I'm not sure this debate is very worthwhile. Apples vs. Oranges. As for which is a "bigger" event, it depends on whether you're talking media attention or how it affects the mass of people interested. There are plusses and minuses for both. Let's just enjoy the time, which we can all agree is "HUGE" (as the Oklahoman said in the headline) for the City and state.

Don't have this much energy and buzz surrounding OU Natl Championship games...This is a first for this state and OSU fans are actually going to watch

My guess is all of the naysayers for the Ford Center upgrade are officially in hiding lol

You know what gooners, Thunder Up. Or 雷霆. Or Donner Bis.


look at the ratings ...

in Oklahoma it won't be close ... OU florida MNC game 53 rating in okc and 48 in tulsa ... 2000 OU fsu 64 rating in okc ..

i will be shocked if the finals gets close to that

For a team that plays 12 games a year, compared to a team that plays like 80 a year, and has been in the Playoffs for several months. The Finals will probably go to 6 maybe even 7 games.

look at the ratings ...

in Oklahoma it won't be close ... OU florida MNC game 53 rating in okc and 48 in tulsa ... 2000 OU fsu 64 rating in okc ..

i will be shocked if the finals gets close to that


on the national level the bcs national championship game has had better ratings than the finals every year but last year .. the all SEC bama lsu rematch was the 2nd lowest rated championship game ...

most years the ratings are not that close ...


Thunder spurs game 6 (biggest game in thunder history) had about the same instate ratings (34) as OU fsu regular season last year

I wasn't talking about just in the state, I was talking about nationwide. You said, "and OU national championship games are bigger in THIS country." And like others are saying, it's comparing apples to oranges. A single football game versus a best of 7 series is hard to compare. But I would like to see how the ratings are for tonight's game. I'm pretty sure this series will have a better rating than the Spurs series, especially nationwide.

I could almost care less about the NBA

http://i.imgur.com/7qLZU.jpg

I can't believe people are arguing this. Good grief. I'm a huge OU fan and I can admit that the NBA finals is the biggest sporting event in Oklahoma history. If the Thunder win its a bigger deal than an OU national championship.

Thunder - Fear the Beard
http://znnonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/FEAR_THE_BEARD.jpg

OU - Fear the Stache
http://pshad88.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/landry-jones-mustache.jpg?w=460

Nuff said

look at the ratings ...

in Oklahoma it won't be close ... OU florida MNC game 53 rating in okc and 48 in tulsa ... 2000 OU fsu 64 rating in okc ..

i will be shocked if the finals gets close to that


on the national level the bcs national championship game has had better ratings than the finals every year but last year .. the all SEC bama lsu rematch was the 2nd lowest rated championship game ...

most years the ratings are not that close ...


Thunder spurs game 6 (biggest game in thunder history) had about the same instate ratings (34) as OU fsu regular season last year

I’m sure you are correct.

I was in down town OKC for several hours this afternoon and I walked around the area around the Chesapeake arena around 6 pm. THERE WAS LESS THAN 1/50th OF THE ACTIVITY THAT YOU SEE 2 HOURS BEFORE AN HOME OU FOOTBALL GAME. The restaurants and other establishments were not at all packed, their were virtually no people hanging out in parking lots. Many of the parking lots had many open spots. There was more pre game activity before game # 2 at the recent softball championship in OKC.

This maybe a big deal, but only a fool would believe that you could change over 60 years of our states football sport culture overnight. Basketball has always played second fiddle to football in Oklahoma and that’s not going to change no matter what the outcome is of the 2012 NBA finals.

Can compare pregame activity when OU starts playing football on Tuesday nights

Can compare pregame activity when OU starts playing football on Tuesday nights

As I said, there was more pre game activity before game # 2 at the recent softball championship in OKC.

As I said, there was more pre game activity before game # 2 at the recent softball championship in OKC.

Of course there was...Boomer!

well when expand Chesapeake arena to 80k+ capacity, maybe there will be more pregame activity

and keep in mind that nba games arent really known for their tailgating like football games.

Are you guys for real? Remember, you're pointing at something that the city shut down, so I wouldn't look much further than our inept and worthless mayor on that issue.

The ridiculousness of this thread continues to grow...


I was in down town OKC for several hours this afternoon and I walked around the area around the Chesapeake arena around 6 pm. THERE WAS LESS THAN 1/50th OF THE ACTIVITY THAT YOU SEE 2 HOURS BEFORE AN HOME OU FOOTBALL GAME. The restaurants and other establishments were not at all packed, their were virtually no people hanging out in parking lots. Many of the parking lots had many open spots. There was more pre game activity before game # 2 at the recent softball championship in OKC.

This maybe a big deal, but only a fool would believe that you could change over 60 years of our states football sport culture overnight. Basketball has always played second fiddle to football in Oklahoma and that’s not going to change no matter what the outcome is of the 2012 NBA finals.
Im sorry but this is way off. There were tons of people down there at 6:30, the restaurants that I saw were full (there are a few more options in bricktown than campus corner), and there was certainly a buzz. You cant keep comparing a football gameday to a NBA game on a tuesday. That said, dont say things like it wasnt 1/50 of a gameday in Norman. If that was the case then there would apparently be 1 million people in norman on saturdays. And more activity at a softball game..? You have lost the tiny amount of credibility you ever had.

But go ahead and keep convincing yourself that the Thunder means nothing and keep counting down the days to kickoff, whatever helps you sleep at night.

I'll take downtown over Lindsey Street any game day regardless of sport.

I'm an OU fan, but you OU homers need to get a REAL life. Last nights game was broadcast to 215 Countries in 47 languages for gods sake !

Now you can't top that......how many MILLIONS were in tune to last nights game World Wide ???

I walked through the Cox with two reporters from Germany.

OU couldn't sell out the Insight Bowl...... time for you folks to see the light.

I'm an OU fan, but you OU homers need to get a REAL life. Last nights game was broadcast to 215 Countries in 47 languages for gods sake !

Now you can't top that......how many MILLIONS were in tune to last nights game World Wide ???

I walked through the Cox with two reporters from Germany.

OU couldn't sell out the Insight Bowl...... time for you folks to see the light.

The 1971 OU-Nebraska game could be heard in every nation on earth via over 1500 TV and radio stations.
It was also broadcast in Antarctica and from ships at sea. And there were reporters from other nations.

The ridiculousness of this thread continues to grow...

Im sorry but this is way off. There were tons of people down there at 6:30, the restaurants that I saw were full (there are a few more options in bricktown than campus corner), and there was certainly a buzz. You cant keep comparing a football gameday to a NBA game on a tuesday. That said, dont say things like it wasnt 1/50 of a gameday in Norman. If that was the case then there would apparently be 1 million people in norman on saturdays. And more activity at a softball game..? You have lost the tiny amount of credibility you ever had.

But go ahead and keep convincing yourself that the Thunder means nothing and keep counting down the days to kickoff, whatever helps you sleep at night.

Things must have changed a bunch in 30 minutes time but
coming from an on the strip poke, I could care less.

I'll take downtown over Lindsey Street any game day regardless of sport.

Lindsey Street is not where I would hang out on a game day, but several thousand do!
I have heard university officials say that up to 20,000 people for the bigger home games hang out around campus on game day and don’t even go to the game. Nothing on that scale happens for the NBA finals in OKC.

NBA, teams & players are followed by 278 million people across social media platforms.

Boomer Sooner.

NBA, teams & players are followed by 278 million people across social media platforms.

Boomer Sooner.I don’t think anyone is saying that there is not a bigger NBA world following.
What some of us saying is that football is still the #1 sport in Oklahoma with OU being the dominant force.
YOU CAN NOT CHANGE DECADES OF STATE CULTUER OVER NIGHT.

Last nights TV rating was 11.8, sets all time record for NBA Finals Game 1.

Gm 1 also earned an absurd 44.3 rating in OKC. Considering 1/2 of OKC was downtown watching somewhere, safe to assume 100% of city watched.

Let's also throw in the percentage of Okies that can name two Sooner players compared to those who can name two Thunder players

I enjoy me some OU football but you are fighting a losing battle trying to hate on the Thunder...Crazy energy around the metro right now...Not near as electric when OU is playing for another championship

I think this thread has officially become the dumbest thread on the internet.

G1PllrfeiVw

I think this thread has officially become the dumbest thread on the internet.

Maybe. It's for sure making some OU fans look pretty silly.

Maybe. It's for sure making some OU fans look pretty silly.

I just don't understand why it needs to be a one over the other proposition. OU football is obviously huge in this state (I say this as an OSU fan). For football, it isn't even close. The Thunder are huge as well, especially because they bridge the gap for the college fan. What is there to gain by proving that one is bigger than the other? Does making OU the undisputed king somehow make them better during the season? I just don't get it.

OU has around 13 or 14 games a year ???

On a normal season plus playoffs the Thunder will have close to 90 or 100 games ?

Now how many eyes are focused on each respective team collectively for all games ?

You OU homers need to give it up....... you're losing. (and Bob is overpaid)

I could almost care less about the NBA

this phrase has always bothered me... so if you could almost care less... doesn't that mean that you care some? shouldn't the saying be i couldn't care any less, or i don't care about the NBA?

this phrase has always bothered me... so if you could almost care less... doesn't that mean that you care some? shouldn't the saying be i couldn't care any less, or i don't care about the NBA?

I care about the NBA only to the extent that it helps our local economy. And yes a winning franchise helps more than a losing one.

Last nights TV rating was 11.8, sets all time record for NBA Finals Game 1.

Gm 1 also earned an absurd 44.3 rating in OKC. Considering 1/2 of OKC was downtown watching somewhere, safe to assume 100% of city watched.

Wow, those are some pretty awesome numbers. Can you imagine what the ratings for a potential Game 7 would be? It would be through the roof, and I definitely think it would be close to if not exceed the numbers that Boulder posted for OU-UF BCS game. Let's face it, this matchup was one of the most anticipated playoff finals in recent NBA history. If both teams continue to play great basketball and this goes to Game 7, the ratings will be amazing.

Also, I have "sooner" in my name and I hate OSU as much as almost any other OU fan. But, I can agree that winning the NBA title will be the biggest thing for the state of Oklahoma. And I completely understand the tradition of OU football, so I don't need the lesson. I'm the 4th of 4 boys who graduated from OU and we're all diehards. Of course football dominates the state, it's been around forever while hardly anyone in the state watched NBA hoops till recently. The Thunder are young and are only beginning to make an impact on this state. And in year 4 now, the impact has been unimaginable. My primary allegiance is to OU, but the Thunder are right behind. I'm so proud of what the Thunder is doing for our city.

To add to soonermike the reason it would also be the biggest in the states history because the NBA is a global brand and all over the world people are tuning in to OKC. Same wouldnt be said for college football.

I don’t think anyone is saying that there is not a bigger NBA world following.
What some of us saying is that football is still the #1 sport in Oklahoma with OU being the dominant force.
YOU CAN NOT CHANGE DECADES OF STATE CULTUER OVER NIGHT.

I think the Thunder have. Deal with it.

fwiw, any shift hasn't been overnight, not even close.

The metro began its serious flirtation with NBA caliber bball when the Hornets were courted, pun intended, for two years. Then, as early romances are often nice but not completly fulfilling, some powers that be decided to broker an arranged marriage.

From what I heard, the first couple of dinners were a bit burnt, but the metro and the team have been getting more gooey eyed and on fire for each other ever since. Even late guests like my family, here and elsewhere in the state and out of state, see the growth in the relationship. It may seem sudden to some, but this was years in the making.

Besides, it's all good. OKIES BE BIG-HEARTED. There is ample heart space to love NBA, college level, high school and lower school athletics as well, and still have room left over for sand-lot fun, fishing, baseball, tennis, golf, hunting, shooting, rowing, dirt bikes, etc.

To the Journey y'all!

fwiw, any shift hasn't been overnight, not even close.

Good point it just seems overnight because OU has been awful (even OSU has had more sustained success on the gridiron surprisingly) for these years as the Thunder have developed quite a following on their journey to this year's World Championship. If OU were doing better, no reason for these people to skate through the years in a hurried blur.

Good point it just seems overnight because OU has been awful (even OSU has had more sustained success on the gridiron surprisingly) for these years as the Thunder have developed quite a following on their journey to this year's World Championship. If OU were doing better, no reason for these people to skate through the years in a hurried blur.

Here we go. I really didn't want to get an OU-OSU argument going, but a few pokes like yourself can't seem to stop taking shots at OU. You guys accuse OU fans of being insecure... that may be the case with a lot of them. But, OSU fans are definitely jealous/bitter at our success/tradition. How awful have we really been the past 4 years?

2011: 10-3 (won Insight Bowl)
2010: 12-2 (won Fiesta Bowl)
2009: 8-5 (won Sun Bowl)
2008: 12-2 (lost BCS title)

During that time, we beat you guys 3 out of 4 years, won 2 Big XII Championships, and produced a Heisman winner. Oh and in 2009, we lost 2 first round draft picks to injury early. I wouldn't classify that as awful. Lower than expectations? Maybe. So you guys have put together a couple of really good seasons, and you feel the need to talk trash? Someone mentioned in this thread that we haven't won a title in "like 12 years ago," or something along those lines. When was the last title you guys have won? Take it easy, winning might not last forever for you guys.

Pokes like myself? :lol2:

I just stopped caring about the Sooners. And yes, don't forget that glorious 10-2 season including a win over UCONN, sandwiched by prestigious bowl bids like the Insight and Sun bowls. What a great legacy that all these OU fans with no connection to the university base their personal self worth on. That's why they pay Stoops the big bucks I suppose..

This thread makes me want to create a thread titled, "For the Few of Us, Don't Forget Our OSU Cowboys", because I hate having to view it just to get it off my new posts page... :-)~

This thread makes me want to create a thread titled, "For the Few of Us, Don't Forget Our OSU Cowboys", because I hate having to view it just to get it off my new posts page... :-)~

I somewhat agree but then I do love to read the delusional rants from sooner fans that are worried that the thunder are stealing the spotlight from the OU summer workouts.

Keep in mind we're talking about the holdouts who used to show up to our NBA games wearing OU crap. Now imagine when people start showing up to OU games wearing Thunder stuff..

Since this threads title is about the Sooners!



80 days until kickoff.
It will be here before you know it.

Pokes like myself? :lol2:

I just stopped caring about the Sooners. And yes, don't forget that glorious 10-2 season including a win over UCONN, sandwiched by prestigious bowl bids like the Insight and Sun bowls. What a great legacy that all these OU fans with no connection to the university base their personal self worth on. That's why they pay Stoops the big bucks I suppose..

yeah, who else would say gooner outside a poke. still, how are we awful? i admit we had bad years. yet osu still cant beat us. nothing like osu fans bitter about mediocrity for the majority of the century.

Keep in mind we're talking about the holdouts who used to show up to our NBA games wearing OU crap. Now imagine when people start showing up to OU games wearing Thunder stuff..

our NBA games? nothing funnier than people pitting the Thunder vs OU bc they have nothing else to cheer for. im pretty sure Oklahomans jumped on the bandwagon at the same time, just happens that there are much more OU fans than OSU.

and if you're not an osu guy, how does one go about to "stop caring for the sooners?" sounds like a bandwagon fan to me. hate to see the thunder down years.

yeah, who else would say gooner outside a poke. still, how are we awful? i admit we had bad years. yet osu still cant beat us. nothing like osu fans bitter about mediocrity for the majority of the century.

Bitter? Who's bitter when they can't figure out why OSU fans don't root for their beloved crimson n' cream? Thank God my OU friends aren't like the whineys on here.

Bitter? Who's bitter when they can't figure out why OSU fans don't root for their beloved crimson n' cream? Thank God my OU friends aren't like the whineys on here.
+1000

and if you're not an osu guy, how does one go about to "stop caring for the sooners?" sounds like a bandwagon fan to me. hate to see the thunder down years.

Spartan actually went to OU.....I think.

and if you're not an osu guy, how does one go about to "stop caring for the sooners?" sounds like a bandwagon fan to me. hate to see the thunder down years.

The first year for the Thunder was a down year, just 23 wins... And the fans were still great comparativly so.

The first year for the Thunder was a down year, just 23 wins... And the fans were still great comparativly so.

Not disagreeing with this at all. But it was our first year with our own team, so I think the excitement was that OKC has a team, finally. If the team disappoints in the future following year-after-year success, I think those will be true down years. What I'm referring to is Spartan's post, specifically. Sounded like he used to be a Sooner fan at some point but stopped following for whatever reasons (i.e. consecutive BCS losses, a couple of really mediocre years in 2005 and 2009, etc.) I bet he won't be so ecstatic about the Thunder if they have a few bad seasons. No respect for those kind of fans.

Not disagreeing with this at all. But it was our first year with our own team, so I think the excitement was that OKC has a team, finally. If the team disappoints in the future following year-after-year success, I think those will be true down years. What I'm referring to is Spartan's post, specifically. Sounded like he used to be a Sooner fan at some point but stopped following for whatever reasons (i.e. consecutive BCS losses, a couple of really mediocre years in 2005 and 2009, etc.) I bet he won't be so ecstatic about the Thunder if they have a few bad seasons. No respect for those kind of fans.


Now, now, now...as an OSU fan, I must steer you in another direction. This thread is about OU. If you need to talk about the Thunder, remind others that this is a Boomer thread. Back to topic :-)

Spartan actually went to OU.....I think.

This is correct, actually. I spent a year in the arch program in the old Hobby Lobby strip mall on Main Street before I had enough and decided to go north instead, although honestly most of my undergrad was completed on study abroad. I'm not much of a college football diehard either way, although my family is mostly OSU.

I just tuned out of OU football because I honestly had no connection to OU anymore (probably more connected to -that other school- lol), and the Thunder gave me a team in a sport I'm more interested in (actually wasn't bad at basketball in hs) to show my civic pride while I'm away. I personally do consider OU kind of an embarrassing fan attraction, whereas I personally consider the Thunder a lot more innovative, sleeker, more modern, etc.

I have all the respect for the OU fans who support the other sports and even stick it out through the bad years in football. I just don't have much respect for the bandwagon or for the people who are only sticking it out because they can still delude themselves that they're on top of the world when right now they are so far from it. Kinda like Michigan or Texas, but not as drastic..

If there's one thing people on this board know about me, it's that I am always brutally honest with my assessments (even though I'll maintain a happy face about everything to outsiders) and I believe strongly in the importance of cutting the baloney in order to truly progress.

"OU kind of embarrassing" ......... i'm glad you left OU ..

"OU kind of embarrassing" ......... i'm glad you left OU ..

Just wanted to make you happy, boulder. :)

wow

78 Days until kickoff !



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWx7pjYp-J8&feature=player_embedded

So what's with that orange that the Thunder players are wearing on their warmups? :Smiley122

Dem be some bright sunshiny florida OJ type trim stripes. Almost neonesque.

73 Days until kickoff