I think you can see the glow from it on the Virtual Railfan camera right now

https://i.gyazo.com/43c95de3a530c9a0bb027081c10e72e2.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O15XG4afPlg&ab_channel=VirtualRailfan

I took this on Sunday night:
https://i.imgur.com/LGmSbId.jpg

We should have someone dress up in some Wizard of Oz gear when they go to the next Thunder Game. I mean they made it to the Emerald City, right?
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We should have someone dress up in some Wizard of Oz gear when they go to the next Thunder Game. I mean they made it to the Emerald City, right?
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Pumpkinville, one of the most treasured fall traditions in Oklahoma City, celebrates pumpkins, mums and everything fall. This year families can explore the Land of Oz and enjoy imaginative displays created in the Children’s Garden with pumpkins, gourds, haystacks, cornstalks and mums. Play hand-crafted games, participate in activities, and enjoy unlimited rides on Mo’s Carousel and special treats.

The lighting hate on social media for this is pretty strong. I would not be surprised to see a revision at this point.

Looks like some of the photos are taken on a cloudy night. Light reflecting of low hanging clouds can make the light brighter than on a clear night. I'm just saying. Don't come for me!

The lighting hate on social media for this is pretty strong. I would not be surprised to see a revision at this point.

social media hates everything. you will never please the public no matter what. I don't mind the lighting its nice to have a new glow downtown.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is now fully Green on one side at night. When it is up and running again I am sure they will want their expensive lighting that usually lights up the gardens to be seen. I don't have a problem with lighting, but if it is so bright that it distracts from other lights that we spent money on, then I have a problem. They can dim those green lights.

social media hates everything. you will never please the public no matter what. I don't mind the lighting its nice to have a new glow downtown.

exactly this... if there were no lights on, the public would be yelling that it's too dark.

social media hates everything. you will never please the public no matter what. I don't mind the lighting its nice to have a new glow downtown.

social media is not real life ... only 20% of americans (over 12) are on twitter .. and only and far less then that engage daily ..

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is now fully Green on one side at night. When it is up and running again I am sure they will want their expensive lighting that usually lights up the gardens to be seen. I don't have a problem with lighting, but if it is so bright that it distracts from other lights that we spent money on, then I have a problem. They can dim those green lights.

Look at that! Everyone wanted OKC to go green and now that we’ve finally done it…everyone is complaining! What’s the world coming to??? Will we ever be happy???

If it flickered…it would look like constant power flashes. Nothing would be more distinctly Oklahoman lol.

So does anyone have any inside scoop on if Paycom was the first choice or did something happen with the Thunder and Loves?

I don't think Love's was ever seriously considering a naming rights deal. I think it is very unusual and expensive for one company to sponsor an NBA jersey patch and home arena.

I don't think Love's was ever seriously considering a naming rights deal. I think it is very unusual and expensive for one company to sponsor an NBA jersey patch and home arena.

Logical point. If Love's had that much to spend, IIRC the rights to the patch was something like $10 million annually from 2019-2023. Tom & Judy could have opted to purchase McClendon's ownership in the franchise.

And, in the meantime, Love's dropped 9 million on the OU softball program for its new stadium.

Dollar for dollar, kinda made sense to expand their branding presence rather than spend more money in a space that they already occupied.

So does anyone have any inside scoop on if Paycom was the first choice or did something happen with the Thunder and Loves?

my inside scoop is that Paycom was the only one that was actually offering enough money to make it happen, and that it almost fell apart just days before it was finalized for some reason, because my inside scoop told me about 2 days before it was announced that paycom was out and so they were going to have to find someone else, and then, boom... they announced it was paycom.

City Council approves MAPS 4 plans for new seating at Paycom Center

https://media.coliseum-online.com/2021/07/Coliseum-Summit-News-Oklahoma-City-Thunder-naming-rights.jpg

The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday (March15, 2022) to approve final plans and specifications for new seating at Paycom Center as a part of MAPS 4.

The plans include new seats ranging from 19-inch fabric seats to 21-inch seats faux leather seats that offer taller backs and cup holders for a more comfortable guest experience that is standard in comparable arenas...

The City of Oklahoma City selected global architectural design firm, Populous, to develop a master plan for the renovations at Paycom Center.

...“These targeted efforts will help define the next generation of entertainment in Oklahoma City,” General Manager for ASM Global OKC said. “We look forward to modernizing the venue and elevating experiences for the guests, tours, and teams at Paycom Center.”

Link from City of Oklahoma City: https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4070/18?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery



Project budget: $105 million

Didn't see anything about if capacity would change in that link

^

I watched the presentation to the MAPS board and the consultant said capacity would stay almost exactly the same.

$105 million for seats? Is there more to this project?

I know that many of the seats are the originals from when the arena opened 20 years ago, and the entire building cost only $80 million at the time.

18,500 seats at $105 million = $5,675 per seat!

I am hoping the seats come with USB ports, heated backs, refrigerated cup holders, and fully recline. :p

Someone upthread says it's 105M for all the changes, just 4M for the seats. That's only $216.22/seat. Actually seems like a bargain compared to how much some office chairs go for.

Someone upthread says it's 105M for all the changes, just 4M for the seats. That's only $216.22/seat. Actually seems like a bargain compared to how much some office chairs go for.

Thank you!

I'll agree that $216.22 is a bargain if they last another 20 years like the first round.

Someone upthread says it's 105M for all the changes, just 4M for the seats. That's only $216.22/seat. Actually seems like a bargain compared to how much some office chairs go for.

Quite a bargain.

Once $105 million in improvements are completed to Paycom Center our total arena investment will reach $300 million of which the original land purchase for the original MAPS projects were about $16 million.

The improvements by our MAPS initiatives over this 20 year period have increased the price of land in the downtown core almost ten fold.

https://freepressokc.com/maps-4-citizens-advisory-board-recommends-operating-partners/

New seats are coming to the Downtown Arena, currently known as the Paycom Center.

Irwin Seating Company entered a successful bid to replace seats in the arena. The contract amount is $3,100,051.18.

This is the first construction contract recommended by the CAB, an auspicious signal that the CAB’s workload will begin to grow significantly over the coming months.

David Todd, MAPS Program Manager, said that staff does not expect to be required to close the arena at any point for installation of new seats, and that the seats will be replaced in phases in both the lower and upper bowl of the arena.

Thats a welcome change.

Does anyone know if they ever turned the brightness of the green down? Last night with the fog, it seemed less green.

Does anyone know if they ever turned the brightness of the green down? Last night with the fog, it seemed less green.

Yes, there were many complaints from neighbors when the lights were first turned on. It is noticeably dimmer now.

Announced today that Kendrick Lamar is starting his tour at the Paycom Center on July 19th.

awesome, need more of this!

Paycom Center's $105 million renovation has started; does anyone have any update information on the phrases like new seat installation and fan friendly amenities...

Also my concern about our DT arena was originally designed to attract an NHL franchise. It's current seating capacity for ice hockey configuration shrinked to 15,152, originally designed for 17,800 seats--what happened?

Also, the PBR team circuit will occupy the arena, good use of the Paycom Center.

Still think the ECHL which includes rivals Tulsa and Wichita would be a good addition to OKC sports portfolio come 2024.

OKC deserves another attempt to establish an ECHL ice hockey franchise utilizing the new State Fair Coliseum (5,000 seats) at the fairgrounds--anticipate September 2024 opening--this arena will be booked year round.

Paycom Center IMO could house NBA, NBA G-League, PBR team circuit, ECHL 'AA' Ice hockey and concerts.

Paycom Center's $105 million renovation has started; does anyone have any update information on the phrases like new seat installation and fan friendly amenities...

Also my concern about our DT arena was originally designed to attract an NHL franchise. It's current seating capacity for ice hockey configuration shrinked to 15,152, originally designed for 17,800 seats--what happened?

Also, the PBR team circuit will occupy the arena, good use of the Paycom Center.

Still think the ECHL which includes rivals Tulsa and Wichita would be a good addition to OKC sports portfolio come 2024.

OKC deserves another attempt to establish an ECHL ice hockey franchise utilizing the new State Fair Coliseum (5,000 seats) at the fairgrounds--anticipate September 2024 opening--this arena will be booked year round.

Paycom Center IMO could house NBA, NBA G-League, PBR team circuit, ECHL 'AA' Ice hockey and concerts.

I love hockey, but a minor league team doesn't need the seating capacity of the Paycom Center. I would much rather the space be open for additional concerts and shows and use a different venue with a more realistic capacity for an ECHL team.

Paycom Center's $105 million renovation has started; does anyone have any update information on the phrases like new seat installation and fan friendly amenities...

Also my concern about our DT arena was originally designed to attract an NHL franchise. It's current seating capacity for ice hockey configuration shrinked to 15,152, originally designed for 17,800 seats--what happened?

Also, the PBR team circuit will occupy the arena, good use of the Paycom Center.

Still think the ECHL which includes rivals Tulsa and Wichita would be a good addition to OKC sports portfolio come 2024.

OKC deserves another attempt to establish an ECHL ice hockey franchise utilizing the new State Fair Coliseum (5,000 seats) at the fairgrounds--anticipate September 2024 opening--this arena will be booked year round.

Paycom Center IMO could house NBA, NBA G-League, PBR team circuit, ECHL 'AA' Ice hockey and concerts.

Seems that new fairgrounds arena would be good for this.

Good points, guys.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CejWN9AOwMw/

Opened 20 years ago today

Crazy it has been 20 years. The most impactful MAPS project of all time!

I think it's a tie between the arena and the canal. Both have catapult OKC in development and recognition.

Another fact hard to believe, the arena is basically the same age as Myriad was when the arena opened. Hard to believe. ....

I think it's a tie between the arena and the canal. Both have catapult OKC in development and recognition.

Another fact hard to believe, the arena is basically the same age as Myriad was when the arena opened. Hard to believe. ....

That second bit just gave me a little bit of existential dread lol. The Myriad to me always felt like this timeless arena that had been around forever and Ford/OKC/Chespeake/Paycom still feels like the new hotness.

That second bit just gave me a little bit of existential dread lol. The Myriad to me always felt like this timeless arena that had been around forever and Ford/OKC/Chespeake/Paycom still feels like the new hotness.

The actual arena of the Myriad was basically untouched from when it was built under the Pei Plan right? MAPS 1 added a nice foyer to the north side and conference rooms, but the actual arena kept the red seats, mirrored ceiling concourses, light bulb style section markers, restrooms with the foot pedal restroom sinks, etc. Very minor updates were made as the Barons played there for a few years and they got the old Ford Center video board. Other than that, what Prairie Surf has now, is basically what the arena looked like in 1977.

The Ford Center was built as a skeleton arena when it open for around $80 million, and for the most part the skeleton of NBA style arena's has not changed too much in 20 years. Three or four main levels with a premium suites usually on the second level. With the addition of the Thunder and other MAPS infused improvements millions more have been invested into the current arena to make it as you call it "new hotness"

Well they did make the changes with the louge (spelling?) boxes. I'm not sure it was really that big of a deal in my opinion since they were so short lived. Several hand-me-down scoreboard changes from across the street as the Ford/Peak/Pay got updates. Minor flooring changes in some areas (but mostly not). So in general, yeah the old place pretty much stayed a snapshot in time from when it was built. However, I would say that there also wasn't much of a reason to make changes. There was very little going on over there, so do you really sink millions upon millions into an arena that didn't have more than a dozen bookings all year? I don't think they even are doing high school graduations there any longer are they?

Well they did make the changes with the louge (spelling?) boxes. I'm not sure it was really that big of a deal in my opinion since they were so short lived. Several hand-me-down scoreboard changes from across the street as the Ford/Peak/Pay got updates. Minor flooring changes in some areas (but mostly not). So in general, yeah the old place pretty much stayed a snapshot in time from when it was built. However, I would say that there also wasn't much of a reason to make changes. There was very little going on over there, so do you really sink millions upon millions into an arena that didn't have more than a dozen bookings all year? I don't think they even are doing high school graduations there any longer are they?

I would assume not since the whole building is a movie studio now. Not sure if it’s been done yet but the arena was supposed to be converted to a massive sound stage.

I would assume not since the whole building is a movie studio now. Not sure if it’s been done yet but the arena was supposed to be converted to a massive sound stage.

https://prairiesurf.com/stage/stage-04/

I wonder what is under those black tarps? :p

https://prairiesurf.com/stage/stage-04/

I wonder what is under those black tarps? :p

You have to think that no major changes have been done to the arena portion which is now Prairie Surf Media Studios or have any major changes been done to the 100,000 sq. ft exhibition area. PSM isn't going to invest a lot of capital into a building they don't own.

Oklahoma City may need this site for a future arena, convention center expansion or OZ (Opportunity Zones).

BTW since were on the Paycom Center site have anyone seen the new seats (color scheme) being installed in Paycom Center Arena--are they the same or another color.

I'm sorry but we already have a site being held (by a surface parking lot) for future convention center expansion. We don't NEED this site for that. Also, with the money we continue to pour into the existing arena, we better get another 20 years out of it.

When I spoke with Matt after a presentation he made earlier in the year, I specifically asked about their long term plan, and they are looking for land elsewhere in the city to build something for after their 5 year lease at the old convention center. If that happens this land needs to go to the open market or OCURA for RFP. No reason to keep holding it.

My understanding is that the arena floor at Prairie Surf is being or will be utilized as a sound stage with stand-in reproductions of NYC locations.

Also, regarding Paycom: my gut says that we’ll have to replace that building before another 20 years elapses. I’d expect us to be on that path within the next decade, in fact.

My understanding is that the arena floor at Prairie Surf is being or will be utilized as a sound stage with stand-in reproductions of NYC locations.

Also, regarding Paycom: my gut says that we’ll have to replace that building before another 20 years elapses. I’d expect us to be on that path within the next decade, in fact.

Maybe not the key arena opened in 1962 and it was gutted it and renovated all of it except the outer shell and it looks amazing on the inside. It is now the Climate Pledge Arena of course

Maybe not the key arena opened in 1962 and it was gutted it and renovated all of it except the outer shell and it looks amazing on the inside. It is now the Climate Pledge Arena of course

Not amazing enough for the Soncis tho

Maybe not the key arena opened in 1962 and it was gutted it and renovated all of it except the outer shell and it looks amazing on the inside. It is now the Climate Pledge Arena of course


Not amazing enough for the Soncis tho

this renovation was 1.15 Billion dollars ..

it is basically an entirely new building except for the roof

and they didn't keep anything except for the roof structure .. not even the outer shell ..

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/climate-pledge-arena-seattle-mortenson-construction/607484/#:~:text=With%20this%20renovation%2C%20the%20capac ity,again%20expands%20the%20arena's%20capacity.

this renovation was 1.15 Billion dollars ..

it is basically an entirely new building except for the roof

and they didn't keep anything except for the roof structure .. not even the outer shell ..

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/climate-pledge-arena-seattle-mortenson-construction/607484/#:~:text=With%20this%20renovation%2C%20the%20capac ity,again%20expands%20the%20arena's%20capacity.

Not sure if you have been to that arena but it wasn't just the roof it was all of the exterior.

Seattle could not demolish it because...

"The landmark status of the arena's exterior, including the roof, was approved by a city-appointed landmarks preservation board on August 2, 2017; the exterior was subsequently listed on the Washington Heritage Register on March 8, 2018, and on the National Register of Historic Places on May 10."

I think it was worth the renovation it is now one the most technologically advanced arenas in the world.

Seeing it before the renovation and seeing it now is really impressive

Not sure if you have been to that arena but it wasn't just the roof it was all of the exterior.

Seattle could not demolish it because...

"The landmark status of the arena's exterior, including the roof, was approved by a city-appointed landmarks preservation board on August 2, 2017; the exterior was subsequently listed on the Washington Heritage Register on March 8, 2018, and on the National Register of Historic Places on May 10."

I think it was worth the renovation it is now one the most technologically advanced arenas in the world.

Seeing it before the renovation and seeing it now is really impressive

look at the link i posted only the roof remained .. nothing else ..

look at the link i posted only the roof remained .. nothing else ..

From your article:

As part of the demolition phase, the team first took out the windows, though the glass and steel mullions were eventually brought back. The curtain wall system was also salvaged, renovated and reinstalled.

Nevermind, gotta pick of my grandson.

From your article:

As part of the demolition phase, the team first took out the windows, though the glass and steel mullions were eventually brought back. The curtain wall system was also salvaged, renovated and reinstalled.

right but it was completely removed .. look at the picture .. only the roof remained .. they even redid the roof supports ...

I looked at the link and seriously not trying to argue about semantics it was the exterior and roof as in the 20 giant concrete Y columns and the four buttresses that went from the roof all the way to the ground.

"The landmark status of the arena's exterior, including the roof" I lived in Seattle and went to NBA games there. You could walk up the buttresses to the roof

"During redevelopment, the arena's existing roof was "detached from 20 original concrete Y-columns and four gigantic buttresses that previously supported it, being held up by "72 temporary steel columns, cross-beams and a steel reinforcement structure called a kickstand."

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The original buttresses and Y columns are still there they support the roof!

right but it was completely removed .. look at the picture .. only the roof remained .. they even redid the roof supports ...

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Apparently if I go through a car wash in my car, when it comes out on the other side it’s an entirely new car except for the interior since that is the only part that looks the same as prior to the wash.

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yeah just like a car wash ... in fact it is pretty much the same arena .. it was ..

Any updates on Paycom Center's new seats; did color scheme change or are the seats the same.

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yeah just like a car wash ... in fact it is pretty much the same arena .. it was ..

Using a photo mid-renovation to prove it’s essentially a different arena while ignoring that many of those exterior parts were restored and put back into place is misleading at best. If I show you a picture of my car with its body lifted while it’s being restored, are you going to say the body is a different one when it’s put back on because it was removed from the frame to be restored even though it’s materially the same body?

Using a photo mid-renovation to prove it’s essentially a different arena while ignoring that many of those exterior parts were restored and put back into place is misleading at best. If I show you a picture of my car with its body lifted while it’s being restored, are you going to say the body is a different one when it’s put back on because it was removed from the frame to be restored even though it’s materially the same body?

and...Beyond the roof, the glass façade serves as the other major exterior historic component. The arena featured glass, with steel mullions holding it in place, from the roof level to the entry. That 30,000 square feet of glass was taken off the old arena, cataloged and stored in a nearby facility before reinstallation on Climate Pledge Arena.

https://venuesnow.com/preservation-why-an-iconic-roof-designed-for-the-1962-worlds-fair-tops-the-nhls-newest-arena/

My original point was that the Paycom Center could be completely renovated over the years without having to build a completely new arena

https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2022/03/17/paycom-center-to-undergo-multi-year-renovation/

it wasn't "just roof" it was the roof, the Y columns, the four buttresses, and the entire glass/steel facade

I hope the Paycom gets similar seats as the Climate Change arena or the ATT Center in San Antonio those are some plush seats