https://twitter.com/stevensandor/status/717780925753348096
stevensandor: Been told that the condition of the field in OKC was poor. #FCEd players said they found nails on turf during warm-up.

If you read the article referenced there was only one nail and no mention of where it was, so possibly off to the side due to other work. Sure it should not happen but all fields need to be checked for foreign objects, especially after construction or a lot of new equipment is unpackaged. After that it sounded like the player they talked to just does not like the concept of that style of temporary field, and was not going to be happy with it regardless.

from the el reno newspaper article
"state law prohibits the sale of beer on high school properties"

easy answer: Taft stadium is not a "high school property".

It is an okcps property, but not a high school property.

what?!?!

It does make you wonder if both ownership groups were aware of the special status of Taft Stadium in relationship to laws regulating alcohol sales, and if that contributed to the fight about which ownership group would ultimately get the lease to Taft Stadium.

There was no FIGHT over the lease. Tim McLaughlin and OKCFC WON the lease over Bob Funk and Prodigal.
Tim McLaughlin told the other partners of OKCFC that he "wanted out of soccer". So they let him out, and went about separating assets.
It was understood that the lease was an asset of OKCFC, since the lease was won in the name of the team. I have heard that lawyers on both sides agreed to this.
However, even up to the MINUTE that the press release went out saying that McLaughlin had joined Bob Funk the OKCFC team though they were getting the lease.
Same thing with the office which the Energy now occupy. OKCFC had signified to the owner of the building the intent to rent the space. After the McLaughlin fallout one of the other OKCFC owners called the building owner to let them know they still had plans to rent the building.
The owner was confused, and told this person he already had a lease that had been signed two weeks earlier?
"By who?"
"Let me see." (shuffle...shuffle...) "Here it is, Robert Funk Jr."
I was even sitting at Skinny Slims one night and an Energy coach sat at the same table with two rookie players. I listened to his conversation, as he regaled them, laughing about how the Energy had "stole" both the stadium and their offices from "the other team" Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!!!

what?!?!
I believe that the property is technically separate from Taft Middle School. But even if not, if someone wanted to get downright loophole-y about it, Taft is a MIDDLE school. NW Classen is across the street and down a bit.

Well, back to what REALLY matters :-)
12481

Let's get away from this syntax & semantics of word meaning and look at the intent of the law that alcohol not be served to underage drinkers; especially at OSSAA events--we get that.

We're talking about alcohol being served to adults at a high school stadium for a professional soccer event (non OSSAA activity).

In the case of Taft Stadium, it's a district owned facility; therefore we know why you wouldn't sell or serve alcohol at a high school event. We're talking about a professional soccer team leasing a stadium that is owned by the district and not a sole entity of the high school. Taft & Miller stadiums fall under the umbrella of those intentions.


https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/~/media/images/cw/calendar-events/come-dance.ashx?la=en
Continue to dance to that beat; while corporations & businesses we hope to lure laugh at our system of how we deal with adults & alcohol. Mother Hen (Oklahoma) continues to sit on eggs she hopes to hatch that were never fertilized. Wake up, Oklahoma and smell the coffee; it's the 21st Century. We continue to make ourselves look colonial--something is rotten and it's not in DENMARK.

Meh.... If a private org rents out a ballroom at the student union on a dry campus such as UCO they still can't serve alcohol (I don't think). The entire SEC doesn't allow beer to be publicly sold at it's members stadiums. I was curious and looked around, and there are other soccer clubs around the country that played at high schools and were unable to sell beer, so I doubt people are really laughing at us other this. It's not that unusual to separate alcohol from school properties.

I'm more concerned about the inconsistency of the enforcement.

Let's get away from this syntax & semantics of word meaning and look at the intent of the law that alcohol not be served to underage drinkers; especially at OSSAA events--we get that.

We're talking about alcohol being served to adults at a high school stadium for a professional soccer event (non OSSAA activity).

In the case of Taft Stadium, it's a district owned facility; therefore we know why you wouldn't sell or serve alcohol at a high school event. We're talking about a professional soccer team leasing a stadium that is owned by the district and not a sole entity of the high school. Taft & Miller stadiums fall under the umbrella of those intentions.


https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/~/media/images/cw/calendar-events/come-dance.ashx?la=en
Continue to dance to that beat; while corporations & businesses we hope to lure laugh at our system of how we deal with adults & alcohol. Mother Hen (Oklahoma) continues to sit on eggs she hopes to hatch that were never fertilized. Wake up, Oklahoma and smell the coffee; it's the 21st Century. We continue to make ourselves look colonial--something is rotten and it's not in DENMARK.

It is only now that many colleges are adjusting policy for selling alcohol in their publicly owned stadiums. To think we are unusual or backward from selling at high school venues is just emotional tripe.

The problem is that these professional teams need to find professional venues...build one. Then they can control all aspects and front all liabilities while enjoying the profits. If they are going on the cheap to get going then they have to follow existing structure. Get professional sports out of high school stadiums and the problem is solved.

At least the Energy negotiated somewhere they had a few options because of ownership/jurisdiction issues.

I want to say that even FC Dallas had the same problem. They initially played at the Cotton Bowl before moving to a high school stadium. They were unable to sell beer and the fans did not like that, so they moved back to the Cotton Bowl before building the new stadium.

As to the "fight" for Taft Stadium. I wasn't trying to paint it like some undercover shady operation. If I remember right, both groups wanted it and both groups presented their case to the board. So I wonder if both teams knew the alcohol situation and maybe this contributed to them trying to secure this particular stadium.

I want to say that even FC Dallas had the same problem. They initially played at the Cotton Bowl before moving to a high school stadium. They were unable to sell beer and the fans did not like that, so they moved back to the Cotton Bowl before building the new stadium.

As to the "fight" for Taft Stadium. I wasn't trying to paint it like some undercover shady operation. If I remember right, both groups wanted it and both groups presented their case to the board. So I wonder if both teams knew the alcohol situation and maybe this contributed to them trying to secure this particular stadium.

Bob Funk Jr. Group vs Tim McLaughlin Group was fighting over the bid for Taft Stadium OKCPS deiced to go with McLaughlin group which was the original OKC NASL group. Couple of months later McLaughlin left the NASL group and went and joined Funk and the Energy FC.However McLaughlin own the bid right for Taft Stadium so with him joining it Energy FC was allowed to play at Taft started in the 2015 Season which was last year. Yea they both knew that they can sell Alcohol at the Stadium.

Its GAME DAY! So excited for the match tonight. Ive got 2 new people who are coming with me. One of our other guys says he has 15 people he's bringing! I also have 4 other friends who've said they're coming for the first time, as well.

Its GAME DAY! So excited for the match tonight. Ive got 2 new people who are coming with me. One of our other guys says he has 15 people he's bringing! I also have 4 other friends who've said they're coming for the first time, as well.Let us know if beer sales at the game is still an issue or if the team management got the matter resolved as they said they would.

Let us know if beer sales at the game is still an issue or if the team management got the matter resolved as they said they would.

From what Ive heard they will be able to sell beer at the April 30th game. Funny how they arent letting them until AFTER both teams play on the same night.

From what Ive heard they will be able to sell beer at the April 30th game. Funny how they arent letting them until AFTER both teams play on the same night.

I don't think that the sheriff and judge are secret Energy FC fans who decided to use their powers to keep attendance down at Miller Stadium to stick it to Rayo.

Rayo OKC attendance was 5,851 OKC Energy FC Attendance is 6,455

Beer battle brewing in Yukon between county, OKC Rayo ownership - El Reno Tribune: News (http://www.elrenotribune.com/news/article_4795c96a-fc15-11e5-abb3-6b6c7ed27472.html)

Rayo OKC?s beer feud with county still brewing - El Reno Tribune: News (http://www.elrenotribune.com/news/article_67946b8a-fde7-11e5-9728-3f1c5abaa91a.html)

Reading these articles, it's pretty obvious RayoOKC is NOT the home team in Canadian County.

Sheriff Edwards is being a dick. He is personally opposed to it and is definitely playing political games. I'm no Rayo Fan but let them sell beer. It's not like school is in session during the match.

One of my sources has told me that the El Reno Tribune will do a front-page piece on this in the next week. Several of the principles who drove this decision are elected officials who are up for re-election. From what I could gather these people have to release their Donor's List by April 15th? the ERT has already seen who is on these lists, and apparently two of the top donors for these people don't reside in Canadian County. Want to guess who they are? And apparently the County Court Clerk is shaking in her boots about this list getting out. She SHOULD be! I would say the same thing if the shoe was on the other foot. Honestly it was a non-issue last Saturday. It was so chilly and windy I wouldnt have wanted a beer anyway! We drank enough before and after the game. :-)

Here are some pics from the last game. One of my friends that I brought had NEVER been to a soccer game. All he did on the way home was talk about what a great time he had, and how exciting the game was!
1249312494

I don't think that the sheriff and judge are secret Energy FC fans who decided to use their powers to keep attendance down at Miller Stadium to stick it to Rayo.
I have no idea if they are soccer fans, but I DO think they are fans of money, coming from the person(s) who first put the bug in their ear. I want to see this El Reno paper article.

Sheriff Edwards isn't running for reelection (announced that back in February). These are some pretty wild and borderline slanderous accusations to be making, so I hope you have some solid info that backs it up.

Sheriff Edwards isn't running for reelection (announced that back in February). These are some pretty wild and borderline slanderous accusations to be making, so I hope you have some solid info that backs it up.

I think so far there are at least two possible scenarios at play:

Scenario 1: A sheriff and a judge are idiots.

Scenario 2: The ownership of a local Division 3 soccer team has enough money and power to bribe a county sheriff and a local judge. They didn't have any better possible use of having a sheriff and a judge in their pocket, so they used that power to keep the owners of a local Division 2 soccer team from selling beer at a soccer game. Not only was the ownership group of the local Division 3 soccer team fortunate enough to find both a sheriff and a judge who were willing to be bribed, they managed to find them in the same county that the local Division 2 soccer team is using for their home games. And both the sheriff and the judge are willing to risk their re-election, and their entire professional and political careers, just so that the Division 3 team can have some more rears in their seats because they can sell beer while the Division 2 team plays in an alcohol free stadium.

I don't know which scenario is closer to the truth, but Hanlon's Razor should be considered IMO.

Especially when making career ending accusations which if true could destroy lives and send people to jail? And if not true could reflect poorly on the entire OKCTalk community?

Sheriff Edwards isn't running for reelection (announced that back in February). These are some pretty wild and borderline slanderous accusations to be making, so I hope you have some solid info that backs it up.

I'm waiting for the paper article to back it up. I guess we'll know for sure when/if that happens. I wouldn't even posit this as a possibility if there wasn't a history/pattern of under-handed, smarmy behavior by the ownership group in the past. If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong and I'll say so.

I think so far there are at least two possible scenarios at play:

Scenario 1: A sheriff and a judge are idiots.

Scenario 2: The ownership of a local Division 3 soccer team has enough money and power to bribe a county sheriff and a local judge. They didn't have any better possible use of having a sheriff and a judge in their pocket, so they used that power to keep the owners of a local Division 2 soccer team from selling beer at a soccer game. Not only was the ownership group of the local Division 3 soccer team fortunate enough to find both a sheriff and a judge who were willing to be bribed, they managed to find them in the same county that the local Division 2 soccer team is using for their home games. And both the sheriff and the judge are willing to risk their re-election, and their entire professional and political careers, just so that the Division 3 team can have some more rears in their seats because they can sell beer while the Division 2 team plays in an alcohol free stadium.

I don't know which scenario is closer to the truth, but Hanlon's Razor should be considered IMO.

I truly hope it's Scenario #1. I just know that this decision was made at ~3 minutes til 5pm, on a Friday. I also know that everyone involved with the team, the city, the school system disagreed with it. I know that the team and all lawyers involved tried ALL DAY on Saturday to rectify the situation. They attempted to call the judge numerous times. he did not answer his phone.
I know that a representative, or two, even knocked on his door. No answer.

I think so far there are at least two possible scenarios at play:

Scenario 1: A sheriff and a judge are idiots.

Scenario 2: The ownership of a local Division 3 soccer team has enough money and power to bribe a county sheriff and a local judge. They didn't have any better possible use of having a sheriff and a judge in their pocket, so they used that power to keep the owners of a local Division 2 soccer team from selling beer at a soccer game. Not only was the ownership group of the local Division 3 soccer team fortunate enough to find both a sheriff and a judge who were willing to be bribed, they managed to find them in the same county that the local Division 2 soccer team is using for their home games. And both the sheriff and the judge are willing to risk their re-election, and their entire professional and political careers, just so that the Division 3 team can have some more rears in their seats because they can sell beer while the Division 2 team plays in an alcohol free stadium.

I don't know which scenario is closer to the truth, but Hanlon's Razor should be considered IMO.

So, the most reasonable explanation is that this was all just a coincidence. Does that actually sound reasonable, though?

Sorry the NASL is going to fold in a year or two

Nope

So, the most reasonable explanation is that this was all just a coincidence. Does that actually sound reasonable, though?

That would be scenario 3, if you want to introduce it.

Scenario 1: Idiot Sheriff and Judge.
Scenario 2: Career ending corruption scandal for the sake of shifting attendance from one minor league soccer team to another.
Scenario 3: Coincidence.

So, the most reasonable explanation is that this was all just a coincidence. Does that actually sound reasonable, though?

No, but it's reasonable that the Sheriff got complaints, and him and the judge came to a certain interpretation of state law. Now, I disagree with that interpretation (or at least feel it's being interpreted differently by folks in different areas). But that's much, much, much more likely and reasonable than some shadow conspiracy involving 3.2 beer and minor league sports.

Lol. If there's a government incompetence option, it's probably government incompetence.

Sheriff could also be a baptist, and on a mission to shut down alcohol. A real I'm driving 70 in the left lane type dick.

These are some pretty wild and borderline slanderous accusations to be making, so I hope you have some solid info that backs it up.

100% agree. Judge Miller is a damn good judge. The Sheriff and Court Clerk are just doing their jobs. It's a shame that someone in the Rayo OKC organization has fed the El Reno Tribune, borchard and who knows who else with bad info.

Remember the original ERT article said "Canadian county Judge Gary Miller issued an injunction Friday evening banning the sale of alcohol at tonight's Rayo OKC season-opening game. Brad Lund, Rayo OKC managing partner, said the ban was sought by the Canadian County Sheriff's office. Lund said the Rayo organization plans to fight the injunction."

Then the follow-up ERT article corrected that to say that there was no injunction after all but rather a state law that was being enforced: "Sheriff Randall Edwards said state law prohibits the sale of beer on high school properties and that was all that was needed to stop Rayo OKC from selling it at Yukon's Miller Stadium. Edwards said he “my undersheriff and my civil deputy” met with District Judge Gary Miller Friday afternoon for about “two to three hours” in the judge's chambers, but that Miller never issued an injunction preventing the sale of beer at the professional soccer game."

So no injunction exists, no ban was sought, no complaint filed. Just a state law being enforced.

And now, we're supposed to believe that because the judge didn't pick up the phone when Rayo called over the weekend or answer his door when someone had the nerve to actually go to his house that he's part of some conspiracy against Rayo along with the Sheriff and Court Clerk? What an entitled and paranoid attitude.

The folks running the Rayo show apparently didn't learn from the last time they got sideways with local government. They angered enough people at OKC City Hall during their run with the CHL Blazers that when they came back to ask for $$$ and permission to run a Grand Prix in OKC, it got shot down in flames. In case you forgot, Grand Prix racing proposal rejected in 6-2 council vote | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/3490741) and Two Weeks Over - Grand Prix Done? | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/3837961) are instructive, especially the part where it says "From what I’m hearing from City Hall, this deal is dead, especially in light of perceived insults by the Grand Prix promoters of the city council."

So back then we had people who didn't get their way in OKC and tossed some napalm around, damaging whatever relationship they had with City Hall. Fast forward to now, we have some of the same people who aren't getting their way in Yukon/Canadian County and they're now once again tossing napalm around willy nilly. Judge, Sheriff and Court Clerk are conspiring against them. Deliberately done last minute so as to sabotage Rayo. They're being paid/supported by big names, can't tell you who, but the insinuation is that they're somehow related to the Energy. And we've given all the dirt to the Trib who is going to publish a scathing exposé any day now.

Rayo OKC has no one else to blame for this beer fiasco but themselves. This issue should have been vetted weeks, if not months, before the season began. And they should have been working closely to establish a strong relationship with the Yukon Police Department (let's not forget that the YPD Chief agreed with the Sheriff that beer sales at Miller Stadium would violate state law) and the County to make sure all the i's were dotted and t's crossed.

It's not too late for Rayo to make amends. Instead of being arrogant and petulant, some adult in that organization should admit they screwed up and then work with the Judge, Sheriff, Court Clerk, Police Chief and whoever else to find out what it will take to make beer sales happen. The quicker this mess is behind Rayo, the stronger their future in Canadian County and metro OKC will be in my opinion.

But that's not their M.O. They want things done their way on their time. So be it. It's their business, run it the way you think it should be run. Maybe it'll work out, maybe not. However, if the one-sided flow of innuendo and rumors of corruption and conspiracy continues via whispers inside Miller Stadium or here on OKCTalk, my guess is Rayo will have a short lifespan in Yukon.

I'll admit that I should have included "sheriff and judge are right" as one of the scenarios. I disagree with the ruling, so I didn't even think of including it.

I spoke with the team AND the guy whose company will be running the beer sales. Both say it will be a non-issue as of the next home game. All licenses and certificates have been obtained (as they were originally). So even if it WAS under-handed, it had no effect. I'm just glad to about that.

Attendance figures for:

Rayo OKC - Miller Stadium (6,500) Yukon

1st. 6,416
2nd. 5,861 (Cumulative: 12,267)
Average - 6,134


OKC Energy FC - Taft Stadium (7,500) Oklahoma City

1st. 5,646
2nd. 6,455 (Cumulative: 12,101)
Average - 6,051

Two teams, playing at the same time, drawing over 12,000 between the two. Who says OKC can't support two teams (or a MLS franchise)?

Looks like The Oklahoman has an update to the story, but only for paid subscribers.

Gotta love that business model...

Looks like The Oklahoman has an update to the story, but only for paid subscribers.

Gotta love that business model...

I read it in the paper this morning and it didn't say a whole lot. It sounded like the El Reno Tribune had a lot of mis-information it what the DOK is saying is correct. I don't trust either of them.

Sheriff serves up next round in beer battle with Rayo - El Reno Tribune: News (http://www.elrenotribune.com/news/article_39965a9c-0187-11e6-a08d-0f1e8bcd0285.html)

Rayo OKC fans should be able to drink a beer at a professional soccer match - El Reno Tribune: Opinion (http://www.elrenotribune.com/mustang_news/opinion/article_8777c4d8-0189-11e6-90f5-6784b195a3f3.html)

Rayo OKC fans should be able to drink a beer at a professional soccer match - El Reno Tribune: Opinion (http://www.elrenotribune.com/mustang_news/opinion/article_8777c4d8-0189-11e6-90f5-6784b195a3f3.html)

That was one of the more.....interesting.....editorials that I have read.

The City of Yukon may not be able to make payroll at month's end. It would be to Yukon's advantage to capture all the revenue it can.

Yukon city manager concerned about making payroll toward end of month | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/news/yukon-city-manager-concerned-about-making-payroll-toward-end-of-month/39003106)

Two home games have produced no revenue from potential beer sales. The Sheriff's department doesn't need to make this an issue; there department could be the next affected by these cuts.

Woah, wait a minute. How can the Energy sell beer at their home matches? You see, Taft Stadium is owned by Oklahoma City Public Schools and Taft Middle School is on the same property as Taft Stadium. If what the Canadian County Sheriff and District Judge are saying is true, then the Energy FC and Oklahoma County officials are in violation of state law.
That's my point, as well. If it IS, in fact, a STATE law, then it would be illegal in Oklahoma County, as well.


Edwards even went as far to say, “What are we going to allow next? The selling of drugs, prostitution and gambling?”
Come on Sheriff Edwards, let’s get real. Comparing selling drugs, prostitution and gambling to having a beer at a professional sporting event is about as asinine as it gets.
I agree wholeheartedly. And as far as gambling, there is an Oklahoma Lottery kiosk at home games. OH NO! THERE's GAMBLING HAPPENING!?!?
This could lead to dancing....

http://www.elrenotribune.com/news/article_39965a9c-0187-11e6-a08d-0f1e8bcd0285.html

In his protest, Edwards said he has received concerns from Yukon residents and school faculty, including teachers, coaches, principals and support staff on the matter.
“This facility was not built and/or paid for to be leased out to any professional sports organization(s), nor was it ever discussed, nor was it ever the intention of the citizens of Yukon to contract the facility out to a professional sports organization,” the sheriff’s protest states.

IMHO, this isnt about beer being sold. He's now "protesting" that the school shouldnt be the home of a professional sports team?!?

IMHO, this isnt about beer being sold. He's now "protesting" that the school shouldnt be the home of a professional sports team?!?

This is getting weirder...

The City of Yukon may not be able to make payroll at month's end. It would be to Yukon's advantage to capture all the revenue it can.

Beer sales don't go to the city coffers though do they? It's allocated to the school.

Beer sales don't go to the city coffers though do they? It's allocated to the school.

I'm like you, just really not sure because at one time all beer & alcohol sales were controlled by the state--probably went into the state coffers.

Do recall the generic Retail Liquor signs that use to be posted at all liquor store establishments back in the 70s & 80s..

Well...In an effort to help the Canadian County Sheriff with his crusade against beer sales on school property, I noticed that El Reno Burger Fest's Beer Garden is right in front of the El Reno Public School Administration Building!?!
He can't allow that, can he? I mean...It would seem hypocritical to allow that, but not allow it at Rayo game.
I guess he will need to ask Bob Funk what HE thinks about it first.

https://elrenoburgerday.wordpress.com/el-reno-burger-day-main-stage-schedule/

Well...In an effort to help the Canadian County Sheriff with his crusade against beer sales on school property, I noticed that El Reno Burger Fest's Beer Garden is right in front of the El Reno Public School Administration Building!?!
He can't allow that, can he? I mean...It would seem hypocritical to allow that, but not allow it at Rayo game.
I guess he will need to ask Bob Funk what HE thinks about it first.

https://elrenoburgerday.wordpress.com/el-reno-burger-day-main-stage-schedule/

If you are going to continue with your claim that officials are in Bob Funk's pocket, it probably wouldn't hurt to produce some evidence to that effect.

If you are going to continue with your claim that officials are in Bob Funk's pocket, it probably wouldn't hurt to produce some evidence to that effect.

At this point, it's crossing the line into actionable libel. A my bad later won't absolve one of culpability.

What makes the implication that the Energy or Funk's is behind this even more absurd? On the chance the judge backs the Sheriff, Energys beer is next.

They'll probably get this cleared by the next game Rayo home game.

They'll probably get this cleared by the next game Rayo home game.

Yeah, the hearing is the 20th, so I think it'll be short and simple. if the objection isn't dropped before then.

If you are going to continue with your claim that officials are in Bob Funk's pocket, it probably wouldn't hurt to produce some evidence to that effect.

And what if/when someone DOES produce some kind of evidence that this was something more than just a coincidence (I'm not claiming it is! Oh God! Don't draw up those C &D papers yet!)
I guess what I'm asking is, what EXACTLY would it take for you to believe it?

An old idiom “be careful what you wish for...”

Now Oklahoma City area has two professional soccer teams; let's just savor the moment...

What makes the implication that the Energy or Funk's is behind this even more absurd? On the chance the judge backs the Sheriff, Energys beer is next.

Look...there is no evidence yet that this is being orchestrated by someone behind the scenes. But it IS an opinion that is shared by more than just me.
And the ABSURD thing, for me, is when people make comments like, "Why would they do something like this just for beer and a 3rd division soccer team...?"
You DO realize that there is ALOT more at stake than just 3rd division soccer and beer, right?
I personally don't believe a word that comes out of Bob Funk Jr's mouth. BUT...if you DO believe what he says then they are trying to angle for MLS.
That is a $100,000,000 investment to START
Then probably at least that much to build a stadium.
Then running the team, marketing, sponsorship money, TV rights, etc...
What, if anything is standing in their way? (Except; money, MLS itself, ANY other, bigger city that wants into MLS) Another soccer team in the same area that has the potential to draw away support for YOUR team, ran by a couple of guys that really don't like you because of past experience with you.
So, if you actually DO believe a single word that comes out of his gob, then there is a HUGE sum of money that is at stake right now.
Now, if you look at ANYTHING I've said in this post, I'm not ACCUSING anyone of anything. I am just pointing out inconvenient facts

I think if we got an mls team they would merge the two teams and call it EnergyRayo. That would be the best pitch to the MLS

I think if we got an mls team they would merge the two teams and call it EnergyRayo. That would be the best pitch to the MLS

I doubt it. I think if a MLS team comes to OKC then you'll likely have a winner and loser, and I would think OKC would rally around the winner. Just my guess.

I am in the minority but I still don't think OKC should try for MLS. It's not the best players in the world and I don't think we should spend a ton of taxpayer money on a stadium for them. If the owners want it they should have to fork over the majority of the costs.

I am in the minority but I still don't think OKC should try for MLS. It's not the best players in the world and I don't think we should spend a ton of taxpayer money on a stadium for them. If the owners want it they should have to fork over the majority of the costs.

I agree. There's no reason for the city to carry the financial burden for a professional sport team. Unless we own it.

I think if we got an mls team they would merge the two teams and call it EnergyRayo. That would be the best pitch to the MLS

Hopefully they would totally rebrand. I really dislike the current branding and name. I wish they had the rights to the OKC FC name.

I am in the minority but I still don't think OKC should try for MLS. It's not the best players in the world and I don't think we should spend a ton of taxpayer money on a stadium for them. If the owners want it they should have to fork over the majority of the costs.

I disagree because I think there are a lot of secondary benefits to having an MLS team. With a limited number of games, I think OKC could support an MLS team unlike MLB, NFL (which could be supported, but likely at the expense of OU/OSU), or NHL without also damaging Thunder attendance seriously. Also, if OKC wants to position itself as a growing, diverse city then soccer is a great way to to do so. In short, I'd say there's both a practical and branding benefit to a MLS team. If the city can make it happen then I think it's worth pursuing.