $60 million for fan amenities, $30 to $33 million for other arena improvements, $12 to $15 million for practice facility enhancements and arena maintenance at $23 to $27 million.

Presentations were also heard on transit, homelessness and a diversion hub.

One more round of MAPS 4 proposals will be heard August 6th, then City Council will decide on the final slate of projects in September, followed by a city-wide vote in December.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena073119b.jpg


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http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena073119d.jpg


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http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena073119g.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena073119h.jpg


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http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arena073119l.jpg

this is a no brainer and much much cheaper than a new arena

$15M seems like a lot of money for seemingly small improvements to the practice facility.

I am in favor of this. However, I wonder how much longer the space will be viable? Also, where would a new arena go once that day inevitably comes? It needs to stay downtown (location right now is perfect). But 10-20 years from how, where will the arena be able to be built?

I am in favor of this. However, I wonder how much longer the space will be viable? Also, where would a new arena go once that day inevitably comes? It needs to stay downtown (location right now is perfect). But 10-20 years from how, where will the arena be able to be built?

I think that’s kinda the point, continually upgrading this arena and we’ll never have to build a new one. The thunder has paid a lot of taxes over the years to stay competitive and time finally ran out. Now we need to pay ours to keep them here and happy.

Or we can take a principled stand against this and watch them pack up and leave one day.

I think that’s kinda the point, continually upgrading this arena and we’ll never have to build a new one. The thunder has paid a lot of taxes over the years to stay competitive and time finally ran out. Now we need to pay ours to keep them here and happy.

Or we can take a principled stand against this and watch them pack up and leave one day.

Agreed. I am in favor of this, as I stated. Just trying to think 15-20 years down the road when it can be retrofitted no longer.

I am fine with improving the arena (even though at this point the arena is nearing 20 years old), but in no way should MAPS 4 funds be dedicated to improving their practice facility. There is absolutely 0 ROI.

So if this goes through, it looks like the land just south of the Arena and north of the Boulevard is included in this? In the renderings it looks like a little park and communal area, so I guess no construction there?