View Full Version : New State Fair Coliseum
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Laramie 02-26-2019, 02:06 PM Maximum seating capacity 9,350? You will not attract 6A; you will lose all high school basketball to Tulsa (Mabee Center: 10,554–11,300/TU's Reynolds Center 8,355). We would like to at least rotate the 6A, 5A and 4A basketball tournaments between Tulsa & Oklahoma City.
This new arena will not be friendly to 4A thru 6A high school basketball--will lose these to Tulsa. The 5,500 minimum permanent seating capacity is cosy fan-friendly to the horse shows that would look like a sparse crowd in a 14,000 seat Fort Worth Dixie's Arena.
Hoping OKC could bring back ice hockey since our two ECHL rivals Wichita & Tulsa currently average 5,,520 & 5,470 respectively: http://www.hockeydb.com/nhl-attendance/att_graph_season.php?lid=ECHL2004&sid=2019
It's one thing to keep ice hockey from The Peake because the Thunder doesn't want an ice plant in the arena; it's another to build a new arena at State Fair Park lock ice hockey and high school basketball out because the horse-show industry doesn't want basketball or ice hockey included.
We need an arena that will accommodate at least 13,000 with floor level permanent chair-back seating of 7,000 with an upper deck (6,000) when upper deck is in use to cater to a full house of 13,000 for basketball & 11,500 for ice hockey. This would bring back 6A high school basketball & ECHL to OKC to accommodate minor league ice hockey (with an ice plant).
If this current plan is in stone; we need to remodel the Cox Convention Center's Arena to accommodate ice hockey & G-League Basketball--with new seats, cup holders lowering the seating capacity to 12,000. It will cost more to demolish the Cox Convention Center Arena than to renovate the arena section with new 22 inch seats-cup holders (current 19 inch seats)--lower the seating capacity to 13,000 basketball & 11,500 ice hockey.
https://d2o50i5c2dr30a.cloudfront.net/2a44cfd4-667e-40ba-94d6-680ed5bbd19e.jpg
Guthrie, if you're listening: :D There's a market for the 7,233-seat Lazy-E arena to upgrade, install an ice plant & 4,000 chair back seats installed in the lower or middle sections; bring ice hockey to the Guthrie-Edmond area; this is a no lose situation. You'll get support from Oklahoma City ice hockey fans.
Laramie 02-26-2019, 02:42 PM I realize the impact pros for the horse-show industry to have a smaller competitive version of the Fort Worth Dixie's Arena to keep our horse shows here. The PBR would still be held in The Peake.
It's sad to come to the real conclusion that our 440 acre State Fair Park will be repurposed for the Horse-show industry, Gun shows (Bennett Events Center), a real theme to the Old Wild Wild West .
In keeping with the Old Wild Wild West theme, OKC may want to consider luring Frontier City's relocation to the State Fair Park, it would attract more people off I-35 to I-40 to Frontier City Amusement Park at State Fair Park; also be an attraction for the horse shows/events planned for the new arena.
https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/large960_blur-815350d3dcc2c88069af2a3bc00c82b1.jpg
Incorporate Frontier City to run the State Fair of Oklahoma; dissolve The State Fair Board Trust ;).
We could move the entire amusement park to the 440 acres fairgrounds; keep the park open for a longer season--Frontier City would be closer to White Water Bay its affiliate. What a great back or fore drop this would be for a nationally televised Thunder game.
OKCRT 02-26-2019, 02:45 PM Let the State Fair folks build this if they want a new horse barn.
BoulderSooner 02-26-2019, 02:59 PM these are city owned facilities. They are the cities to build. And those that want addition events at the fair grounds this will increase those And wthout this the fair grounds will lose events.
Laramie 02-26-2019, 03:08 PM Let the State Fair folks build this if they want a new horse barn.
You know they don't have any funds, these old cronies as a collective trust are broke; the annual Oklahoma State Fair attracts less attendees than it did in the 70s. If they did have a nest egg, they would have built an arena & a barn long time ago. They barely could afford to patch the roof of the Norick State Fair Arena. All large seating facilities (Arenas--The Peak, SFA, Civic Center Music Hall) should operate under the Umbrella of SMG who could pull events from their year round circuit.
Oklahoma City needs a year round attraction to State Fair Park like Frontier City; allow them to operate the annual State Fair of Oklahoma; build a new Space Tower, monorail, fancy entrance and operate a longer amusement park season.
these are city owned facilities. They are the cities to build. And those that want addition events at the fair grounds this will increase those And wthout this the fair grounds will lose events.
City could issue revenue bonds on behalf of the fairgrounds.
BoulderSooner 02-26-2019, 03:19 PM City could issue revenue bonds on behalf of the fairgrounds.
They could but maps is a more fiscally responsible way if it is viable
Laramie 02-26-2019, 03:26 PM Let the State Fair folks build this if they want a new horse barn.
You know they don't have any funds; the annual Oklahoma State Fair attracts less attendees than it did in the 70s. If they did they would have built an arena & a barn long time ago. They barely could afford the patch the roof of the Norick State Fair Arena.
City could issue revenue bonds on behalf of the fairgrounds. Great Idea!
Oklahoma City needs a year round attraction to State Fair Park like Frontier City; allow them to operate the annual State Fair of Oklahoma; build a new Space Tower, monorail, fancy entrance and operate a longer amusement park season in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Fair.
jedicurt 02-26-2019, 03:27 PM They could but maps is a more fiscally responsible way if it is viable
what i was going to say as well...
They could but maps is a more fiscally responsible way if it is viable
Of course because they get taxpayers to foot the entire bill.
jedicurt 02-26-2019, 03:44 PM Of course because they get taxpayers to foot the entire bill.
well i mean the city only generates money in so many ways and almost all of them are through taxpayers... so even if they do a revenue bond, it will still be taxpayers paying for it
well i mean the city only generates money in so many ways and almost all of them are through taxpayers... so even if they do a revenue bond, it will still be taxpayers paying for it
Using existing taxation, not new.
By the same logic, we shouldn't have used bonds for the $1B streets project; should just raise taxes by that amount.
jedicurt 02-26-2019, 03:54 PM Using existing taxation, not new.
By the same logic, we shouldn't have used bonds for the $1B streets project; should just raise taxes by that amount.
i was just saying that saying that it isn't being paid by tax payers is wrong... not saying it was the right or wrong method. i do know that atleast with Maps, it gets people who aren't OKC residents to also be contributing to it. and, if someone truly doesn't support it, it's the easiest form to try and avoid... simply shop elsewhere
jn1780 02-26-2019, 03:59 PM Open up the state fair accounting books and present a road map for the future then will talk. Wasting my time trying to get my vote until they do so.
Zuplar 02-26-2019, 04:03 PM The 3 big projects the Chamber seems to be behind are:
1. State Fair Coliseum
2. Energy Soccer Stadium
3. I-235 Innovation Link cap
Not sure what else is going to end up being included, but none of those 3 seem to be very popular.
If this ends up being true, which I fear it will, I will be voting no.
And I have a feeling I won't be alone. A failure to pass MAPS4 could doom Holt as mayor as well.
jedicurt 02-26-2019, 04:05 PM If this ends up being true, which I fear it will, I will be voting no.
And I have a feeling I won't be alone. A failure to pass MAPS4 could doom Holt as mayor as well.
for me, i don't really care about the other projects, as long as the one i do support is in there... and that is massive expansion of the streetcar system
BoulderSooner 02-26-2019, 04:18 PM for me, i don't really care about the other projects, as long as the one i do support is in there... and that is massive expansion of the streetcar system
This idea is a genius of maps
kevin lee 02-26-2019, 04:22 PM He won't necessarily fail it this doesn't pass. You take the temperature of the room. Redraft the proposal. Revote on the revised projects later. Im sure that's what would've happened before, if a vote failed. The fact that it's passed every time is a miracle.
BoulderSooner 02-26-2019, 04:26 PM Maps is for large capital building projects that benefit Okc. This is exactly that
Maps is for large capital building projects that benefit Okc. This is exactly that
Other cities use revenue bonds for this same purpose. In fact, OKC is the exception.
And reminder that they are talking about adding lots of things to MAPS 4 that aren't large capital projects, such fund for mental health and an endowment for other things.
Maps is for large capital building projects that benefit Okc. This is exactly that
Other cities use revenue bonds for this same purpose. In fact, OKC is the exception. Every other city builds large capital projects and few have anything like MAPS.
And reminder that they are talking about adding lots of things to MAPS 4 that aren't large capital projects, such fund for mental health and an endowment for other things.
BoulderSooner 02-26-2019, 04:33 PM Other cities use revenue bonds for this same purpose. In fact, OKC is the exception.
And reminder that they are talking about adding lots of things to MAPS 4 that aren't large capital projects, such fund for mental health and an endowment for other things.
Which is why lots of other cities come to Okc to find out how we do things. Which is why our sport arena doesn’t have debt. Which is why our CC will work better than others.
BoulderSooner 02-26-2019, 04:34 PM Other cities would love to have maps and to pass every bond issue going back for a long time. But other cities don’t have the public trust in their non partisan govt that Okc does. Although sadly the non partisan nature or the council seems to be changing
d-usa 02-26-2019, 04:36 PM When they act like a city owned property, hold open meetings like a city run group, and follow the same open record laws that the rest of the city is required to follow, they can request more money like the rest of the city.
Other cities would love to have maps and to pass every bond issue going back for a long time. But other cities don’t have the public trust in their non partisan govt that Okc does. Although sadly the non partisan nature or the council seems to be changing
Yet, somehow, virtually every other peer city has convention centers and arenas and public transport.
It's all done through revenue bonds.
OKCRT 02-26-2019, 04:43 PM I assume most of the horse show folks are from out of the OKC limits. Maybe a hotel/motel tax is the way to go to make improvements at the fairgrounds and fund a street car extension? I don't think building a horse arena should be on the maps ticket. Maybe even put a small tax on rental cars. Enterprise might throw a fit but Oh Well.
baralheia 02-26-2019, 06:01 PM I understand and I agree with the need for a new arena at the fairgrounds, and though I wish the capacity was a bit larger, I generally like the design that they're going for. But I have some serious reservations about using MAPS to pay for it. d-usa's post sums up pretty much exactly how I feel about this:
When they act like a city owned property, hold open meetings like a city run group, and follow the same open record laws that the rest of the city is required to follow, they can request more money like the rest of the city.
The fact that they are so secretive about their dealings, combined with the recent loss of multiple iconic structures and attractions, does not inspire any sense of confidence or trust - exactly the opposite of how I generally feel about the rest of the City government.
BoulderSooner 02-26-2019, 06:40 PM Yet, somehow, virtually every other peer city has convention centers and arenas and public transport.
It's all done through revenue bonds.
And those other cities also have property tax dollars to help fund the city and pay off those bonds
Dob Hooligan 02-26-2019, 06:44 PM I don't have a problem with the project and would expect to vote for it. I believe the 9300 capacity for basketball is enough for all high school tournaments. I'm guessing the State Fair Board has gotten tacit approval from the OSSAA that the arena will be an acceptable replacement version of "The Big House". I expect it will have ice capability and will be happy to house minor league hockey and other events that are not horse centric.
My issue is with the Board itself, or fairgrounds management. Allow me to mention for the umpteenth time that I have spent over 35 years with my business 2 blocks east of the fairgrounds. I drive by there 7 days a week. It has events probably 50 weeks a year. But I think they have a communications problem. They want what they want and appear to have no interest in "selling" any part of their vision to the public. Explaining is for other people. They have commandeered the road on the west side and made it impossible to go from 10th Street to Reno, which could help reduce the traffic backup at 10th to south bound Portland that can go all they way to the south bound I-44 off ramp. Their grounds have become an asphalt ocean lacking direction. They have chocked entrances so tight that I have been caught up in event traffic that backed up onto south bound I-44 half way between 10th and 23rd on a Saturday morning.
Laramie 02-26-2019, 10:54 PM If MAPS 4 isn't successful, there will never be another MAPS initiative that will survive a vote.
HOT ROD 02-26-2019, 10:57 PM I don't know if some of you realize how huge the horse industry is here.
so, then they have revenue to pay for capital expenditures. Why is it that something so big never has any money when it's time to renovate or expand its facilities?
mugofbeer 02-26-2019, 11:08 PM It's a competitive industry and will be more competitive as the Ft. Worth arena comes online. They're not going to have a spare $100 million + sitting around. When l lived in Dallas, the city paid for buildings and major projects, not the Dallas Fair Park authority. The Ft. Worth arena is a public/private partnership - not strictly private. Accept it, taxpayers have to sometimes pay for public facilities. You don't get things like this for nothing.
jonny d 02-27-2019, 06:21 AM so, then they have revenue to pay for capital expenditures. Why is it that something so big never has any money when it's time to renovate or expand its facilities?
Renovate/maintain? Yes. But building a whole new arena, no fair authority has $100 million they can just hand to a contractor, let alone Oklahoma's...
G.Walker 02-27-2019, 07:34 AM Enough with the grand leisure projects. Let's focus infrastructure, education, & public safety.
And those other cities also have property tax dollars to help fund the city and pay off those bonds
And we have sales tax, which they don't.
We also issue boatloads for revenue bonds for other purposes, all the time. And the city also boasts about it's high bond rating, which means our source of revenue is very stable.
TheSteveHunt 02-27-2019, 08:03 AM If MAPS 4 isn't successful, there will never be another MAPS initiative that will survive a vote.
I disagree. Sounds like a scare tactic. We shoulda defeated MAPS 3 and then brought up another non Convention Center vote and it would have passed.... but we know how all this stuff works.
BoulderSooner 02-27-2019, 09:05 AM And we have sales tax, which they don't.
We also issue boatloads for revenue bonds for other purposes, all the time. And the city also boasts about it's high bond rating, which means our source of revenue is very stable.
Most cities have both
Most cities have both
OKC has plenty of revenue for these bonds, as evidenced by using them all the time. You are arguing we are somehow handicapped because of the type of tax received, which is simply not true, evidenced by our very high credit rating.
We built the Cox Center (Myriad), Myriad Gardens, the Norick Arena, the airport, all our parks and tons of other things without MAPS.
checkthat 02-27-2019, 03:50 PM Other cities would love to have maps and to pass every bond issue going back for a long time. But other cities don’t have the public trust in their non partisan govt that Okc does. Although sadly the non partisan nature or the council seems to be changing
Are you implying that the non-partisan nature of the council seems to be changing because two of the Republican endorsed candidates lost? Guess your tweet couldn't help them over the edge.
15174
Then it should be able to be self sustaining?
I'll vote no on Maps if this is included.
Self sustaining in what way? Do you mean privatization?
Pretty much all MAPS projects aren't directly self sustaining. Their expense is justified by associated economic benefits and collective quality of life improvement. We spent about the same amount of money on Chesapeake arena to get it built and then passed another tax to spend millions more to attract the Thunder, while forfeiting the sales tax revenue on sales of Thunder tickets. The justification for this was that the Thunder would have around a $1.5MM economic impact per game at the arena. That works out to around $61.5MM a year. Of course, on top of that, the arena has a lot of other events that have economic benefits to the community. I'm actually not sure if the city receives sales tax and direct revenue from lease payments for the other events.
Estimated economic benefit of the horse show industry to the city is estimated at over $126MM a year. Basically, that's twice the amount of the Thunder. And, of course, this arena would be used for much more than just horse show related events, both commercial entertainment and community functions. It certainly makes the same kind of "sense" that using maps to build the downtown arena did, and, really, more sense in terms of indirect return on investment based on overall economic impact.
That's not to say that other funding mechanisms shouldn't be used or that it automatically qualifies as a future MAPS project. I'm just saying that making "self sustaining" a requirement for MAPS projects really doesn't have any precedent at this point. Obviously, I'm sure many voted NO on MAPS based on that concept, but it certainly didn't pass each time based on a qualification that each project be sustaining through direct revenue generated by sales tax or event leases.
Now, personally, I have been a proponent of the MAPS initiatives and voted for it each time that I could, along with the added tax to improve the arena for the NBA and I am a season ticket holder. And I don't attend or participate in horse shows. That doesn't mean I don't realize their value to the city or their benefit to local businesses, including ones that I am involved with. Nor does it mean that I think this project should be included in the next MAPS initiative as a contingent of supporting it. I think Pete has a very valid point about revenue bonds for this or other city projects. Revenue bonds can often build things faster than the MAPS debt free model. The MAPS model's primary advantage is that it is debt free, but the trade off is that projects are delayed until the full amount of revenue is raised to cover the cost of the project(s). So, while we don't have interest payments along the way, MAPS delays the revenue stream and economic benefit of its projects. That's essentially what debt financing is all about and it's a powerful economic tool that shouldn't be taken out out of the city's toolbox just because MAPS has worked out so well.
And I do share everyone's concern with the State Fair Board and its transparency. Ultimately, I do think this is a project worthy of consideration and, maybe, with its consideration as part of a MAPS initiative or bond initiative, that could be used a leverage to force changes in the organization itself. Maybe instead of looking at this as an opportunity to spite the Board, it could be used as a way to redefine the fairgrounds as a whole and how it's used to benefit the community, both in economic impact and quality of life, in the same but expanded context that basically all MAPS projects and bond revenue initiatives have been.
Dob Hooligan 03-01-2019, 06:03 PM I don't want to hijack the Stadium thread, so, I recall @Laramie mentioned on that thread today that this proposed arena seated 5500. I thought I read that it seated 9000 plus for basketball, etc. He also mentioned hockey, and I'm guessing the arena has to have ice capability. Ice shows have been a part of the State Fair for as long as I can remember and I just feel that this arena is going to be the ECHL hockey arena.
dmoor82 03-02-2019, 05:20 PM ^^ The Blazers played a few hockey games at the State Fair arena in the 90s. Decent crowds and close to the action.
^^ The Blazers played a few hockey games at the State Fair arena in the 90s. Decent crowds and close to the action.
That's where they started back in the 60's. Remember going there with my parents as a kid.
Looked it up and the first incarnation played there from starting in 1965 before moving to the Cox Center (Myriad) sometime in the 70's.
In those days, they were the farm team of the Boston Bruins and lots of great players came through.
Dob Hooligan 03-02-2019, 05:51 PM Time tripping...Dad took me to many games around 1971. Met up with my buddy Kent Harris one game and we spied injured goalies Jon Adams and Clay (last name escapes me). We worked up the nerve to ask for autographs. Pencil on lined notebook paper. Didn't plan ahead. 7th grade. We thought those dudes were the coolest, most mature men on earth.
One thing I think we overlook as locals is how the State Fair Arena is an icon of high schools sports in Oklahoma. Today is one day where "The Big House" draws people from all over the state. And the big parking lot sure shows it. I am convinced that the new arena is designed to continue that and the OSSAA has committed to it, as well.
Laramie 03-31-2019, 01:07 AM Just want to mention that when the Blazers couldn't use the Myriad; they played about 3 games at the Norick State Fair Arena. All of those games sold out the 7,930 seats that were available.
This new arena could easily seat 9,350 for basketball (retractable floor & upper deck) and probably 8,250 for ice hockey. It could become the future home for the NBA G-League Oklahoma City Blue as well as a permanent home for an ECHL AA ice hockey franchise. The new SFA will have more use than The Peake.
Realize that an 'issue' has been made about the State Fair Board Trust not opening their books to the public. IMO, there's probably not a whole lot there to see.
The annual economic impact of this arena according to the Populous study will be in the $300 million range . Many of the horse shows & events we have at the current SFA will probably remain; 5,500 seats for the horse events will be more cozy here than in a 14,000 seat Dixie's Arena or an 8,000 seat SFA; retractable seating will allow us to be flexible if more seats are needed for the horse show events.
Laramie 03-31-2019, 11:21 AM Examination of the ticket prices in Tulsa & Wichita:
https://tulsaoilers.com/wp-content/uploads/Tulsa-Oilers-Individual-Ticket-Pricing.jpg
Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/single-game-tickets/
http://www.thetulsavoice.com/images/cache/cache_d/cache_2/cache_c/PackedHousecopy-781bcc2d.jpeg?ver=1537382952&aspectratio=1
BOK Center Ice Hockey capacity: 16,753
https://www.wichitathunder.com/media/images/New%20pics/Individual%20Tickets%2018-19_updated.jpg
Thunder: https://www.wichitathunder.com/
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4f/Intrustbank.jpg/440px-Intrustbank.jpg
Intrust Bank Arena Ice Hockey capacity: 13,168
Appears that both arenas use the lower bowl seating for regular season games.
d-usa 03-31-2019, 11:57 AM I’m not saying that the State Fair should only use State Fair money for State Fair things.
But I think that they should only get MAPS money if they follow Open records Laws to show why MAPS money is needed.
bombermwc 04-01-2019, 07:38 AM This new arena could easily seat 9,350 for basketball (retractable floor & upper deck) and probably 8,250 for ice hockey. It could become the future home for the NBA G-League Oklahoma City Blue as well as a permanent home for an ECHL AA ice hockey franchise. The new SFA will have more use than The Peake.
I definitely think the city could support a real attempt at hockey again. Not just this fake stuff the Blazers are doing right now. But i do not think that we can also support a G-League basketball team. Part of the popularity of the things we have, is because there aren't really other options in town for those things. Just like if we had a MLB team, the Dodgers wouldn't be here (but that's not gonna happen...whole other story). That being said, we have the Myriad still and it's perfectly fine for those games, especially after the renovations. We just need someone to step up to get the team going at that level again. Maybe the Myriad is too expensive for the crowd size, but do we know what the rental on a brand-spankin' new SFA would be? Maybe that situation wouldn't be any better?
I totally agree that the SFA will CONTINUE to be a very busy place. But i dont want to make assumptions on what would be there and artificially inflate the usage possibilities. I also agree that flex seating is important. I can't think of too many arenas that dont have that for that very reason.
Laramie 04-01-2019, 10:41 AM Thunder supports their G-League franchise with a lease at the Cox Convention Center. The crowds probably average less than 500. Probably more of a convenience to have the team in close proximity to view player development. If they wanted to make money off the G-League they would be looking at communities like Enid, Shawnee, Fort Smith, Wichita Falls or Lawton where those cities would benefit from the G-League brand.
Ice hockey IMO will be a challenge and risk. The AA ECHL vs. AAA AHL where OKC wasn't able to establish any rivals. There were potential AHL rivals in NBA cities like San Antonio, Houston, Toronto, Cleveland & Milwaukee.
The AA ECHL should present a better situation with nearby Tulsa & Wichita; cities with past rivalries in driving distance of OKC where fans will be more likely to follow the team.
Rumor: Thunder has complete autonomy over Chesapeake Energy Arena; therefore it wouldn't be in there best interest to share the arena. An ice plant for the rink wouldn't set well. The new SFA may be the potential future for ice-hockey; that's why I don't see a power grab for fans at the new SFA. Another option, Thunder will probably schedule the future G-League games at The Peake once the Cox CC is no longer an option.
baralheia 04-01-2019, 12:20 PM I definitely think the city could support a real attempt at hockey again. Not just this fake stuff the Blazers are doing right now. But i do not think that we can also support a G-League basketball team. Part of the popularity of the things we have, is because there aren't really other options in town for those things. Just like if we had a MLB team, the Dodgers wouldn't be here (but that's not gonna happen...whole other story). That being said, we have the Myriad still and it's perfectly fine for those games, especially after the renovations. We just need someone to step up to get the team going at that level again. Maybe the Myriad is too expensive for the crowd size, but do we know what the rental on a brand-spankin' new SFA would be? Maybe that situation wouldn't be any better?
I totally agree that the SFA will CONTINUE to be a very busy place. But i dont want to make assumptions on what would be there and artificially inflate the usage possibilities. I also agree that flex seating is important. I can't think of too many arenas that dont have that for that very reason.
It's important to remember that once the new convention center opens, the medium-term plan is for the Myriad/Cox Convention Center to go away.
This was a full-page ad in today's Oklahoman. It appears the State Fair Park is using our tax dollars to urge us to spend more tax dollars on the State Fair Park.
Ironically, the 'A Different MAPS' article was just a few pages later.
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/statefair040719a.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/maps040719a.jpg
d-usa 04-07-2019, 08:29 AM That’s enough to make me opposed to them getting included.
5alive 04-07-2019, 08:30 AM +1
jn1780 04-07-2019, 09:49 AM Why dont they show a few charts to show current budget and revenue if their going to spend the time begging for more people.
Quicker 04-07-2019, 12:42 PM As much as Laramie and others have mentioned hockey in relationship to the new arena, I have seen no mention of it in the promotional materials. They mention horse related events, basketball tournaments and ice shows but any mention of hockey is conspicuously absent...
I can’t help but wonder if it’s because it would create too many scheduling conflicts with horse related events ...
Laramie 04-07-2019, 12:57 PM http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/statefair040719a.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/maps040719a.jpg
The State Fair Arena was built in 1963; opened in 1965 (54 years old) for a cost of $2 million. Oklahoma City no longer boast like we did in the 70s of having one of the top ten State Fair's in the country.
If you think for one minute the State Fair Board Trust have a nest egg of money stashed away; it doesn't make sense. Some of you are willing to KILL MAPS because you think the State Fair Board Trust is hiding their financial portfolio--again there's nothing to see.
Kill MAPS over a perceived notion that the SFB Trust is hiding something. You'll lose all of these horse shows, which according to populous have an economic impact of $300 million on our local economy--they will be welcomed in Fort Worth, Tulsa, Enid and other municipalities, and like the NFR you will never get these events back.
By the time you finally build a new arena, like we did with The Peake--the NFR and the horse shows will be gone forever.
5alive 04-07-2019, 01:14 PM A simple fix. If there is nothing being hid, open the books and show us. Do this and the problem is solved.
Laramie 04-07-2019, 01:17 PM As much as Laramie and others have mentioned hockey in relationship to the new arena, I have seen no mention of it in the promotional materials. They mention horse related events, basketball tournaments and ice shows but any mention of hockey is conspicuously absent...
I can’t help but wonder if it’s because it would create too many scheduling conflicts with horse related events ...
You bring up a good question & argument; I don't claim to know. Ice hockey may be done for our city. IMO, if more emphasis was placed on not only replacing the 'Big House' for high school basketball sports; add the ice hockey piece, the new State Fair Arena would gather more support since the Thunder aren't willing to share the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Laramie 04-07-2019, 01:21 PM A simple fix. If there is nothing being hid, open the books and show us. Do this and the problem is solved.
Agree 100%.
Get this over and behind us since so many are willing to make this an issue. However, at this stage of the game--many won't believe what they see. This SFB Trust issue is long overdue--it's divisive and continues to raise more questions.
It never should have played out this long--it's not like you're trying to get Trump's tax returns.
d-usa 04-07-2019, 01:51 PM My understanding is that the State Fair Board gets a lot of money earmarked specifically to the State Fairgrounds: proceeds from events, a portion of the hotel tax, etc.
How much are they getting, where is it going, why aren’t bonds an option for this?
Why the refusal to be open about funding and spending?
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