Thunder ranks 7th in international fan base
https://kfor.com/news/local/which-nba-teams-have-the-most-international-fans/

^ ^ ^

Good news among small markets under 2 million MSA where OKC (42th) is 4th smallest MSA market ahead of Memphis (44th), Salt Lake City (46th) and New Orleans (47th).

Oklahoma City and Memphis are similar sized MSA markets both with NBA franchises: OKC - Supersonics were in Seattle and Grizzlies were in Vancouver B.C. - Pacific Northwest Region from very reputable markets.

Memphis, Shelby County could pay Memphis Grizzlies $44.8 million as part of a reworked lease: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2022/04/11/memphis-grizzlies-rework-lease-fedexforum-city-memphis-shelby-county/7209105001/

Memphis Fedex Forum: Construction cost: U.S. $250 million ($387 million in 2022 dollars.

Interesting stuff in Kansas City revealing two different location options for a potential stadium development https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-08-22/the-royals-previewed-what-a-new-stadium-might-look-like-now-they-need-to-decide-where-to-put-it

Interesting stuff in Kansas City revealing two different location options for a potential stadium development https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-08-22/the-royals-previewed-what-a-new-stadium-might-look-like-now-they-need-to-decide-where-to-put-it

Those are both interesting but I think the East Village option is much better (not that my opinion matters at all). At least by the visuals there seems to be much less opportunity for them to shove a bunch of surface parking into the surrounding area.

Interesting stuff in Kansas City revealing two different location options for a potential stadium development https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-08-22/the-royals-previewed-what-a-new-stadium-might-look-like-now-they-need-to-decide-where-to-put-it

Wow, ownership ponying up at least $1b

Guess the Thunder aren't magnanimous enough, and we need to tell them to pound sand to Louisville or back to Seattle, or Austin, or KC (most likely). You got them.

Wow, ownership ponying up at least $1b

A billion dollars from the public and that is what you take away from the article? A dedicated 3/8 cent sales tax that they already get, yet they want it extended forever, and that is what you take away from the article?

You know PoliSciGuy is preoccupied to jump, as he takes every single available opportunity he can to push his agenda that Thunder should pay for the new Oklahoma City arena.

Louisville is similar in size and population would love to be in Memphis and Oklahoma City's position.


Louisville GDP - 48 MSA (45th) 1,284,553, City 624,444 - Lost MSA and City population in the last census.
Memphis GDP 47 - MSA (44th) 1,332,305, City 621,056 - Lost MSA and City population in the last census.
Oklahoma City GDP 46 - MSA (42nd) 1,459,380, City 694,800 - Gained MSA and City population in the last census.
Kansas City GDP 33 - MSA (31st) 2,209,494, City 509,297 - Gained MSA and City population in the last census.


List of U.S. metropolitan areas by GDP: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._metropolitan_areas_by_GDP
Metropolitan statistical area: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_statistical_area
List of United States cities by population: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population

How many of the 30 NBA ownership/groups, own the NBA arenas they play in...

Finding out who owns every NBA arena: https://www.reddit.com/r/nbadiscussion/comments/k5jymy/finding_out_who_owns_every_nba_arena/

.

.

Incredible how a simple observation from an article *someone else posted* somehow caused you all to make bad faith assumptions and arguments about me. Y'all really need to stop being so defensive.

Incredible how a simple observation from an article *someone else posted* somehow caused you all to make bad faith assumptions and arguments about me. Y'all really need to stop being so defensive.

Which article, and who posted, please be specific . . .

As far as anyone being defensive, many postings about a new arena have been positive. Voters will have an opportunity to give a thumbs up or down to this development project.

I literally quoted the post (https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=47184&p=1242128#post1242128), which contained the link, when I commented. Read up man.

Let's continue with the discussion, to my observation we'll just have to agree to disagree. Most posters IMO know our current arena is inadequate for the long-term viability of hosting an NBA franchise.

This is Oklahoma City & Oklahoma's NBA team supported by the corporations, ownership and the fans.

Our current arena needs to be replaced with something more State-of-the art comparable to Milwaukee's $524 million Fiserv Forum and San Francisco's $1.4 billion Chase Center. Time to invest is now, let's go big and build an arena that will last for the next five decades or longer with minimum upgrades.

Want to see an arena with eye appeal of T-Mobile (formerly Sprint Center) in Kansas City and more impressive than Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

I agree that Fiserv and Chase are good comparisons and stadia we should be shooting for. The Bucks covered half the cost of Fiserv and the Warrior ownership covered 100% of the Chase Center.

I agree that FIserv and Chase are good comparisons and stadia we should be shooting for. The Bucks covered half the cost of Fiserv and the Warrior ownership covered 100% of the Chase Center.

Chase may be a good comparison for what we want in an arena but the Bay Area and the Golden State Warriors are not good comparisons to OKC and the Thunder. Fiserv and the Bucks are a better one but it's still a city with another professional franchise competing for tax dollars.

Chase may be a good comparison for what we want in an arena but the Bay Area and the Golden State Warriors are not good comparisons to OKC and the Thunder. Fiserv and the Bucks are a better one but it's still a city with another professional franchise competing for tax dollars.

Fair points, though the Brewers have a tough road ahead of them in trying to get a massive taxpayer handout (https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/brewers-may-threaten-to-leave-milwaukee-if-wisconsin-taxpayers-wont-fund-stadium-upgrades-per-report/) to update Miller Park

American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) broke ground, November 9, 1996 opened 2001 at a cost of $400 million = $661 million in 2022 dollars. The stadium has a retractable roof:


https://thisgreatgame.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/aff-main.jpg


https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRquCXtF4WZDGNuKHcD41w-uQjqQIyDRUgMCGhw8M3-kPdCknZvakDX-oBlQWfdNl_5-Ds&usqp=CAU

Beautiful ballpark with plenty of sky and light.

BTW: A public taxpayer funded venue.

American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) broke ground, November 9, 1996 opened 2001 at a cost of $400 million = $661 million in 2022 dollars. The stadium has a retractable roof:


https://thisgreatgame.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/aff-main.jpg


https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRquCXtF4WZDGNuKHcD41w-uQjqQIyDRUgMCGhw8M3-kPdCknZvakDX-oBlQWfdNl_5-Ds&usqp=CAU

Beautiful ballpark with plenty of sky and light.

BTW: A public taxpayer funded venue.



That's a pretty interesting progression, though, that Milwaukee paid for 100% of Miller Park in 1996 but then managed to have sufficient leverage -- as a proper Big League City -- such that the Bucks chipped in 200MM to construct the FiServ Forum.

Let's continue with the discussion, to my observation we'll just have to agree to disagree. Most posters IMO know our current arena is inadequate for the long-term viability of hosting an NBA franchise.

This is Oklahoma City & Oklahoma's NBA team supported by the corporations, ownership and the fans.

Our current arena needs to be replaced with something more State-of-the art comparable to Milwaukee's $524 million Fiserv Forum and San Francisco's $1.4 billion Chase Center. Time to invest is now, let's go big and build an arena that will last for the next five decades or longer with minimum upgrades.

Want to see an arena with eye appeal of T-Mobile (formerly Sprint Center) in Kansas City and more impressive than Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

In that case a more “classic” design would be better like AA in Dallas, Little Caesar’s in Detroit or Nationwide in Columbus. The most important thing IMO is that this isn’t just an arena but includes mixed-use retail/restaurant space along the ground floor.

https://www.nationwidearena.com/assets/img/Arena-District_venue-at-night_HOME-PAGE-9b3728ab6a.jpg

FiServ might be the prime example of how inane, and insane, discussions of owner contributions are.

From what I read FiServ Forum cost $500 million, $600 million, or even $1.2 billion. Bucks ownership contributed anywhere from 50% to 17% of the total cost. The Bucks contribution was intertwined with the sale of the team.

Lifelong Milwaukee resident US Senator Herb Kohl was the owner of the Bucks for over 25 years when he sold in 2013. It was reported the team sold for $550 million. Kohl paid $15 million for the team in 1984. He contributed $100 million to the arena deal. I’m guessing that amount would have gone to capital gains tax, so there was a mutual benefit to Kohl and the citizens of Milwaukee.

Wes Edens and Marc Lasry were the buyers of the Bucks in 2013, and reportedly contributed $100 million for arena construction. In the last ten years they got the arena built, drafted Giannis, won the title, Lasry’s son ran for the US Senate from Wisconsin, and Lasry sold his 25% interest in the Bucks to Jimmy and Dee Haslam for $850 million-ish.

Who is the philanthropist? Who is the great, civic leader? Who is the carpetbagger? All? One? None?

I recall someone here, or on social media, was speculating that we'd have renderings of what the arena could look like when the proposal was announced and prior to the vote. Mayor Holt seems to have cleared that speculation up by way of a recent reply on Twitter.

As I understand it, we'll be voting on the tax package based only on $$$, with renderings to come if it is passed. Makes sense that the City can't/won't spend on getting renderings before it's even passed. Bummed though, as I had somehow gotten it into my head that end of August/early September we'd learn what the future could hold.

.

Just by the mayor's reaction in 2023 State of the City Address, got the impression the City and the ownership group are much further along with this development.

We should see sometime in September-November renderings--maybe several exterior designs to choose from of an impressive State-of-the-art nearly billion dollar arena on the PSM four square super block site.


https://www.wave3.com/resizer/IPCZIhx15iksVj1e1di4Qkca6Aw=/arc-photo-gray/arc3-prod/public/CY3MOI72QFFVNMRVWFW7T3DXMI.jpg
________Placeholder for new Oklahoma City billion dollar arena.

https://seatgeek.com/images/performers-landscape/louisville-cardinals-basketball-682b47/4040/600x450.jpg

Since one of the owner's bank (Mid-First) may be involved with funding to allow the new arena early
construction with a loan, the arena probably won't follow the previous debt-free sales tax collection patterns used with MAPS funding. Once the new arena is approved by voters, look for construction to begin.

Expect the new arena to seat somewhere in the 18,000 - 18,500 seating capacity, exceeding 725,000 total square footage.

It sounds like both sides understand that $75M just isn’t going to cut it.

That might have worked in 2015 or so, but $75M might as well be $0 given what things cost to build in 2023.

I recall someone here, or on social media, was speculating that we'd have renderings of what the arena could look like when the proposal was announced and prior to the vote. Mayor Holt seems to have cleared that speculation up by way of a recent reply on Twitter.

As I understand it, we'll be voting on the tax package based only on $$$, with renderings to come if it is passed. Makes sense that the City can't/won't spend on getting renderings before it's even passed. Bummed though, as I had somehow gotten it into my head that end of August/early September we'd learn what the future could hold.

Interesting. You’d think that seeing the renderings before could influence voting in a positive way.

Maybe they’ll “leak” to get feedback

.

Just by the mayor's reaction in 2023 State of the City Address, got the impression the City and the ownership group are much further along with this development.

We should see sometime in September-November renderings--maybe several exterior designs to choose from of an impressive State-of-the-art nearly billion dollar arena on the PSM four square super block site.


https://www.wave3.com/resizer/IPCZIhx15iksVj1e1di4Qkca6Aw=/arc-photo-gray/arc3-prod/public/CY3MOI72QFFVNMRVWFW7T3DXMI.jpg
________Placeholder for new Oklahoma City billion dollar arena.

https://seatgeek.com/images/performers-landscape/louisville-cardinals-basketball-682b47/4040/600x450.jpg

Since one of the owner's bank (Mid-First) may be involved with funding to allow the new arena early
construction with a loan, the arena probably won't follow the previous debt-free sales tax collection patterns used with MAPS funding. Once the new arena is approved by voters, look for construction to begin.

Expect the new arena to seat somewhere in the 18,000 - 18,500 seating capacity, exceeding 725,000 total square footage.

No, the mayor quite literally said that “process unfolds after the commitment is made to proceed by the voters.”

I don’t think we should keep circulating rumors of renderings- unless someone knows something I don’t know.

Plans alone will cost millions of dollars. Right now there is zero budget to create said plans. Even once this measure (hopefully) passes, there will be no tax funds collected until after MAPS 4 collections end (2028).

Moving forward quickly will require debt, which is one of the reasons this effort will not be called MAPS; the entire MAPS brand is built around pay-as-you-go, debt-free projects.

The only way they will be able to move forward on the desired timeline (move-in prior to 2030) will be to associate significant debt with the project, and NOBODY is going to take on debt before the measure passes, ESPECIALLY the City of Oklahoma City. Not to mention the site has not even been fully determined yet (true, regardless of what someone following along on the Internet might think).

You might see a placeholder conceptual in marketing materials, but similarly to the ones shown in the lead up to the original MAPS and the construction of what is now Paycom, the marketing conceptual will bear little or no resemblance to the finished product.

When they mayor says most of this will only begin to unfold once the measure passes, believe him.

No, the mayor quite literally said that “process unfolds after the commitment is made to proceed by the voters.”

I don’t think we should keep circulating rumors of renderings- unless someone knows something I don’t know.

We all are clueless about any information or renderings.

“process unfolds after the commitment is made to proceed by the voters.” --True statement

Used Louisville's (similar in OKC's MSA size) KFC 'Yum' Arena since it was designed specifically to lure NBA Basketball; also shared interest with University of Louisville and concerts.

Louisville hosted the ABA Kentucky Colonels before the NBA-ABA merger. They wanted an NBA franchise decades before OKC. Louisville offered the Hornets Freedom Hall (Fairgrounds) after Katrina, our new DT arena was offered to Hornets' owner George Shinn. OKC exceeded the 12,500 fan break even mark with a whopping 18,168 average the first year of temporary relocation---Shinn inquired about a permanent move to Oklahoma City.

Don't recall any MAPS projects, beginning with our first (Bricktown Ballpark) where you didn't see some kind of renderings before the vote. Recall seeing the Bricktown Ballpark presented to the council with an upper deck (One the council selected) and one with mostly suites in the upper deck.

BTW, Holt put $70 million earmarked for Paycom Center on 'pause' to go toward the new NBA arena. Anyone think that money can't be used toward architectural designs... You're not going to sell a near billion dollar arena to the voters without some kind of specs, designs or renderings. This will be the largest single MAPS development project (future collections will be used to pay off loan) our city has ever seen.

Also, the ownership's commitment, could some of those funds be advanced for architectural designs before the vote. It's in the ownership's interest for this to pass; the arena could cost $750 million to $1 billion--group visited Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum ($524 million), you bet OKC wants to exceed those specifications. Don't recall any budget with a figure or arena price tag.

Pete commented about the ownership chipping in $70 million which turned out to be $75 million--his comment was based on a creditable source. That $75 million probably represent 10% of what the arena's budget will be: $750 million.

He also cleared the misinformation (Oklahoman published) about the PSM lease agreement. City needs to get this agreement off the books.

Don't see a $1 billion arena development unless there is more planned than the arena itself.


https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/07/15/NOKL/6ebd2483-62f2-42db-8093-dc958e31865b-arena_locations2-01.jpg?width=660&height=497&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

The PSM 4-square block site is (IMO) the most logical and economical choice for a new arena; since the city already owns this land. Parking underneath will need to be rebuilt or restructured and reinforced once PSM is demolished.

Meanwhile: The Bod Howard parcel continues to inflate its value as a result of its location as land values in DT OKC continues to rise.

Plans alone will cost millions of dollars. Right now there is zero budget to create said plans. Even once this measure (hopefully) passes, there will be no tax funds collected until after MAPS 4 collections end (2028).

Moving forward quickly will require debt, which is one of the reasons this effort will not be called MAPS; the entire MAPS brand is built around pay-as-you-go, debt-free projects.

The only way they will be able to move forward on the desired timeline (move-in prior to 2030) will be to associate significant debt with the project, and NOBODY is going to take on debt before the measure passes, ESPECIALLY the City of Oklahoma City. Not to mention the site has not even been fully determined yet (true, regardless of what someone following along on the Internet might think).

You might see a placeholder conceptual in marketing materials, but similarly to the ones shown in the lead up to the original MAPS and the construction of what is now Paycom, the marketing conceptual will bear little or no resemblance to the finished product.

When they mayor says most of this will only begin to unfold once the measure passes, believe him.

This is disappointing to read. No one expects to have fully developed construction plans but if the whole pitch is "give us a billion dollars and will tell what we're doing with it later" then it gives me pause. And I'm a die-hard Thunder fan who wants this to happen more than most. But it makes me leery that they won't give us any details about the project before asking us to vote. That's a BIG ask imo.

I recall the MAPS 3 marketing before the vote had plenty of imagery. I don't think anyone is saying we'll have detailed floor plans with electrical and duct work laid out, but a "rendering" with general massing and points about what they anticipate being available by 2030(ish) along with some broad idea of what a budget might look like...all of that has historical precedent, right?

I recall the MAPS 3 marketing before the vote had plenty of imagery. I don't think anyone is saying we'll have detailed floor plans with electrical and duct work laid out, but a "rendering" with general massing and points about what they anticipate being available by 2030(ish) along with some broad idea of what a budget might look like...all of that has historical precedent, right?

The difference between $650 or $750 million and $1 billion is MASSIVE. So why not wait until you know how much money you will truly have before putting out something grand, then not being able to fund it? Or putting out something on the low end, and upsetting people by not being too grand? Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

I recall the MAPS 3 marketing before the vote had plenty of imagery. I don't think anyone is saying we'll have detailed floor plans with electrical and duct work laid out, but a "rendering" with general massing and points about what they anticipate being available by 2030(ish) along with some broad idea of what a budget might look like...all of that has historical precedent, right?

My memory says yes. All the MAPS projects, dating back to 30 years, have closely resembled what the initial renderings/images looked like. The current arena when it was pushed to "Finish MAPS right" campaign was very close to what we got with the original Ford Center in 2002.

Pete commented about the ownership chipping in $70 million which turned out to be $75 million--his comment was based on a creditable source. That $75 million probably represent 10% of what the arena's budget will be: $750 million.

He also cleared the misinformation (Oklahoman published) about the PSM lease agreement. City needs to get this agreement off the books.

Don't see a $1 billion arena development unless there is more planned than the arena itself.


https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/07/15/NOKL/6ebd2483-62f2-42db-8093-dc958e31865b-arena_locations2-01.jpg?width=660&height=497&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

The PSM 4-square block site is (IMO) the most logical and economical choice for a new arena; since the city already owns this land. Parking underneath will need to be rebuilt or restructured and reinforced once PSM is demolished.

Meanwhile: The Bod Howard parcel continues to inflate its value as a result of its location as land values in DT OKC continues to rise.

Glad to see a lower overall dollar investment (and thus a slightly higher percentage investment from the team). We should be able to still build a top of the line arena for $750m.

Glad to see a lower overall dollar investment (and thus a slightly higher percentage investment from the team). We should be able to still build a top of the line arena for $750m.

If the City and the Thunder ownership agreed to a $750 million arena, you would vote for it?

Factoring in inflation/loan interest rate, OKC could build something comparable or better than Milwaukee's
Fiserv Forum on city owned land.

Get the loan details, plans and renderings before the public, a $750 million arena will easily pass an extension
vote of MAPS 4.

If the City and the Thunder ownership agreed to a $750 million arena, you would vote for it?

Factoring in inflation/loan interest rate, OKC could build something comparable or better than Milwaukee's
Fiserv Forum on city owned land.

Get the loan details, plans and renderings before the public, a $750 million arena will easily pass an extension
vote of MAPS 4.

Fiserv cost $1.2B in 2016. Given the increases in labor and materials, a similar facility would cost $1.4B or more.

ETA: I'm thinking someone jacked with Wikipedia. Lots of other sources saying it was ~$525MM.

Fiserv cost $1.2B in 2016. Given the increases in labor and materials, a similar facility would cost $1.4B or more.

ETA: I'm thinking someone jacked with Wikipedia. Lots of other sources saying it was ~$525MM.

Did they jack all of the local newspaper coverage too???

https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/2021/07/28/clear-eyed-public-investment-milwaukee-bucks-helped-net-nba-title/5384338001/

"The Fiserv Forum cost $524 million — $250 million from taxpayers in various forms, $174 million from the team’s owners and $100 million from former Sen. Herb Kohl"

Fiserv cost $1.2B in 2016. Given the increases in labor and materials, a similar facility would cost $1.4B or more.

ETA: I'm thinking someone jacked with Wikipedia. Lots of other sources saying it was ~$525MM.

Yeah no way Fiserv was over $1B. Maybe including the surrounding Deer District

Insider Business

https://i.insider.com/5b9174092be4abc20e8b515d?width=600&format=jpeg&auto=webp

Bucks president Peter Feigin, who helped head the project, spoke with Business Insider about the
$524 million arena, the club suites, food options, design features, and surrounding plaza, which will
have a brewery, beer garden, sports bar, residential space, and more.

Link: https://www.businessinsider.com/bucks-new-arena-fiserv-forum-photos-2018-9#fiserv-forum-had-its-official-opening-on-august-26-2

You will probably see a new arena in the $675 - $750 million range, it will probably blend in more with
the new convention center and Omni Hotel complex. The glass facade seems to be a main feature of
the Milwaukee and Louisville arenas.

From the Milwaukee newspaper:

The Fiserv Forum cost $524 million — $250 million from taxpayers in various forms, $174 million from the team’s owners and $100 million from former Sen. Herb Kohl, who saved the team from leaving Milwaukee not once but twice

Arena race: San Antonio, Oklahoma City, New Orleans & Las Vegas.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njgv7E_jVYQ
Sounds, familiar . . .

Thought this article about the 76ers new arena was interesting:

Plans are coming more into focus for a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers, with added commitment to the city and an updated design intended to alleviate concerns about impact the project would have on the community.

The $1.3 billion development includes and investment of $250 million toward housing units, the inclusion of minority-owned business in arena development and operations and raising the event floor to alleviate concerns of interference with operations or the major transit hub that would sit below the arena.

https://news.pollstar.com/2023/09/08/76ers-upping-the-game-with-arena-plans/

Thought this article about the 76ers new arena was interesting:

Plans are coming more into focus for a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers, with added commitment to the city and an updated design intended to alleviate concerns about impact the project would have on the community.

The $1.3 billion development includes and investment of $250 million toward housing units, the inclusion of minority-owned business in arena development and operations and raising the event floor to alleviate concerns of interference with operations or the major transit hub that would sit below the arena.

https://news.pollstar.com/2023/09/08/76ers-upping-the-game-with-arena-plans/

The benefits of having more people-friendly owners than OKC's team. OKC's owners, aside from Kaiser, have shown minimal public good concerns towards those less fortunate, aside from likely the occasional donation to an NFP.

The benefits of having more people-friendly owners than OKC's team. OKC's owners, aside from Kaiser, have shown minimal public good concerns towards those less fortunate, aside from likely the occasional donation to an NFP.

that is laughable

The benefits of having more people-friendly owners than OKC's team. OKC's owners, aside from Kaiser, have shown minimal public good concerns towards those less fortunate, aside from likely the occasional donation to an NFP.

The Gaylord family and foundations have donated MILLIONS to charities and other public projects. Clay Bennet married a Gaylord daughter. How about University of Oklahoma Gaylord Family stadium ?

How about the Jimmy Everest Cancer Center. The list is a long one.

The Gaylord family and foundations have donated MILLIONS to charities and other public projects. Clay Bennet married a Gaylord daughter. How about University of Oklahoma Gaylord Family stadium ?

How about the Jimmy Everest Cancer Center. The list is a long one.

So the Gaylord family has done a lot, what has Bennett done other than marrying their daughter?

So the Gaylord family has done a lot, what has Bennett done other than marrying their daughter?

This snarky remark only shows you have no idea or no desire to have an idea of who Clay really is.

So the Gaylord family has done a lot, what has Bennett done other than marrying their daughter?

Yikes!

This snarky remark only shows you have no idea or no desire to have an idea of who Clay really is.

Actually I am very curious! It's a genuine question - I am unfamiliar with his philanthropy and would like to know more about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkqQGIjSRJE

Oklahoma reporting that the new arena plan will come before City Council no later than Oct.10th, because they have to approve at least 60 days before the Dec. 12th public vote date:

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/09/09/okc-thunder-arena-proposal-councilmembers-voice-concerns/70798180007/

Interesting to see another council member cite Milwaukee as a model. Wonder if the community and team outlays will be similar.

Interesting to see another council member cite Milwaukee as a model. Wonder if the community and team outlays will be similar.

I think the reference to that deal primarily concerns the “community benefits” aspect. In addition to committing capital, the Bucks ownership group agreed to a FiServ arena minimum wage and preferential treatment of female/minority contractors in the construction and operation of the facility. Whether those terms would be viable here is, imo, an open question.

So the Gaylord family has done a lot, what has Bennett done other than marrying their daughter?

Check him out, his family has their own money.

Interesting to see another council member cite Milwaukee as a model. Wonder if the community and team outlays will be similar.

I would be very surprised if the structure of the deal in OKC isn't almost exactly like the numbers shown in the recent survey.

The Gaylord family and foundations have donated MILLIONS to charities and other public projects. Clay Bennet married a Gaylord daughter. How about University of Oklahoma Gaylord Family stadium ?

How about the Jimmy Everest Cancer Center. The list is a long one.

This tells us nothing. Correlation does not equal causation. A + B does not equal AB; it equals C. Bennett + Gaylord does not mean that Bennett gets credit for what the Gaylords have done. What has BENNETT done?

I will 100% vote yes on this, no matter what. Just seems weird that we have other NBA cities having $1.5 billion private arenas, and OKC's owners are putting in less that 10%. I am not saying I agree with PoliSci that we need to scrap the plans, either.

Okay, this question may come out of ignorance, because I haven't been following this that much. Do we have any idea what the new arena will look like, or who they'll try to emulate? I'll be voting for it, because it's pretty clear we need a bigger arena.

Okay, this question may come out of ignorance, because I haven't been following this that much. Do we have any idea what the new arena will look like, or who they'll try to emulate? I'll be voting for it, because it's pretty clear we need a bigger arena.

No, no clue about the design.

Once this passes, they will probably formally hire HOK or Populous and go from there. They have no doubt already figure out who it's going to be and we'll probably see some preliminary designs as part of the campaign for the public vote in December.

This tells us nothing. Correlation does not equal causation. A + B does not equal AB; it equals C. Bennett + Gaylord does not mean that Bennett gets credit for what the Gaylords have done. What has BENNETT done?

I will 100% vote yes on this, no matter what. Just seems weird that we have other NBA cities having $1.5 billion private arenas, and OKC's owners are putting in less that 10%. I am not saying I agree with PoliSci that we need to scrap the plans, either.

Obviously, you don’t like Clay, but that aside, what are the other cities, their populations and demographics, and what were the terms of the deals? All this makes a huge difference. Please be factually and specifically critical and just not critical because you don’t like somebody or their wealth.

Obviously, you don’t like Clay, but that aside, what are the other cities, their populations and demographics, and what were the terms of the deals? All this makes a huge difference. Please be factually and specifically critical and just not critical because you don’t like somebody or their wealth.

Milwaukee isn't THAT different than OKC. Philly is different, yes. So I am not comparing them. But somewhere between 7% and 50%, closer to 25 or 30%, should be more than doable for this ownership group. $70 million out of a $1 billion arena is a fart in a hurricane, that is the only thing that bothers me. But I agree OKC needs a new arena, so I will vote yes either way.

Milwaukee isn't THAT different than OKC. Philly is different, yes. So I am not comparing them. But somewhere between 7% and 50%, closer to 25 or 30%, should be more than doable for this ownership group. $70 million out of a $1 billion arena is a fart in a hurricane, that is the only thing that bothers me. But I agree OKC needs a new arena, so I will vote yes either way.

What were the terms of the Milwaukee agreement? I doubt the owners didn’t get something valuable in return.