Gotta chime in here: all of the details have NOT been decided, and that’s a fact. The mayor wasn’t covering for anything. You can believe him or don’t believe him, but he’s telling the truth. He’s honestly being remarkably transparent, considering how close-to-the-vest the Thunder likes to play things, but I would agree if you said that in itself is political strategy in this case.

We are just very fortunate as a community to have true professionals working on both sides of this to put it all together. The City AND the Thunder ownership are both working hard to lock down OKC as the home of this team for another generation. Legacy-securing stuff for a lot of these people.

I would think it would be OKC.

I cannot imagine the Thunder playing anywhere else besides Oklahoma City (assuming they don't pack up their bags and leave). The suburbs aren't big enough and do not have the charm and ambience to handle a major market basketball team like Los Angeles or Dallas could. Hitting the restaurants and bars downtown before the game adds to the experience.

Somewhat off topic, but I think playing a few regular home season games at the BoK would benefit the Thunder. It would allow Tulsans to feel more included.

And while I suport a new arena, I don't think the Paycom is that bad. I have been to other arenas with big market sports teams where the arena was far worse. Paycom is pretty good. But I understand having the Thunder is a tremendous net benefit to this state so I wholeheartedly support a new arena. As a young dad, it is a goal of mine to take my boys to a Thunder game someday.

Up there among the weirdest things I have ever seen typed.

In no way, shape, form, or fashion will that happen, or should it. The Thunder are OKC, not Oklahoma. That benefits only Tulsa, and hurts OKC. No way that will happen. Preseason games? Sure. that happens now. But no regular season game should.

Up there among the weirdest things I have ever seen typed.

In no way, shape, form, or fashion will that happen, or should it. The Thunder are OKC, not Oklahoma. That benefits only Tulsa, and hurts OKC. No way that will happen. Preseason games? Sure. that happens now. But no regular season game should.

To each their own.

Green Bay Packers split home games between Milwaukee and GB for years and you could argue they have one of the greatest fan bases in sports.

But Green Bay hasn’t done that since 1994 and is about the same distance from Milwaukee that Tulsa is to Okc. One team, one state- I was in Tulsa last week and saw lots of Thunder clothing on people. I think the Thunder will be ok just playing regular season games in Okc.

Of course they will be fine.

I just think it would be cool. It's a marketing idea that would differentiate ourselves from every other team in the league. I don't go to Tulsa very often, but I feel the Turnpike really divides the state, and having the Thunder play maybe four games a season there would add some state unity.

I fully own up to the fact this is a highly unpopular opinion, and that's fine. I would love it.

The Spurs did that this past season. Played a couple of games in Austin toward the end. I think it was easier to do that since the Spurs were tanking pretty hard. Now San Antonio is in early talks of getting a new arena downtown.

But I agree, it’d be silly to have a regular season game in Tulsa

To each their own.

Green Bay Packers split home games between Milwaukee and GB for years and you could argue they have one of the greatest fan bases in sports.

Many years ago, the Kings split games between Kansas City and Omaha. No idea what the ratio was but it happened. Then they moved to Sacramento.

I did enjoy Holt’s part of his speech that the arena is being built specifically for basketball with friendly views and sight lines

Tulsa's 2020 MSA listed 1,034,123 residents comparable to the size of Oklahoma City's MSA 1,083,346 in 2000, when we first put in a bid for an NHL franchise in 1997 without an arena.

U.S. Metropolitan Area Population: 1990-2000: http://www.demographia.com/db-usmet2000.htm

Tulsa is in a better situation than Oklahoma City to bid on or lure their own NHL franchise expansion or relocation since their BOK Center is 'arena ready' seats 17,096 for NHL hockey--comparable to many NHL arenas today:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Hockey_League_arenas

Are the Phoenix Coyotes looking for a new home--go get those Coyotes for Oklahoma, Tulsa. Oklahoma City and Tulsa are a dual TV market 1.3 million TV households, we could support the NBA (Oklahoma City) and the NHL (Tulsa). NHL Oklahoma Coyotes...

Also could the state help chip in some funds for the new Oklahoma City arena development--40% of the State's GDP comes from Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area.

I think it would not be wise to get state help with this. This could create undue pressures in certain political climates that I think OKC would best avoid. OKC has been fairly insulated from some of the chaos at 23rd and Lincoln.

The Spurs did that this past season. Played a couple of games in Austin toward the end. I think it was easier to do that since the Spurs were tanking pretty hard. Now San Antonio is in early talks of getting a new arena downtown.

But I agree, it’d be silly to have a regular season game in Tulsa

The Spurs are playing 4 regular season home games away from SA: 2 in Austin, 1 in Monterrey and 1 in Mexico City. Smart move if you ask me to expand their brand to Austin and into Mexico.

I’m fine with having the Thunder preseason game in Tulsa each year. It would be cool to have 1-2 “home” games in Tulsa where the Thunder has a huge fan base but I doubt that happens since the two cities are so close to each other.

I could see Tulsa getting an NHL team. They support the Oilers pretty well

The Spurs are playing 4 regular season home games away from SA: 2 in Austin, 1 in Monterrey and 1 in Mexico City. Smart move if you ask me to expand their brand to Austin and into Mexico.

I’m fine with having the Thunder preseason game in Tulsa each year. It would be cool to have 1-2 “home” games in Tulsa where the Thunder has a huge fan base but I doubt that happens since the two cities are so close to each other.

I have 'no problem' with the Thunder playing an annual NBA preseason game and four home games in Tulsa until the new NBA arena is built, then TBD.

Thunder have a large base of season tickets sold in Tulsa area and have 'sold out' all previous preseason games at the BOK Center.

The franchise average 15,000 last season, so any help with the franchise from Tulsa IMO would be appreciated.

The franchise is state supported reflected in the ownership group and fans throughout the state in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Lawton.

As a Thunder season ticket holder since day one - and a Hornets season ticket holder for two NBA seasons before the Thunder got here - I’ll pass on donating one, much less four, of my home games to another city, thanks.

As a Thunder season ticket holder since day one - and a Hornets season ticket holder for two NBA seasons before the Thunder got here - I’ll pass on donating one, much less four, of my home games to another city, thanks.

Great support for the Hornets and Thunder, I understand why you wear that support with a badge of honor.

As a Thunder season ticket holder since day one - and a Hornets season ticket holder for two NBA seasons before the Thunder got here - I’ll pass on donating one, much less four, of my home games to another city, thanks.

I agree with this and am not a season ticket holder. Okc was the winning city to get the Sonics/Thunder, which does benefit the state as a fan base, but sharing games with another city - no thanks. Playing a game overseas or Mexico, those things don’t bother me as it builds an international awareness, but the Okc Thunder should play in Okc forever. Sorry Tulsa.

Plus, of course, the City and its citizens highly supplement the Thunder through the arena, practice facility and other means.

I would think it would be OKC.

I cannot imagine the Thunder playing anywhere else besides Oklahoma City (assuming they don't pack up their bags and leave). The suburbs aren't big enough and do not have the charm and ambience to handle a major market basketball team like Los Angeles or Dallas could. Hitting the restaurants and bars downtown before the game adds to the experience.

Somewhat off topic, but I think playing a few regular home season games at the BoK would benefit the Thunder. It would allow Tulsans to feel more included.

And while I suport a new arena, I don't think the Paycom is that bad. I have been to other arenas with big market sports teams where the arena was far worse. Paycom is pretty good. But I understand having the Thunder is a tremendous net benefit to this state so I wholeheartedly support a new arena. As a young dad, it is a goal of mine to take my boys to a Thunder game someday.
Holt said Friday on the Animal interview that the location will definitely be downtown OKC.

OKC-TUL probably represents 70% of the State's GDP.

Firm believer that a rising tide lifts both and all ships. Don't mean to get too far off the subject.

Beginning to see more potential developments being targeted for the TULSA. Haven't heard of anything like the possibility of a $2B Disneyland-sized theme park planned for Oklahoma since the news broke in the 70s about Seven Continents multi-million dollar theme park being proposed between OKC and TUL--never came to fruition.

And a $70 million amphitheater for OKC with Tulsa also on the list.

IMO, all for anything that benefits our state--be it Tulsa or Oklahoma City. A 91-mile modern turnpike separates Oklahoma's two largest cities, a modest drive within the state vs. Tulsa to Kansas City (271 miles) or Oklahoma City to Dallas (205 miles).

Interesting read


OKC Thunder new arena should make fanbase rejoice: https://thunderousintentions.com/2023/07/20/okc-thunder-new-arena-fanbase-rejoice/


With the impending vote at the end of 2023, possible stadium renderings should not be far behind. This is an exciting day for Oklahoma City!

Th economics of today's NBA make it more important that a team play all it's home games in their base arena. Until around 1990 a team was a tenant in a city arena and could pick up some needed cash by playing in an area city. Like the Celtics playing a couple three a year in Hartford Connecticut, which was pretty regular IIRC. Nowadays a team is the anchor tenant in a billion dollar public-private partnership, and playing in another town suggests the team is not doing well and the city is losing contractually required dates.

I don't think anyone in Tulsa expects the Thunder to come up here to play. These days it is understood that you go to the team's city/stadium to see them play. The historical examples of teams traveling to different markets are just that - historical. Transportation has never been easier, and the price of tickets has risen so much that it's trivial to spend the money to drive down for a game for those that can still afford it.

Very curious to see what the final bill will be for this proposal and if the economics actually, and not theoretically, work out in OKC's favor. Gosh do people love handing money to sports teams.

Yeah I live in Tulsa but I have the same stance as I did in 2008…unless they’re going to chip in on the cost of the new arena, no regular season games should be played in Tulsa. You don’t have skin in the game…you don’t get games. Hell they can play the whole preseason in Tulsa if they want but as cool as it would be to have a game up the turnpike…there shouldn’t be any regular season games played outside of OKC.

Can't wait to see some renderings and capacity size--especially the exterior and how it blends in with our skyline. From the mayor's address, more seats will be on the lower level with great site lines--so we know this arena will have at least two or possibly more levels.

More important is the understanding that voters will have a voice; much like they did with the Bricktown Ballpark, where they welcomed dialogue and input from the public after releasing several renderings.

The new arena will not be built to accommodate ice hockey. More events like concerts and gymnastics will fill out the calendar where this arena will have a solid booking of events throughout the year.

Kentucky's Rupp Arena is basketball specific . . .


https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTnI2jbnDkzkXzutVLH9WAq1eQl-si8wZ460Q&usqp=CAU https://www.rupparena.com/assets/img/RuppPages_NewUKSeating-thumb2-304215662f.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/www.imegcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wintrust-event-center-at-mccormick-place-atrium-hrz-large-resized-730x478.jpg

https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bc1e33a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+120/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fdb%2F3a46bb594d a2a5a47fdd077d653d%2Frupp-arena.jpg
Would favor an exterior than blends more with our current convention center complex.
https://youngcaruso.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Young-Caruso-Denver-Food-Service-Consultants-little-caesars-arena-players-club-detroit-16-600x400.jpg
Food service and bar designs

rupp is an old outdated arena .... the new okc arena will be nothing like it

Rupp is a terrible arena aside the fact that it has an orange julius stand

rupp is an old outdated arena .... the new okc arena will be nothing like it

Give us your examples of what would be idea for the new Oklahoma City arena development. Your time to shine Boulder Sooner, , ,

Fiserv Forum, Fiserv Forum, and Fiserv Forum.

We are not going to take any design inspiration from an arena that opened in 1976 and has zero luxury suites.

Fiserv Forum, Fiserv Forum, and Fiserv Forum.

We are not going to take any design inspiration from an arena that opened in 1976 and has zero luxury suites.

Agree on Fiserv Forum . . .

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Milwaukee_July_2022_022_%28Fiserv_Forum%29.jpg/250px-Milwaukee_July_2022_022_%28Fiserv_Forum%29.jpg https://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/TWCNews/screen_shot_2019-04-19at40125pmpng

Fiserv Forum, Fiserv Forum, and Fiserv Forum.

We are not going to take any design inspiration from an arena that opened in 1976 and has zero luxury suites.

Exactly. FiServ Forum x Moody Center with a tribal/super cell thunderstorm twist.

rupp is an old outdated arena .... the new okc arena will be nothing like it

Rupp has had a couple renovations in the last 5 years, so maybe not outdated as one would think.

Exactly. FiServ Forum x Moody Center with a tribal/super cell thunderstorm twist.

Damit dude, you're speaking my language.

https://w0.peakpx.com/wallpaper/726/460/HD-wallpaper-moody-center-texas-longhorns-basketball-arena-austin-texas-university-of-texas-at-austin-basketball-usa.jpg
There are more than 44 suites — created with Matthew McConaughey's design influence — and nearly 2,000 club seats, three premium clubs, 57 loge boxes and one super VIP club: the Moët & Chandon Impérial

Good example, thanks for sharing . . . Love It!

I've always liked Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, built in 2017, and feel like something similar would fit in well on the Cox site

https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612765/2021/10/little_caesars_arena_aerial.jpg
https://brinkergroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LCA-0002.jpg

Imagine this all in blue/orange
https://detroitsports.org/images/2022/7/6/LCA_behind_basket.jpg

Rupp has had a couple renovations in the last 5 years, so maybe not outdated as one would think.



Agree, looking more at the sight lines, closeness to the court and concession options. Also the fact that OKC will have the NBA's first 'basketball specific arena.'

I get that these basketball-specific arenas are more in line with what we want, but my question is, how does this work for other uses, i.e. concerts? That is part of the package they are selling. By the way, I'm already a supporter of OKC getting a new arena, so not a detractor, just curious.

I've always liked Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, built in 2017, and feel like something similar would fit in well on the Cox site

https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612765/2021/10/little_caesars_arena_aerial.jpg
https://brinkergroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LCA-0002.jpg

Imagine this all in blue/orange
https://detroitsports.org/images/2022/7/6/LCA_behind_basket.jpg

Love this arena's adjustable layout, and the 'blue and orange' imagery--my imagination is there, you knocked this out-of-the park. Thanks for sharing BG918.

Agree, looking more at the sight lines, closeness to the court and concession options. Also the fact that OKC will have the NBA's first 'basketball specific arena.'

Who said that OKC will have the “NBA’s first basketball specific arena”? We have one of the last two arenas that were built without a pro tenant in any sport…it would be hard to believe that none of the other 27 arenas weren’t built specifically for basketball…especially when several only have NBA tenants.

Who said that OKC will have the “NBA’s first basketball specific arena”? We have one of the last two arenas that were built without a pro tenant in any sport…it would be hard to believe that none of the other 27 arenas weren’t built specifically for basketball…especially when several only have NBA tenants.

IDK of any NBA arena that can't be used for Ice hockey--despite having only NBA tenants, if you can tell me which ones. . . I need to know.

Mayor Holt said that the new arena would be 'unlike Paycom Center', took that to mean can't be used of NHL regulation hockey.

Little Caesar's in Detroit seems to have the flexibility to appear more 'basketball specific.' Most important of all, this arena will keep the Thunder in OKC for a least for at least the next 20 years.

I imagine the blueprint is closer to what the Clippers are doing https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34453169/how-2-billion-futuristic-sports-palace-aid-clippers-battle-la-hoops

Agree, looking more at the sight lines, closeness to the court and concession options. Also the fact that OKC will have the NBA's first 'basketball specific arena.'

lol no okc will not have the first "basketball specific" arena ... ... lots of arenas have been built with basketball first in mind ..


but just like all of those it will not be at the expense of hosting all of the other events that come to a major arena ..

this will still be a multi purpose arena .. period .

Mayor Holt said that the new arena would be 'unlike Paycom Center', took that to mean can't be used of NHL regulation hockey.

you took it wrong

you took it wrong

Not that it matters because the NHL is not expanding past 32 teams anytime soon and I would bet that Houston, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Quebec City are all ahead of OKC in terms of relocation priority, but it very well might not be a suitable arena for hockey if it's built specifically with basketball sightlines in mind. That's why the Islanders moved out of the Barclays Center almost as soon as they moved in, and also a large part of the reason why the Coyotes are currently playing in ASU's 5,000 seat arena rather than the Footprint Center.

Who's to know what opportunities will arise in the next 25 or 30 years, which is what they are obviously planning for, in expectation of perhaps a 25 year lease from the Thunder. What I mean is that stranger things can happen (and have...think of how OKC got the Hornets, which led to getting the Thunder) when it comes to the possibility of OKC getting an NHL team. Who knows what this city OR the NHL will look like in 15-20 years.

Not that I'm particularly anxious to get the NHL (I think the city should have more population and wealth before adding another major league team). But I will bet everything I own that this building will be designed and built with THE ABILITY to host a major league hockey franchise, should the opportunity arise and make sense.

"Basketball-specific," as the mayor clearly intended it, means only that it will be designed first and foremost to maximize the basketball experience for fans and for the team. It won't preclude or compromise other uses.

Who's to know what opportunities will arise in the next 25 or 30 years, which is what they are obviously planning for, in expectation of perhaps a 25 year lease from the Thunder. What I mean is that stranger things can happen (and have...think of how OKC got the Hornets, which led to getting the Thunder) when it comes to the possibility of OKC getting an NHL team. Who knows what this city OR the NHL will look like in 15-20 years.

Not that I'm particularly anxious to get the NHL (I think the city should have more population and wealth before adding another major league team). But I will bet everything I own that this building will be designed and built with THE ABILITY to host a major league hockey franchise, should the opportunity arise and make sense.

"Basketball-specific," as the mayor clearly intended it, means only that it will be designed first and foremost to maximize the basketball experience for fans and for the team. It won't preclude or compromise other uses.

all of this

Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse was designed primarily for basketball as well.

Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse was designed primarily for basketball as well.

My Badd, so true, I missed that one . . . An ice hockey game will never be played there.

Construction cost: US ($183 million) (US $321 million in 2022 dollars - opened in 1999.

We're going to have one 'hell of an arena' at 1 billion dollars.

My Badd, so true, I missed that one . . . An ice hockey game will never be played there.

Construction cost: US$183 million) (US$321 million in 2022 dollars

We're going to have one 'hell of an arena' at 1 billion dollars.

it was built with the ability to have a FULL sized NHL ice rink ..

it was built with the ability to have a FULL sized NHL ice rink ..

"As such, unlike most other North American sports arenas, it was designed primarily for basketball. The arena can accommodate an NHL-sized rink, but the ice hockey seating capacity is reduced to 12,300 in an asymmetrical configuration."

Learning something new daily--by the hours.

I just saw this on YouTube. Nothing really new but still kinda interesting to see what people outside OKC are talking about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uezIsYZUxS4

I just saw this on YouTube. Nothing really new but still kinda interesting to see what people outside OKC are talking about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uezIsYZUxS4

Man something about that dudes voice or accent or something is really annoying lol

Man something about that dudes voice or accent or something is really annoying lol

I lasted 2 min and couldn’t take it anymore

Man something about that dudes voice or accent or something is really annoying lol
Or what about the kind of people that make YouTube videos and always in their sentence like they’re asking a question? I cannot stand that crap.

Who said that OKC will have the “NBA’s first basketball specific arena”? We have one of the last two arenas that were built without a pro tenant in any sport…it would be hard to believe that none of the other 27 arenas weren’t built specifically for basketball…especially when several only have NBA tenants.

It would not even be the first in the Thunder/SuperSonics franchise, plus having a max basketball court footprint had issues for Seattle before and after the move

I've always liked Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, built in 2017, and feel like something similar would fit in well on the Cox site

https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612765/2021/10/little_caesars_arena_aerial.jpg
https://brinkergroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LCA-0002.jpg

Imagine this all in blue/orange
https://detroitsports.org/images/2022/7/6/LCA_behind_basket.jpg

I went a few years ago for a Red Wings game. It’s an excellent building, if this one comes close to it I’d be thrilled.

Just a note: OKC is currently the 46th-largest TV market per Nielsen. The smallest market with both an NHL team and an NBA team is #18 Miami. There's a reason most of the cities from #20-50 -- St. Louis, Indianapolis, Charlotte, SLC, Portland, OKC, etc. -- have one but not the other. It takes a huge amount of people to support two simultaneous major league seasons, since you now have 82 home games across the two leagues instead of 41 (not to mention merch sales, etc.).

I like the user of brick in the Little Ceasars arena. I agree that continuing that would be a nice fit in OKC with Bricktown so close. That design is a little more timeless and stands up to changes in designs. I mean the Paycom was designed in the early-mid 90s but it's been flexible enough to make changes without looking like Baptist Hospital with style changes that can come over the years.

There are some really cool facilities out there like in Atlanta or even the BOK center. But flexibility is not their strong point. If you need to add on to those organic shapes, it's going to look only like a weird add-on that doesn't seamlessly meld.

I expect to see more boxes/louge, etc in the new arena, upping that higher end ticket experience. And changing how those multiple decks are lined out (size, placement etc)

Just a note: OKC is currently the 46th-largest TV market per Nielsen. The smallest market with both an NHL team and an NBA team is #18 Miami. There's a reason most of the cities from #20-50 -- St. Louis, Indianapolis, Charlotte, SLC, Portland, OKC, etc. -- have one but not the other. It takes a huge amount of people to support two simultaneous major league seasons, since you now have 82 home games across the two leagues instead of 41 (not to mention merch sales, etc.).

This is a really good point, thanks for posting.

Just a note: OKC is currently the 46th-largest TV market per Nielsen. The smallest market with both an NHL team and an NBA team is #18 Miami. There's a reason most of the cities from #20-50 -- St. Louis, Indianapolis, Charlotte, SLC, Portland, OKC, etc. -- have one but not the other. It takes a huge amount of people to support two simultaneous major league seasons, since you now have 82 home games across the two leagues instead of 41 (not to mention merch sales, etc.).

It’s especially difficult to support two major league teams with overlapping seasons. I think the NBA eliminated us from NHL candidacy for a long time…probably forever but you never know. Tulsa might have a shot but why would you put it there over any number of other larger cities (unless someone bought a team and moved it of course).

I don't think we ever get the NHL just like Nashville probably never gets the NBA.

I'd rather have the NBA anyway.