Hell, just give the Thunder the arena. On top of that don't tax them either because they improve the quality of life in OKC. All citizens should also be required to pay a Thunder tax because we are lucky to have a professional sports franchise. Yippee!!!

Obviously you have no clue on value. If you did, your posting would be a little different. So be it.

Hell, just give the Thunder the arena. On top of that don't tax them either because they improve the quality of life in OKC. All citizens should also be required to pay a Thunder tax because we are lucky to have a professional sports franchise. Yippee!!!

I cant find the rolling eyes, face-palming emoticon......

OK, so when the Thinder bullies the city to give it a new arena (which they tried to do with Seattle) you guys are just going to bend over and take it? Gotcha. Go Thunder, thank you for gracing us with your presence.

OK, so when the Thinder bullies the city to give it a new arena (which they tried to do with Seattle) you guys are just going to bend over and take it? Gotcha. Go Thunder, thank you for gracing us with your presence.

You do realize they have a lease with the city and pay the city for it's use don't you ?

This is from 2012 -

http://newsok.com/thunder-economic-impact-estimate-tops-64-million-for-the-current-season./article/3811956

'Until last year, city officials estimated the team's economic impact at $1.2 million per game. This year, that figure went up to $1.5 million after consultations with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Destination Marketing Association International.'

With the playoffs, the positive monetary impact exceeds $60 million a year.

You obviously are not educated on the subject - or you're just jealous as hell for some unknown reason ?

Wow. I hear there are trailors in the country where you can live and hardly ever have to see a soul. If you get solar panels you may not even have to be on the grid! Really, you live in a democracy and if the people enjoy the Thunder and you don't, then sorry. Its a quality of life thing.

Go Thunder, thank you for gracing us with your presence.

I absolutely agree. Thank you Thunder for your presence. You have made winter and spring more enjoyable in Oklahoma City. You give us something to watch and something to cheer for. You have elevated us to equals, at least in one sense, with Los Angeles, and New York, and Miami. Who would have EVER thought that possible 10 years ago? Wherever I travel for work I ALWAYS see at least one person wearing Thunder merchandise. So, yes, thank you for being here.
If only you were as exciting as barons hock...oh sorry...too soon?

And oh and by the way these "corporate welfare" owners are going DEEEEEP into the tax this year and might even lose money on the team because they are going to go all in to try and win a championship and retain KD. They have absolutely 0 obligation to do that whatsoever. They could trade everything away get under the tax and make buckets of money, but they want to bring a title to okc just as bad as the fans want it.

Life doesn't operate in a vacuum where you can tell your pro team to take a hike on a new arena, because that's exactly what they'll do.

(They haven't done it previously for good reason the repeater tax isn't something to mess around with, once or twice is fine but you don't want to get caught in a loop)

Has anyone ever worn a thunder polo in Vegas and walked around? Every time I'm there I do and you would be amazed the reactions I get. I had a guy playing craps next to me from Hong Kong tell me how much he loves KD and thunder. He legitimately thought okc was a really fun place to live. Said the thunder prompted him to google and read about okc and he thought it was a cool place to live even mentioned deep duece looked awesome. The thunders reach and perception is so far and wide. if in ten years, there's a new push to get an arena funded and built 10 years after that I'm all for it. Otherwise Edmond would probably fund the new arena and that'd be a big blow to downtown.

OK, so when the Thinder bullies the city to give it a new arena (which they tried to do with Seattle) you guys are just going to bend over and take it? Gotcha. Go Thunder, thank you for gracing us with your presence.

Oh, but it will hurt so good http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/tongue.png (LOL!)...

Seriously, you're beating a dead horse http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/Dead_Horse.gif trying to bring it back to life.


It is difficult to know exactly how much Bennett would have to pay if he were allowed to leave KeyArena early. At the very least, the Sonics’ lease says the team would have to pay the remaining years of rent through 2010. The team also would have to reimburse the city for its share of luxury-suite and concessions revenue. In all, the city estimates in recent years it has received between $8 million and $11 million annually from Sonics and Storm games.

Can lease keep Sonics here? | The Seattle Times (http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/can-lease-keep-sonics-here/)

What occurred in Seattle had more to do with the Supersonics paying the NBA's highest rent ($7 million) in the NBA's smallest arena (Thunder pays less than $2 million now); that had the least amount of any revenue-producing amenities of any venue in the league.

They knew a $500 million arena wouldn't be built; that was lease breaking leverage. The NBA deadline for Seattle to build a new arena was long overdue. The Professional Basketball Club, LLC offered to chip in $150 million of that $500 million. Seattle taxpayers were on the hook (long-term debts) for 2 new stadiums: Mariners & Seahawks' second-to-none venues with a combined price tag of $950 million.

Should the Thunder need a new arena after 2024, the current ownership is local; therefore, look for them to chip in a sizeable share.

Let's get :backtotop

I've referenced this before, but this article from Deadspin was written by a former employee of the Supersonics who STARTED off trying to write the average "Okies Stole Our Team!" meme, but realized that wasn't actually the truth
Howard Schultz Gave Out $3.50 Starbucks Gift Cards: An Insider's Notes On The Shabby Death Of The Seattle SuperSonics (http://deadspin.com/5907371/howard-schultz-gave-out-350-starbucks-gift-cards-an-insiders-notes-on-the-shabby-death-of-the-seattle-supersonics)
Here are a few excerpts:

He then describes a staff meeting led by team president Wally Walker:

He went through a litany of minor reasons why the team needed a new arena: higher capacity, bigger arena footprint, more room for high-end concessions, more places for premium seat holders, a.k.a. the super rich, the people who could afford a pair of courtside season tickets for $70,000. These were the justifications he offered us to explain why we were asking for a heaping pile of taxpayer dollars. After Walker’s spiel, a member of the sales staff asked the fateful question: “Wally, what will this arena upgrade do for Joe Sixpack—the regular fan?”

Dead silence.

After an uncomfortable few seconds, Walker said, “Well, nothing.” The wind went out of me. It was as if he’d punched me in the stomach. Walker tried to backtrack, but the damage had been done. The battle for hearts and minds had ended before it’d even begun.



A year removed from that improbable division title and playoff run, the Sonics went back in the ****ter, but that didn't stop Schultz from launching his quest for an arena in 2006. His timing and tenor left much to be desired. The week of the Super Bowl, he announced in a whiny, entitled interview that the Sonics needed new digs. "It's very clear to us that the city and state officials are not showing us the kind of respect we feel we deserve," Schultz said. "It's ironic with the Seahawks going to the Super Bowl and the community, the state, so galvanized by a sports team, that here we are in a position that's so unfortunate." Angry fans wondered why one team's owner would upstage another local team during the most important week in its history.
And THIS is my absolute favorite quip:

One story of Schultz's cheapness is famous among his former staff. The Sonics' previous owner, Barry Ackerley, had bought holiday gifts each year for the folks in the front office. When Schultz's group took over, the custom died. Rightly or wrongly, some of the employees groused that no gesture had been made to them. According to an employee at the time, another of the team's new owners, Richard Tait, the co-creator of Cranium, heard about the complaints and subsequently gave out copies of his popular board game. Not to be outdone, Schultz followed suit. He gave each employee a Starbucks gift card. One member of the staff—who wasn't a Starbucks regular—decided to use his card to get some snacks. When he went to pay for his roughly five dollars' worth of food, he asked how much money remained on the card.

"Well, you owe me money," the cashier said.

The Sonics employee asked how much had been on the card to begin with.

"$3.50," the barista replied.

At the time, we would later learn, ordinary customers couldn't buy a Starbucks card with a value of less than $5. These were custom $3.50 gift cards.

What does accessibility have to do with it? There's great art throughout the city (museums, monuments, buildings, facades...)

Tell us which propositions benefit the city, outside the basics: Utilities (Water & garbage), Transportation, Street Maintenance & Pubic Safety (Police & Fire departments)?

OKC Thunder (The Professional Basketball Club, LLC) is valued at $930 million (13th among 30 NBA franchises): The Business Of Basketball - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/nba-valuations/#page:2_sort:0_direction:asc_search:)


You don't want to lose a billion dollar high profile corporation like the NBA Thunder that advertises Oklahoma City as apart of its brand 41 nights on the road, 8-20 nationally televised games annually. The economic impact, publicity & notoriety afforded Oklahoma City through the NBA Thunder is immeasurable.
Accessibility was a response to the statement of the public pays for public art so why not the Thunder? The poster was equating public art with a private business. I am not willing to support the concept of public financing a private entity unless I can see exactly how much economic impact, and how the tangible benefits of publicity and notoriety do something for the area. Have any real estate people been polled on the impact the franchise has provided? Have any studies been done on sales tax collections before and after the Thunder were relocated here? Ancillary observations of full restaurants on game night could very well correspond to a decrease in restaurant sales on other days. Money for dinners out does not come out of thin air. If you go out to eat on game nights, it means you go out one less time on other nights, so that is a wash. Please keep in mind that the Thunder organization has also benefited from a change to the Oklahoma Quality Jobs program that costs the state 60 million in tax credits. That is quite a benefit for billionaires. Look, I'm not anti Thunder or anti arena. I am against spending public monies on individuals that are not in need of it. How about a progressive surcharge on the tickets to help pay for improvements. Sales taxes are the most regressive of the taxes paid and the concept of people who can't afford to even go to the game paying for a new arena does not sit well with me.

I don't think we're really talking about a new arena in anything but a theoretical sense. But regardless, read a few of the prior posts. The Thunder make significant tangible money for the city, and the intangible benefits surpass the calculable. The only small market owners who make money over the long haul are SOME when they sell. Otherwise team valuations are nothing but virtual cash.

Accessibility, what does that have to do with the 'cost of tea in China?

We understand all that Jersey Boss. You don't take into account the 'growth' factors. Oklahoma City isn't in a stagnant polarized economic market. Our city continues to grow.

Example: So, when a new restaurant is established does that take away from your 'so called' existing nights out; when a person travels to Dallas or out-of-state that money goes somewhere else. Why not keep it here?

Understand where you stand. Your philosophy: Unless a stadium or venue is going to make enough revenue to pay for itself--justify building it, fill the city's tax coffers; then, you say it shouldn't be built.

The overall best thing about OKC and it's venues, and we all know this, is the fact they are at least debt free when constructed. What a nice advantage we have for income generation, not servicing debt.

I absolutely agree. Thank you Thunder for your presence. You have made winter and spring more enjoyable in Oklahoma City. You give us something to watch and something to cheer for. You have elevated us to equals, at least in one sense, with Los Angeles, and New York, and Miami. Who would have EVER thought that possible 10 years ago? Wherever I travel for work I ALWAYS see at least one person wearing Thunder merchandise. So, yes, thank you for being here.
If only you were as exciting as barons hock...oh sorry...too soon?

Enjoy your boring ball. The one game I went, I fell asleep (literally). Never did that at any hockey game Barons or Blazers.

Also, this city will NEVER get another major league franchise in any other sport. The Thunder won't allow it and despise competition.

Enjoy your boring ball. The one game I went, I fell asleep (literally). Never did that at any hockey game Barons or Blazers.

Also, this city will NEVER get another major league franchise in any other sport. The Thunder won't allow it and despise competition.

Yeah, because THE THUNDER are the only reason we don't have baseball or football.
Not our population base, lack of corporate sponsorship, or facilities for such.
Right. Got it.
Thank you for your in-depth analysis on the subject

Soccer fight!

http://www.gifbin.com/bin/102010/1287507909_soccer-fight.gif

Stadium | Orlando City Soccer Club (http://www.orlandocitysc.com/stadium)

looks like all privately funded. Don't give the Funks a stadium

Accessibility, what does that have to do with the 'cost of tea in China?

We understand all that Jersey Boss. You don't take into account the 'growth' factors. Oklahoma City isn't in a stagnant polarized economic market. Our city continues to grow.

Example: So, when a new restaurant is established does that take away from your 'so called' existing nights out; when a person travels to Dallas or out-of-state that money goes somewhere else. Why not keep it here?

Understand where you stand. Your philosophy: Unless a stadium or venue is going to make enough revenue to pay for itself--justify building it, fill the city's tax coffers; then, you say it shouldn't be built.

With all respect Laramie, you don't understand where I stand.

Enjoy your boring ball. The one game I went, I fell asleep (literally). Never did that at any hockey game Barons or Blazers.

Also, this city will NEVER get another major league franchise in any other sport. The Thunder won't allow it and despise competition.

You my friend, have issues. Sorry Pete for calling it as it is.

Agree 100%, you don't want to give a stadium to the Funks.

Orlando (2,321,418): Orlando City SC plays in the 65,000-seat Citrus Bowl. Current MLS franchise averages 36,911; ranks 2nd behind Seattle. MLS attendance 2015: http://mlsattendance.blogspot.com/

Mayor Mick Cornett wanted to put item #10 football stadium (left off) on MAPS III. http://www.okc.gov/council/mayor/state_of_city/2010/index.html

Sacramento (mentioned by Borchard) built 11,442-seat Bonney Field for $3 million according to this source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonney_Field

The Funks & OKC could private-public partnership a stadium nicer than Bonney Field on city land for under $25 million. Should an MLS franchise become available after 2020 then you could let the franchise ownership provide all the amenities. We could use a downtown/Bricktown/riverfront football stadium for events other than soccer that would be awkward for the Bricktown Ballpark configuration .

Majority of us agree that transit will shape Oklahoma City's future.

The Street Car system will pave the way; the earlier we do it the least costly it will be; then comes light & commuter rail.

Agree with Borchard's observation about the previous MAPS programs. The more items you load MAPS, you increase the odds for passage.

Transit & Beautification should be the centerpieces for the next MAPS go round.

Hope we can get some items on there that were left of MAPS III: Downtown Retail, Football Stadium & Free Downtown Parking.
2010 State of the City: http://www.okc.gov/council/mayor/state_of_city/2010/index.html

Now just what's involved with retail & free parking, I don't know. However to quote the typical alcoholic, "If it's free, I'll take six."

You my friend, have issues. Sorry Pete for calling it as it is.

Because I don't bow down to the Thunder and kiss their ass. I guess that is issues. Lol

Wow! Its curious how the Thunder organization has, somehow, become an adversary of some sort to you. Have they harmed you in some way or did you develop this paranoia purely on your own? The Thunder provide a tremendous entertainment product for our city and provide fabulous exposure that promotes tourism and unrelated business growth. The players have, literally, donated millions of dollars back to the area for rec centers, hospitals, foundations, tornado catastrophes and such. If the tradeoff for this is to provide facilities for them to practice and play in (facilities for which they pay a good rental payment), then its a pretty nice partnership that is a win-win for both parties. If you cant see this then you are no different than the person who still thinks the world is flat.

Because I don't bow down to the Thunder and kiss their ass. I guess that is issues. Lol

I don't either, but you seem to have some serious ass kissing phobia issues. lol

When you get out of high school hopefully you won't feel asskissaphobic.

Interesting article:

When building MLS stadiums, formulas are all over the map | Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765672493/When-building-MLS-stadiums-formulas-are-all-over-the-map.html?pg=all)

Tulsa talks stadium plan:



A few of the details mentioned:
•~10,000 seat capacity initially with expansion capabilities
•Two potential locations in downtown Tulsa
•Horseshoe shape
•Removable sod for other events
•Sounds like they're aiming for 2020 opening at the latest


https://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/comments/32p6cw/report_of_soccer_specific_stadium_coming_to_tulsa/

Oklahoma City could probably put some kind of stadium (limit cost to $50 million) on MAPS IV in the 20,000-25,000 seat range; similar to Sacramento's Bonney Field. Fifty million ($50 million) would represent less that 10% of what would be proposed for MAPS IV (heavy transit & beautification) which should have about $800 million in project initiatives.

Should the MLS put OKC on their radar after 2020 (relocation or expansion); then the ownership group could add all of the revenue producing amenities to the central core stadium. We need a central core stadium would could be used for American football & soccer in the downtown/Bricktown/riverfront area whether or not we ever get MLS.

faq - MLS (http://www.reddit.com/r/MLS/wiki/faq#wiki_where_does_everyone_think_the_next_expans ion_teams_should_be.3F.21)

I really don't like the idea of bringing in any more major league sports franchises. We'll probably be looking at a county-wide penny sales tax to cover the jail anytime now. I'd prefer that be done by a special assessment on property owners, but I also know special assessments are progressive in nature and would be opposed by the powers that be.

Report has Oklahoma City Energy FC 36th in attendance for all soccer | News OK (http://newsok.com/report-has-oklahoma-city-energy-fc-36th-in-attendance-for-all-soccer/article/5437928)

Report has Oklahoma City Energy FC 36th in attendance for all soccer | News OK (http://newsok.com/report-has-oklahoma-city-energy-fc-36th-in-attendance-for-all-soccer/article/5437928)

36th out of 55. So the fighting Funks are behind:
all 20 MLS teams
all 10 NASL teams
5 USL teams

I've read the article twice now and I STILL can't figure out what the point of it is? It's like most articles in the Daily Disappointment, mostly word salad with NO analysis at all. No questions asked. Nothing.
And more to the point it seems like all reporting on the energy done by the Oklahoman. In the past two years any story in the paper looked to be nothing more than a reprinting of a press release by the team. No questions. No analysis. Nothing.

I'm not a reporter, but the first four lines of this post contain more analysis than the entire article. Hell, there was more in-depth information given about the REPORTER, than about the team he was writing about!?!

Yes, there's more than what meets the eye. The level of play is different; so why mix minor leagues with major league teams.

These sample tickets price ranges were taken from the team websites:


USL: Oklahoma City Energy FC $10.00 - $48.00
USL: Tulsa Roughnecks FC $8.00 - $45.00


NASL: Indianapolis Eleven FC $10.00 - $100.00
NASL: San Antonio Scorpions FC $8.00 - $66.00

MLS: FC Dallas $24.00 - $105.00
MLS: Kansas City FC $38.00 - $225.00

Oklahoma City on MLS radar?


Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: OKC has Energy FC playing in the USL. OKC officials are looking to establish the market as a truly “major league” city and with only one major sports team (Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA) an MLS team would be a step in that direction.

Source: What?s Cooking in the MLS Expansion Kitchen | Total MLS (http://total-mls.com/2015-articles/whats-cooking-in-the-mls-expansion-kitchen.html)

Yes, there's more than what meets the eye. The level of play is different; so why mix minor leagues with major league teams.

These sample tickets price ranges were taken from the team websites:


USL: Oklahoma City Energy FC $10.00 - $48.00
USL: Tulsa Roughnecks FC $8.00 - $45.00


NASL: Indianapolis Eleven FC $10.00 - $100.00
NASL: San Antonio Scorpions FC $8.00 - $66.00

MLS: FC Dallas $24.00 - $105.00
MLS: Kansas City FC $38.00 - $225.00

Oklahoma City on MLS radar?



Source: What?s Cooking in the MLS Expansion Kitchen | Total MLS (http://total-mls.com/2015-articles/whats-cooking-in-the-mls-expansion-kitchen.html)

Here is my expert analysis on each of these cities:
Austin, Texas: Nope

Charlotte, North Carolina: Nope. Not buying it. The Eagles didn't draw flies. The Independence isn't very far ahead of them in that department.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Great support for the Eleven so far. Would be a wonderful addition to MLS

Sacramento, California: If they aren't included at some point, it's a travesty

San Antonio, Texas: Maybe. large population. Great support for the scorpions. Great stadium already in place that can easily be expanded (Are you listening MAPS IV? committee)


Honorable Mention
Las Vegas, Nevada: You never know.

Nashville, Tennessee: Like to see them actually do something in the minor leagues, before we anoint them a "Soccer City".

New York City, New York: Where would THEY play? Shea Stadium?

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Nope. No ownership group wealthy enough (or capable enough) to make it happen.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: A truly underrated soccer city that has had the Riverhounds as a minor league franchise since 1999. Murmurs have been circulating for years about a team in the Steel City. In fact, Steel City SC has a nice ring to it for a rebranding if you ask me.

Raleigh, North Carolina: The Railhawks do very well in Raleigh, but I don't think it's big enough for MLS.

Rochester, New York: It’s a small market but has a great soccer specific stadium and loyal following for the Rhinos soccer team. In the mid-2000’s Don Garber, stated he wanted to find a way to make Rochester an MLS side. Unfortunately, attendance dropped for the Rhinos and other major markets came into the fray. This dream is all but dead.

Saint Louis, Missouri: Their USL team is doing very well, in a less than optimal location. They would be a great addition to MLS

San Diego, California: Never understood why there isn't a team there, except for; an owner, a stadium,e tc...

Soccer stadium, biking, sidewalks among Vision pitches



Elliot Nelson, a downtown developer and owner of McNellie’s Group, made a pitch for a downtown soccer stadium that could eventually become a $45 million facility.

The idea includes setting the stage for Tulsa or a private investment group to make a big push for getting a Major League Soccer team.

In the short term, the stadium would accommodate about 8,000 fans and a home to the Tulsa Roughnecks team, as well as a venue for high school sporting events and concerts, Nelson said.

In the long term, though, the stadium would make a strong case for a future MLS expansion team, which Nelson said could go up for bids in 2022.


Soccer stadium, biking, sidewalks among Vision pitches - Tulsa World: Government (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/government/soccer-stadium-biking-sidewalks-among-vision-pitches/article_1a142b9f-78f1-5dc3-a6c5-37e70bdde5ba.html)

Tulsa does have vision. MLS is below the NBA & NHL as far as popularity, revenue generated & operational expenses. The popularity of the MLS continues to grow; Tulsa's vision looks ahead to the year 2022.

Oklahoma City: A $50 million downtown 20,000-seat football stadium could add more to the riverfront-Bricktown area development. Envision a two tier stadium--the first tier bowl shaped with12,000 ground level seats; topped by an upper deck complete with skyboxes along with a 7,000 - 8,000 upper level seats--opened only when crowds exceed stadium ground level seating .



Mapfre Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3T5SlDGa-XCXVLKg3wLDncPGGrRi492ObGtVzg9Lb1Hu1vr4NFA
Construction cost: $28.5 million ($40.3 million in 2015 dollars) Capacity: 20,145

High school football that involves city area teams or state matchups could be staged in OKC. MLS exhibition games could be played. USL soccer could find a permanent home in an area that could provide a more family friendly environment.

Holy crap!!!
El Rayo compra la mayoría de acciones del Oklahoma City | Liga BBVA | AS.com (http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2015/08/19/primera/1439982748_769849.html)

Ay Dios mio!

If you want reality, the "multi-purpose" feature of these multi-purpose stadiums isn't used as often as you'd think.
Over half of the year the lights are off. Keep in mind that sports games include one or two days of the week (ok, sometimes more if it's a tournament), through a season that consists of only a few months.

The only things that could be used for such a proposal would be high school Football, supposing we could host the state championship(s) there. Although again, only 1-2 days out of the year, depending on how many of the classes decide to use it (probably only 5A and 6A). Soccer (obviously for the Energy), and maybe other events like Rugby, which is becoming quite popular.
One other use would be outdoor concerts. But, they'd be competing with the other venues, the Peake being the main one.

That's why I don't think it would be in good taste to publicly fund a "multi-purpose" stadium.
Do I think one would be a good idea? Absolutely, but prepare for the reality. These stadiums are ALWAYS presented and sold to investors, cities, and the public as having the lights on every night as thousands flock to daily events and games that are being held there.

Something else mentioned above that plays heavily into this is metro attendance.
Until OKC gets closer or finally reaches that 1.5 million mark (which I think will come sooner than we all believe), something like this simply may not be economically feasible. You have to have a large and diverse population on every level, economically being the most important, that can afford tickets to these events on a regular basis.
And I use 1.5 million just as a general base mark.

Here is a rough translation of the announcement:

Rayo Vallecano grows and expands. The historical Vallecas club has become the majority shareholder in the Oklahoma City franchise to be incorporated soon to the NASL (North American Soccer League). The Lightning, after a long period of negotiations that has included numerous trips to the United States, became the first Spanish club to sign an agreement with a soccer franchise.

The Lightning will own most of the team and the rest will be in the hands of a trusted partner who will work with the entity in the development of a team in a city steeped in years of NBA basketball Oklahoma City, the home of the Thunder , a franchise with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, among others. Rayo enters the Yankee market with a view that expansion of the club is considered essential.

Rayo plans to make the agreement official shortly and explain the details of the commitment to the franchise in Oklahoma City, which is the state capitol of Oklahoma, the "Sooner State", a state in the south central US .

United States is the new market the Lightning are trying to break into ,having already set foot in China.

Sometimes we have a tendency to put too much emphasis on whether or not a particular venue will pay for itself as far as the dollars invested value. Long-term quality of life & economic impact investments help define a city. We wouldn't have Devon or the NBA Thunder & PCL Dodgers if it wasn't for OKC's MAPS investment.

The Katrina (New Orleans) incident opened an opportunity for OKC to test the NBA waters.

Louisville felt that they were in line to temporarily host the Hornets in Freedom Hall, an aging 18,000-seat arena along with university hoops (Louisville) that was very popular in their area. The difference--OKC had a new arena (lacking a few bell & whistles) to test the waters of the NBA. Many cities preferred the NBA over the NHL like Columbus & Raleigh--cities struggling to support the NHL.

An ownership group isn't going to surface unless our City will have skin in the game. A riverfront stadium starter could change the direction (MLS, yes even future NFL) of where OKC might be headed following 2024--possible MAPS V initiative.

A 20-000-plus stadium starter would open the potential & opportunity bring more events to the metro area.

St. Louis Rams Threaten To Leave Town Unless Taxpayers Personally Build Stadium With Bare Hands (http://tinyurl.com/o6bh3d7)

ST. LOUIS—Emphasizing that a new venue to replace the 19-year-old Edward Jones Dome is an absolute necessity, St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke revealed Monday that the team will be forced to relocate as soon as 2016 unless taxpayers build a new stadium with their bare hands. “We want to keep Rams football in St. Louis, but realistically, we can’t continue operating here unless the city’s taxpayers agree to lay a 1.3-million-square-foot concrete foundation and then construct the new stadium by hand,” said Kroenke, adding that his proposal for a state-of-the-art riverfront stadium would require at least 22 months of manual labor from each of the 320,000 residents living in St. Louis. “The facts are simple: The people of St. Louis must be prepared to personally erect the arena’s 14,000-ton steel structure, raise and paint the 30-story-tall stadium walls, screw in each of the 80,000 seats, and install a retractable roof—all while using only basic hand tools, which we would be willing to provide. Otherwise, we’ll have to consider the possibility of moving the Rams elsewhere.” At press time, sources confirmed that Kroenke’s proposal was unanimously approved by the St. Louis city council.

St. Louis Rams Threaten To Leave Town Unless Taxpayers Personally Build Stadium With Bare Hands (http://tinyurl.com/o6bh3d7)

ST. LOUIS—Emphasizing that a new venue to replace the 19-year-old Edward Jones Dome is an absolute necessity, St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke revealed Monday that the team will be forced to relocate as soon as 2016 unless taxpayers build a new stadium with their bare hands. “We want to keep Rams football in St. Louis, but realistically, we can’t continue operating here unless the city’s taxpayers agree to lay a 1.3-million-square-foot concrete foundation and then construct the new stadium by hand,” said Kroenke, adding that his proposal for a state-of-the-art riverfront stadium would require at least 22 months of manual labor from each of the 320,000 residents living in St. Louis. “The facts are simple: The people of St. Louis must be prepared to personally erect the arena’s 14,000-ton steel structure, raise and paint the 30-story-tall stadium walls, screw in each of the 80,000 seats, and install a retractable roof—all while using only basic hand tools, which we would be willing to provide. Otherwise, we’ll have to consider the possibility of moving the Rams elsewhere.” At press time, sources confirmed that Kroenke’s proposal was unanimously approved by the St. Louis city council.

You seem to have gone out of the way to show any reference in your post to the source being The Onion from an artice they did a few days ago

You seem to have gone out of the way to show any reference in your post to the source being The Onion from an artice they did a few days ago

Congratulations, you have seen through my ruse. A winner is you!

Here is a rough translation of the announcement:

Rayo Vallecano grows and expands. The historical Vallecas club has become the majority shareholder in the Oklahoma City franchise to be incorporated soon to the NASL (North American Soccer League). The Lightning, after a long period of negotiations that has included numerous trips to the United States, became the first Spanish club to sign an agreement with a soccer franchise.

The Lightning will own most of the team and the rest will be in the hands of a trusted partner who will work with the entity in the development of a team in a city steeped in years of NBA basketball Oklahoma City, the home of the Thunder , a franchise with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, among others. Rayo enters the Yankee market with a view that expansion of the club is considered essential.

Rayo plans to make the agreement official shortly and explain the details of the commitment to the franchise in Oklahoma City, which is the state capitol of Oklahoma, the "Sooner State", a state in the south central US .

United States is the new market the Lightning are trying to break into ,having already set foot in China.

You seem to have a better pulse than most on these developments...what does this mean for the Energy? As a complete outsider to the game, is there any comparison between this situation and the Blazer/Barons? At first glance, it would seem that a better funded and league with a higher level of competition is seeking to complete/displace a team with good local support, but in a less-competitive league. How wrong am I here?

You seem to have a better pulse than most on these developments...what does this mean for the Energy? As a complete outsider to the game, is there any comparison between this situation and the Blazer/Barons? At first glance, it would seem that a better funded and league with a higher level of competition is seeking to complete/displace a team with good local support, but in a less-competitive league. How wrong am I here?

I'm just going to say that I have very little interest in Soccer, but I have the same question.
I read an article this morning that suggests this is completely different from the Energy, who I thought were in a competitive division and had pretty decent support (from what I read on here).

So… can someone please explain the differences between the Energy and this club, and what this announcement could or does mean for the Energy?

It seems like this is a pretty big deal. Am I wrong?

If I had to guess, they are buying this dormant franchise and probably going to move it somewhere else.

If I had to guess, they are buying this dormant franchise and probably going to move it somewhere else.

I've heard from someone that OKC, with the backing of Rayo Vallecano, has been granted a team in NASL, and it will start play in Spring 2016. Now if this doesn't happen, I PROMISE I will buy nrg season tickets

Latest printed information found (August 27, 2015):


There have been reports for the past few weeks that Oklahoma City FC may not be completely dead, as the potential expansion side had picked up some financial backing from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano. On Wednesday, Spanish paper Marca had some more details about the project, confirming that the side is hoping to join the North American Soccer League as early as next season, and isn't worried about the fact that there's already a USL side established in the city

Rayo Vallecano backed club to remain in Oklahoma City, hopes to join NASL in 2016 - Twice a Cosmo (http://www.twiceacosmo.com/2015/8/27/9214279/rayo-vallecano-nasl-expansion-news-oklahoma-city-fc-2016)

Nothing solid or set in stone:
...hopes to join NASL in 2016.

Oklahoma City FC co-owner Brad Lund spoke with Marca, and confirmed that there have been no plans to move the club's home, despite the presence of the Energy. He also added that "The goal is 2016", to begin play in the NASL.

...Regardless, it will be nice to see the NASL continue to develop more of a presence in the Midwest..

...Regardless, it will be nice to see the NASL continue to develop more of a presence in the Midwest.:

Then he should field a team in the Midwest

Then he should field a team in the Midwest

Interesting, you have an eye for detail.


We're a long way from St. Louis...

It's funny how Oklahoma topography tends to fit the Southwest, West South Central, Midwest & the South for whatever agenda is being advanced.

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/oklahoman_gallery-62e2b1470ff08427fcd67cdd1542dd90.jpg
Hall of Fame Stadium's expanded capacity to host crowds of 13,000 once the 4,200 upper deck seats are added in 2018 or 2019.

http://rustyhilger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Stadium-Falcons-2-880.jpg
Rusty Hilger's Field of Dreams :) stadium in Oklahoma City.

http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/files/2015/06/riverfront-stadium.jpg

Incorporating Oklahoma City's districts: adventure, entertainment, riverfront; a vision into our future.

Final tally:


American football/soccer stadium 20,000-25,000 seats [30.77% - 20]
American football/soccer stadium 40,000-70,000 seats [24.62% - 16]
No sports stadium/entertainment venue for MAPS IV [44.62% - 29]

In all fairness, a more thorough survey should have included these alterations:


1st - by posting in on the Development & Building thread.
2nd - should have had at least 4-5 choices (a major league baseball stadium & velodrome wasn't included).
3rd - estimates of what part a MAPS IV venue/stadium would have cost for the bare minimum.
4th - expand the choices selections by at least a minimum of two.

Got the feeling that many who responded to the thread wanted MAPS IV to address a specific interest like neighborhoods, transit or beautification.

Bricktown (Entertainment District) & the Oklahoma City Zoo (Adventure District) have really improved the 'quality of life' aspect in OKC.

MAPS, MAPS for HOOPS (Extension for Big League City), MAPS for KIDS and MAPS III (Convention center/central park) have all been a penny sales tax, along with the 1/8 cent permanent tax collected for the Zoo.

We need to remember that the success of MAPS have been a successful brand with voters when something was included for everyone. As to the centerpiece of a MAPS IV which should come up in 2017; just not sure if there will be a centerpiece. Can say that if we don't follow the previous MAPS format; have at least 7 or more projects on the ballot--we may see the end of MAPS.

There are suggestions of replacing the Chesapeake Energy Arena (downsize) to become a part of the convention center--conference hotel complex; with hints that we should build a new arena on the current Cox Convention Center (4 sq. block) site.

Maybe we should look at an OKCTalK MAPS IV development where we initially include a brainstorming session; decide the projects which should be included then allow an open vote on as many projects to include, tally and take it from there.

There's momentum for a state-wide penny sales tax to address education's short falls. There's also the county jail issues that need to be addressed.

Anyway thanks for all of you who participated in this thread, early sampling for what to do with the next survey; your participation was appreciated.