Glad to see your infectious personality graces the Espn comments sections as well

Thank you! Anything I can do to help

If anyone is interested in or already planning on going to Tulsa for the last of the regular season match-ups on Sunday, September 6th, here are the details to our bus trip:

- $45 per person
- The price includes your ticket into the game AND free beer provided by Anthem Brewing as well as Skinny Slim's (while supplies last)
- The bus leaves Skinny Slim's at 2:00pm that Sunday and will return back to Skinny Slim's roughly around midnight
- It's a 56 passenger bus so seats are limited
- Bathroom included on bus

Reserve your seat online at: The Grid (http://www.okcgrid.com)

If anyone is interested in or already planning on going to Tulsa for the last of the regular season match-ups on Sunday, September 6th, here are the details to our bus trip:

- $45 per person
- The price includes your ticket into the game AND free beer provided by Anthem Brewing as well as Skinny Slim's (while supplies last)
- The bus leaves Skinny Slim's at 2:00pm that Sunday and will return back to Skinny Slim's roughly around midnight
- It's a 56 passenger bus so seats are limited
- Bathroom included on bus

Reserve your seat online at: The Grid (http://www.okcgrid.com)

Reminds me of the old booster club bus sign ups for the old blazers game to Wichita and ft worth

I took the bus on our first trip out to Tulsa, it was a good time I would totally recommend it. As it is Labor Day weekend though I will not be taking the bus this time. I know a few of us that will be staying the night in Tulsa to gloat over our win at the local bars, should be a good time.

Already got my seat ����

Energy FC Breaks Ground on New Practice Facility

OKLAHOMA CITY – The OKC County Health Department Board of Directors along with OKC Energy FC and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma broke ground Wednesday on a multi-field training facility on the grounds of the Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus at 2600 NE 63rd in Oklahoma City.

“Soccer is a great sport to expand the health and wellness of its participants. Energy FC is delighted with our partnership with the OKC County Health Department’s in their mission to improve the wellness of our community. The Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus is a perfect fit for the continued growth of our soccer club.” said Energy FC General Manager Jason Hawkins.

The foundation of this initiative is an earlier grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma to support construction of the sports fields as a part of BCBSOK’s Healthy Kids Healthy Families program

“The Health and Wellness Campus is a true healthy option for children and families to enjoy,” said Ted Haynes, President, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “We proudly support this project and we look forward to seeing the continued development of the sports fields with Energy FC.”

“This opportunity with the Energy FC will serve as a way to leverage our standing partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma and the Healthy Kids Healthy Families grant. Health and wellness should be a family affair, and that starts with providing both the resources and the avenue for families to be active together, this partnership will achieve just that,” remarked OKC County Health Department Executive Director, Gary Cox, J.D.

Construction on the state-of-the art fields should be completed by late fall. The ground will serve as Energy FC’s home base for training as well as the location for soccer camps, neighborhood resident recreation functions with Energy FC stakeholders and citizens of Oklahoma City. Included as part of the partnership, Energy FC will work closely with OKC County Health Department and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma to provide soccer clinics and physical activities to benefit area youth.

The OKC County Health Department’s Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus is aimed at improving the health and lifestyles for the citizens of Oklahoma City and County through the provision of much needed resources. Complete with walking trails, a customized demonstration kitchen, wellness classes and a community playground, the Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus is a key component in the continued improvement of the health of the citizens of Oklahoma City and County. Many of these amenities are made possible to the community through the generosity of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City Energy FC on Thursday announced it has signed Kalen Ryden for the remainder of the season.

Ryden, from Norman, was drafted in the fourth round of this year’s Major League Soccer SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew and had spent his rookie year splitting time between Columbus and the United Soccer League’s Austin Aztex. Ryden never appeared in a game for Columbus though and was released earlier this month.

A graduate of Norman North High School, Ryden was The Oklahoman’s Boys Soccer Player of the Year in 2009. Ryden went to Oral Roberts University before transferring to Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He becomes the third Oklahoman on the Energy’s roster. Ray Clark, Norman High, and Bryan Byars, Putnam City North, are both goalkeepers for the Energy.

Ryden played in nine games for Austin this year, starting in eight of them. He scored the game-winning goal against Real Monarchs SLC and earned honorable mention to the USL Team of the Week for that.

The 24-year-old defender played a full 90 minutes against Oklahoma City in May when Austin hosted the Energy and played to a 2-2 draw. Ryden was recalled from his loan by Columbus just days before Austin played at Taft Stadium in June nixing the chance for Ryden to play in front of his hometown fans.

Ryden will finally get that chance now. The Energy has two home games remaining on the schedule and the first is Saturday against, of course, the Austin Aztex. Oklahoma City also hosts Colorado Springs in September.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=27F_GJqmTA0
Oklahoma City Energy FC vs. Austin Aztex (Taft Stadium).

OKC Energy 2-0 Austin Aztex

Didn't get to go to the game but based on the video feed, attendance looked really solid tonight. I know I've personally received individual calls from the front office offering tickets and it looks like the push is working. I hope this keeps up and hopefully the team can keep the winning streak up and bring home-field advantage to the playoffs!

It was officially a sell out. Looked like it too. Great atmosphere.

I thought it was strange that the majority of fans showed up 20-30 minutes after kickoff. It was my first game tonight. Was amazed a the value of the seats. I selected the automatic best available on Monday. $40 a seat got front row middle field. Good times! Local food trucks and brew by anthem. Awesome.

For some reason the crowd is always late arriving

Danni boy ties the single season goals record. Sell out. Clinched playoff spot. Held first place. Great weekend for the Energy.

That really was a great night for the team. Would love nothing more than to celebrate a conference title that last regular season home game.

Oklahoma City Energy FC occupies 1st place in the Western Conference with 24 games played vs. 2nd place Los Angeles Galaxy II who has played 25 games.

Oklahoma City Energy FC's final three regular season games--2 on the road & 1 home final:


Sunday, September 6: Tulsa Roughnecks FC @ OneOK Field
Saturday, September 12: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC @ Taft Stadium
Wednesday, September 16: Arizona United SC @ Scottsdale Stadium

Standings - United Soccer League (http://www.uslsoccer.com/standings/Standings.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=32800&DB_OEM_ID=32800)

All 3 of those teams are easily beatable. It would be awesome to finish out the season strong with 9 points and head into the playoffs in 1st.

Oklahoma City Energy FC occupies 1st place in the Western Conference with 24 games played vs. 2nd place Los Angeles Galaxy II who has played 25 games.

Oklahoma City Energy FC's final three regular season games--2 on the road & 1 home final:




Sunday, September 6: Tulsa Roughnecks FC @ OneOK Field
Saturday, September 12: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC @ Taft Stadium
Wednesday, September 16: Arizona United SC @ Scottsdale Stadium

Standings - United Soccer League (http://www.uslsoccer.com/standings/Standings.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=32800&DB_OEM_ID=32800)

You forgot that they play tonight against Real Monarchs at 8pm

I had gotten a notice sent to me offering special pricing for 08/29/15 game and billed as LGBT night. I have to say I was surprised to see that and very happy. Unfortunately I wasn't in town but many people I know attended for the first time and loved it.

The supporter's section and south end zone stands will be back start September 12 and all playoff home games. Damn feels good to be back.

One of the local home brewers associations, Red Earth Brewers, are brewing two batches of beer for The Grid for the playoffs. Stay tuned for details on the what will be the largest tailgate at Taft!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hrFI4ZTCb8&feature=player_detailpage

Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Oklahoma City Energy FC

We did not make the game last night, but sounds like we got jobbed majorly, true?

Really weak penalty call in stoppage time. We led 3-2 and gave up the PK for a late draw. Great atmosphere and crowd of almost 7,000.
We really needed those 3 points for a home playoff game.

Great atmosphere and crowd of almost 7,000.

I believe this was a franchise record, which is quite impressive considering both OU and OSU had games at the same time.

We did not make the game last night, but sounds like we got jobbed majorly, true?

Watched it on YouTube and they did get jobbed. Weak call.

Apparently, the Energy will be fielding a PDL (Premier Developmental League) next season. More soccer! I can't complain about that.

Oklahoma City Energy FC returned to Taft Stadium on Sunday morning following a 2-2 draw with Orange County (Calif.) on Saturday night. The Energy hosted, in an unscheduled friendly, the Oklahoma City Pulse and in doing so introduced fans to the future of Oklahoma soccer with a development team.

(Story continued below...)
The Premier Development League is an amateur league predominantly filled with college athletes. The PDL runs from May through July and offers players the chance to stay in shape and get in live games during the offseason. The NCAA allows for players to participate with the exception being a PDL side cannot stockpile players from one school, which would essentially giving that school a summer league team.

Dustin Hooker, who helps with the Norman North High School soccer program as well as the Norman Youth Soccer Association, said he and his business partner, Mark Moore, were talking about a month and a half ago about how the local college soccer players have limited options while they are home for the summer.

“It was too late to get into the PDL this season,” Hooker said after the Pulse fell 3-0 to the Energy. “So we went to the Energy and said, ‘What do you think of doing a PDL team in May of 2016?’ They said, ‘Yea we think that would be great.’ So we actually jumped the gun a little bit, got the guys together, started organizing some things (now).”

The Pulse have played against Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas Reserve team as well as the C.F. Monterrey’s Under-20 side. The Energy won easily on Sunday behind goals from Reed McKenna, Kyle Greig and Peter Toth, but neither Hooker nor Energy coach Jimmy Nielsen were focused on the result.

“I think it’s just going to add more depth,” Hooker said about adding an official PDL side in Oklahoma City. “There’s going to be exhibition matches where their (Energy) players are going to come and get minutes. You know, it’s hard at the professional level to get on the field. It doesn’t matter if you’re in USL or English Premier League, if you’re at the end of the bench you might not play much. So just getting minutes and being able to play matches. And just soccer as a whole in the community, being able to kind of tie the two together, it just gives us another tier.”

Nielsen said it would carry huge benefits for his players who are constantly training but not featuring in games.

“It’s a perfect scenario,” Nielsen said. “To have a team like that in town where the guys who are not getting a lot of minutes on the weekend can get some minutes. And you can develop to a certain point in practice, but you still need the games.”

Energy owner Tim McLaughlin said the team is still figuring out all the details, but step by step, they are growing the game. The next step is the Oklahoma City Pulse coming to the Premier Development League next spring.

Maybe this is a springboard for the playoffs and next season (2016) for the Oklahoma City Energy FC.

The crowds were impressive for the last two home games:


August 29, Austin 2-0 win. Attendance: 6,089
September 12, Colorado Springs 3-3 tie. Attendance: 6,847 Largest crowd in Energy FC's history.

http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/800/TA/TAHOLJOKGIJMCZS.20150913034308.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Imrw3uyKYy0

Arizona United SC vs OKC Energy FC

With the win tonight over Arizona, the Energy are guaranteed one home pitch match!! Heck yeah.

Was there a good fan turnout?

It didn't look great on the broadcast, probably between 2,000-3,000 in Scottsdale.

Great win for the boys. Looking forward to a home playoff game!

The home match will either be Saturday, September 26th or Sunday, October 4th.

Dues to Colorado Springs losing on Saturday and Sacramento/Arizona playing to a draw this weekend, the Energy are locked into the #2 spot in the division. First round bye! The match will be October 4 at 6PM.

The first Energy playoff game is next Sunday, if y'all don't have tickets yet you can get them through the grid website for pretty cheap. Hurry though because they are going fast, the supporters section is gonna be crazy.

The Grid (http://www.okcgrid.com/)

Dues to Colorado Springs losing on Saturday and Sacramento/Arizona playing to a draw this weekend, the Energy are locked into the #2 spot in the division. First round bye! The match will be October 4 at 6PM.

So what was the tiebreaker? Not goal differential obviously.

I was wondering the same thing? Was it head-to-head record?

Yep, head to head with OC. We drew one and lost one.

Only 16 tickets left at $10. Grab one while you can!

https://squareup.com/market/one-voice-one-city-llc/playoff-game-oct-th?square_lead=item_embed

https://youtu.be/4S2RNPo5VuY
2015 USL Playoffs - OKC Energy FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S2RNPo5VuY&feature=youtu.be

Oklahoma City Energy FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC - Taft Stadium Sunday, October 4, 2015

With LA's win over Orange County last night, a win tonight for OKC gets us a second home playoff game. Let's do this!

Anyone hitting up either of the tailgates? I know the Grid has their tailgate and then the club is having a tailgate for season ticket holders themselves with free food from BW3 and free beer (allegedly).

Damn tonight was AMAZING!

Newton was incredible last night. On two of the PK's that he didn't save he guessed the right side and almost saved them. What a beautiful night for soccer in OKC.

11578

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/sports/11578d1444051479t-2015-okc-energy-fc-image.jpeg

Great 3-2 win to advance. Playoff attendance vs. Colorado Switchback @ Taft 6,370. The last three crowds at Taft have exceeded 6,000; this should be a springboard for next season (2016). Taft's seating capacity 7,500 should provide an atmosphere which allows the team to build on its base supporters.

Last 3 home game attendance figures:


August 29, Austin 2-0 win. Attendance: 6,089
September 12, Colorado Springs 3-3 tie. Attendance: 6,847 Largest crowd in Energy FC's history.
October 4, Colorado Springs 3-2 playoff win. Attendance: 6,370

OKC15 - United Soccer League (http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewContent.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=32800&CONTENT_ID=1454762)

The Funks should take note; continue with plans to build that soccer specific stadium. A central core setting like Bricktown or the riverfront should make for a great atmosphere. The Funks are on target to make their benchmarks:

Energy FC considers where to build soccer stadium in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/4748134)

You will probably need more like phase I: 8,000 - 10,000 seats for a starter; then proceed with exceeding 20,000-seat MLS ready requirements. A partnership with the city to get something on MAPS IV riverfront where the city owns the land. A $25 - $50 million range starter that can eventually be expanded to meet MLS-ready requirements.


http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/photos/Fire-Stadium.jpg

Do you think the Energy will be ready for the next level as we approach 2017-2020?

Definitely want to hear from Bochard on this; he has good insight on what soccer venues might fit OKC's goal.

I don't see the Energy maintaining those attendance marks next year and that stadium is not coming anytime soon.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/sports/11578d1444051479t-2015-okc-energy-fc-image.jpeg

Great 3-2 win to advance. Playoff attendance vs. Colorado Switchback @ Taft 6,370. The last three crowds at Taft have exceeded 6,000; this should be a springboard for next season (2016). Taft's seating capacity 7,500 should provide an atmosphere which allows the team to build on its base supporters.

Last 3 home game attendance figures:


August 29, Austin 2-0 win. Attendance: 6,089
September 12, Colorado Springs 3-3 tie. Attendance: 6,847 Largest crowd in Energy FC's history.
October 4, Colorado Springs 3-2 playoff win. Attendance: 6,370

OKC15 - United Soccer League (http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewContent.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=32800&CONTENT_ID=1454762)

The Funks should take note; continue with plans to build that soccer specific stadium. A central core setting like Bricktown or the riverfront should make for a great atmosphere. The Funks are on target to make their benchmarks:

Energy FC considers where to build soccer stadium in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/4748134)

You will probably need more like phase I: 8,000 - 10,000 seats for a starter; then proceed with exceeding 20,000-seat MLS ready requirements. A partnership with the city to get something on MAPS IV riverfront where the city owns the land. A $25 - $50 million range starter that can eventually be expanded to meet MLS-ready requirements.


http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/photos/Fire-Stadium.jpg

Do you think the Energy will be ready for the next level as we approach 2017-2020?

Definitely want to hear from Bochard on this; he has good insight on what soccer venues might fit OKC's goal.

I really think they need to get out of their lease at Taft, whether they build a new stadium, or not. (and my money is on them NOT building a stadium.) We've already seen how Sacramento was able to build a "temporary" stadium, that seats 11,000 for around $3-4 million. I think they should seriously look at Bricktown Ballpark.
Put it this way, if they announce tomorrow that they are moving to the Bricktown Ballpark next year I'll buy season tickets. To continue the momentum they've built up this season, they need to get out of the high school stadium milieu.
And, yes, if things had turned out differently, and it was OKCFC playing at Taft his year with the same attendance figures, I'd say the same thing.
Other than BTBP, there are no other places they could play in the interim. Every other location is still a high school football stadium, except for Wantland Stadium in Edmond, and I'm sure NOBODY wants them to move there.

What's wrong with Wantland (besides distance and a dry campus?).

What's wrong with Wantland (besides distance and a dry campus?).

I believe that is what's wrong with Wantland.

I believe that is what's wrong with Wantland.

Ok, that's what I was wondering. Capacity and facilities wise, it would seem to be a good fit.

So you want to share a stadium with a baseball team and have soccer played on dirt infields? WTF guys?

So you want to share a stadium with a baseball team and have soccer played on dirt infields? WTF guys?

That would be pretty stupid imo.

That would be pretty stupid imo.

Why? There's a pretty big history of professional sports teams sharing stadiums. Pro Football and Baseball do it all the time. Why not soccer?

It's been discussed here at length but baseball stadiums just are not great for soccer stadiums. To me that would deteriorate the fan experience.

Do we want to be Tulsa?

The answer to that is of course no.

If we were to move to the ballpark I don't know if I would go, yeah it's a good location but the sight lines are terrible. If we were to do what Portland did and renovate the whole stadium I think I might would be okay with it. People can talk about us being in a high school stadium and to be honest I couldn't care less. It's a great venue with a good tailgate spot and good vision of the field. We supporters have a great area for us and they sell beer there. It's a temporary home, and I'm fine with being there, if there ever comes a time where we outgrow it, hopefully the ownership will get a fire lit under their butts and get us a soccer specific stadium. Hell we could be like Austin and not even have a stadium, be thankful for what we have and hopefully something better will make it's way here.

An experimental game at Bricktown Ballpark couldn't hurt. Test the downtown/Bricktown waters; you just might find a gold mine.

Pro Football and Baseball do it all the time.

Oakland (A's & Raiders) is the only city that currently shares football and baseball facilities -- and with the Raiders possibly headed south, it could be zero as of next season.

Sharing stadiums doesn't make sense in this day and age. Concessions must me made for one or another of the tenants much to the detriment of the other(s). Especially with people opting to stay at home to watch a game on their own screen, teams must provide the most amenities and best site lines as possible for one particular sport.

There is a reason multi sport stadiums have faded from existence.

(Yankee Stadium is currently used by NYCFC in a temporary arrangement.)

Stephen A Smith is a "Reporter" A Reporter's job is to report the news by stating facts not fiction. Stephen A Smith needs to do his job and Report the news. Rumors he has heard from reliable sources is not News. KD said if it doesn't come from his mouth personally or his agent then it is not true. I was lucky to attend a Chalk Talk with Sam Presti yesterday. He doesn't seam to worry when asked a general question about KD and his free agency. The person who asked the question did a clever way of wording the question. All Presti could say was the organization has the resources to pay KD and Russ. So it is pretty much generally up to the player. You look at what OKC has to offer and plans they have to do with their Practice facility and the future of the Organization. They are the premier franchise. What can you get with a older larger market? Older facilities you don't get that personal attention. With today's World It doesn't matter where you live it is how you live and KD and Russ only thing that will lure them away is if they want to play in their hometowns. They have the means to hop on a plane for a weekend and visit family etc. Money is not a priority for them and championship is a priority that is all they are thinking about this season. So let the Rumors fly KD and Russ right now there focus is not on their free agency it is on securing a championship they have the pieces around them finally for the first time in their career. I bet if they land that championship they will stay together here in OKC and be Franchise players. I am ready for this season. THUNDER UP!!!

^^ Sorry I was responding to another post had to sign back in and this post was in the spot the other post was I didnt' read just saw OKC 2015 and my mind finished with Thunder. LOL