Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt on July 14th State of the City address indicated the our city needs to build a
new arena for our anchor tenant (Oklahoma City Thunder). An arena that will ensure the long-term relationship
between our NBA franchise and our community.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcfQQRsppL4

What specifications would you want to see in a new arena:


Capacity - Square Footage - Price Tag - Location

How would you want to fund a new arena:


1. Bonds only - 2. MAPS 4 extension only - 3. Privately funded only - Combination of Bonds, MAPS 4 extension & privately funds.

Time to really go big. Build a large enough arena where you can host the Thunder long-term and bid on events like
the NCAA men's or women's basketball regionals.

Capacity


19,900 seat arena will allow OKC to have a venue to absorb growth, reach out to its fan base--make tickets more affordable for all fans.

Square Footage


900,000 square foot

Price Tag


$640 million = $570 million + $70 million on pause

Location


Four square block Prairie Surf Media Studios (Formerly Cox Convention Center).

Funded


Extend 2017 General Obligation Bonds expire 2027 (Three years) $300 Million
Extend MAPS 4 Initiative expires 2028 (Two years) $270 million

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I think we can get 20% or so from the ownership group. I know that adds risk for OKC, but lowers bond issues. And looks better from an optics perspective.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7LxDWDoN3Q



Our NBA peer city arenas:


Memphis Fedex Forum $250 million (2004) $2 million 2019 upgrades
Milwaukee Fiserv Forum $524 million (2018) $20 million 2022 upgrades
New Orleans Smoothie King Center $114 million (1999) $54 million 2014 upgrades
Salt Lake City Vivint Smart Home Arena $93 million (1991) - $125 million 2016 upgrades.

Any omission, please feel free to update . . .

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

The opportunity cost of a new OKC Thunder arena

Jim Stafford's BlogOKC https://jim-stafford.com/tag/berry-tramel/


https://jimstafford.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/paycom2.jpeg?w=660

NBA arenas - top ten:


1. Chase Center, San Francisco, $1.48 billion, 2019 - 18,064
2. Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, $1.2 billion, 2018 - 17,385
3. Barclays Center, Brooklyn, $1 billion/$1.18 billion in 2021 dollars, 2012 - 17,732
4. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, $862.9/$988 million in 2021 dollars, 2017 - 20,332
5. Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, $558.2 million, 2016 - 17,608
6. Amway Center, Orlando, $480 million/$604 million in 2021dollars, 2010 - 18,846
7. American Airlines Center, Dallas, $420 million/$643 million in 2021 dollars- 2001 - 19,200
8. Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, $375 million/$610 million in 2021 dollars- 1999 - 19,079
9. Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, $265 million/$404 million in 2021 dollars - 1999 - 19,800
10. Moda Center, Portland, $262 million/$466 million in 2021 - 1995 - 19,393


Average cost of the top 10 NBA arenas: $675 million
Average age of the top 10 NBA arenas: 8 years, 6 months
Average capacity of the top 10 NBA arenas: 18,824

Source Thunderwire - July 2022: Ranking all 29 NBA arenas in terms of construction cost: https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/lists/ranking-all-29-nba-arenas-in-terms-of-construction-cost/

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https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/07/19/NOKL/26936dc0-0e49-4879-bad8-e1393b6cc7ee-photo_4.jpg?width=600&height=712&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp
This aerial photo shows the MAPS downtown arena amid $89.2 million construction in 2002

The 581,000-square-foot facility was designed to meet National Hockey League requirements. The venue was completed at a cost of $89.2 million and opened its doors on June 8, 2002.


"A lot of people think of arenas in terms of the seats,” Holt said. “That's only part of the experience that drives revenue for sports teams and concerts alike. You have to have all this other room for all the other elements of user experience. And our square footage (586,000 square feet), is the smallest in all of the NBA and not by a little."--Holt, State of City Address.


I think we can get 20% or so from the ownership group. I know that adds risk for OKC, but lowers bond issues. And looks better from an optics perspective.

This makes the best option if you want widespread support of the citizens and voters to insure a top 10 NBA arena that is competitive with markets like Boston, Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee & Toronto.

Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum is the latest small market to build an NBA Arena investing $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.

Pete's suggestion of using the 4-square block Prairie Surf Media--Old Cox-Myriad site makes the best option since it is city
owned and already supports 950 underground parking spaces.

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Pete's suggestion of using the 4-square block Prairie Surf Media--Old Cox-Myriad site makes the best option since it is city
owned and already supports 950 underground parking spaces.
.

those spaces will be gone with the site demo ..

those spaces will be gone with the site demo ..

Demolition will result in some minor patch work to preserve those spaces; this IMO is the best option for going with this site. City can build on top of that site without having to totally redo below ground parking.

Demolition will result in some minor patch work to preserve those spaces; this IMO is the best option for going with this site. City can build on top of that site without having to totally redo below ground parking.

no it won't they will be gone

Demolition will result in some minor patch work to preserve those spaces; this IMO is the best option for going with this site. City can build on top of that site without having to totally redo below ground parking.

How far below ground do you think the Paycom Center goes? I'd say 40 to 50 feet, minimum.

How far below ground do you think the Paycom Center goes? I'd say 40 to 50 feet, minimum.

the piers I'm sure go much further then that

How far below ground do you think the Paycom Center goes? I'd say 40 to 50 feet, minimum.

Not sure about the Paycom Center, the old 4-square block site--Prairie Surf Media already has 950 spaces of underground parking.

We still don't know where the new arena will be built.

Not sure about the Paycom Center, the old 4-square block site--Prairie Surf Media already has 950 spaces of underground parking.

We still don't know where the new arena will be built.

it is almost for sure on the old cox site and those parking spaces will be wiped out

it is almost for sure on the old cox site and those parking spaces will be wiped out

Wiping them out would allow the city to build a better foundation for parking if this site is selected.

Serious question: Why are some folks so outraged over the thought we might subsidize an arena for the Thunder, yet they are OK with subsidizing venues that benefit other industries, like horse shows, river sports, museums and conventions? Is it just the perception that NBA owners are already rich? Seriously not trolling here, but have been thinking about this lately.

Serious question: Why are some folks so outraged over the thought we might subsidize an arena for the Thunder, yet they are OK with subsidizing venues that benefit other industries, like horse shows, river sports, museums and conventions? Is it just the perception that NBA owners are already rich? Seriously not trolling here, but have been thinking about this lately.

Or subsidizing multi-billion dollar companies building here, when they can easily afford to build themselves? If someone offers you free money, you take it. People don't get rich turning down free money. Especially since OKC would own the arena, which is key, for me.

Or subsidizing multi-billion dollar companies building here, when they can easily afford to build themselves? If someone offers you free money, you take it. People don't get rich turning down free money. Especially since OKC would own the arena, which is key, for me.

It's a shame we didn't recognize that we would need a new arena to replace the current Paycom Center built at a cost of $89.2 million (budgeted) in 2002.


But the low bidder - Flintco Construction Co. - left Thursday's bid opening worried about possible errors in its $66 million construction proposal...

...Flintco's bid was $10 million below what Oklahoma City budgeted to build the arena - the most expensive single public works project in the city's history.

Reference: Arena's Low Bid Astounds City Leaders https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1999/03/12/arenas-low-bid-astounds-city-leaders/62250076007/

It's obvious OKC built a shell of an arena without all the bell & whistles most NBA and NHL arena's possess at the time they were built during the late 90s and early 2000s. Remember when this arena was presented to the NHL in 1995-96 during the NHL 4 team expansion (Awarded to Nashville, Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Columbus) where bids presented by Oklahoma City & Houston were rejected. OKC's bid was rejected because the NHL didn't believe we could build a quality arena on $89.2 million budget.

When completed in 2002 our arena was just a shell. We hosted the New Orleans Hornets (following Katrina, August 2005) which allowed us a trial run with the NBA in which OKC far exceeded expectations (12,000 fans benchmark) with a whopping 18,168 fans our first year hosting an NBA franchise. Later we we awarded the relocation of the Supersonics with a stipulation that our arena would be upgraded. Oklahoma City voters extended MAPS for Kids (2008) to fund $120 million in improvements to the Downtown Arena and an NBA practice facility--a must vote to keep the NBA in our city.

Fast-forward from 2008 to 2022 and we are again left with a decision to remain an NBA city with building a new arena. This time we must get it right.

Options to Fund new arena: MAPS 4 will have to be extended when it expired in 2028 or extend the 2017 Better Streets Safer City Bonds expire in 2027.

Oklahoma City's 'Big City' status will be tested:

Do we have the bonding power--upcoming OKCPS $955 million bond vote and County Jail's recently approved $260 million bonds approved to replace the Oklahoma County Jail. Can someone In-The-Know sort this out.

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Any news or updates on a replacement arena for Paycom Center:

Has the Oklahoma City Council made a motion to being a preliminary study with the Thunder ownership group for a combined effort to address a future arena development project.

Denver's Ball Arena:

https://thestadiumreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Pepsi-Center-Parking.jpg


Broke ground, November 20, 1997
Opened October 1, 1999
Construction cost - $187 million
$316 million in 2021 dollars
Architect - HOK Sport
NBA basketball seating capacity: 19,099
NHL ice hockey seating capacity: 18,007

Five level facility - 675,000 square feet of building space,

https://basketballtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/Ball-Arena-Interior.jpg

On the Ball Arena seating chart, 100-Level sections are also known as Loge Level Seats. Most Loge sections have 22 rows of seats with seat
1 on your right as you face the action.

Ball Arena has 86 total suites available. Each private suite can hold between 10-20 people, depending on the suite location and level.

Just my opinion, Oklahoma City could build something similar to Ball Arena on a budget of $400 million - $450 million (with 14.1% inflation) on city owned property like Prairie Surf Media 4-square block complex with plenty of room. Advantages of this project would include the under ground parking which could be reconstructed to accommodate a minimum of 900 or more parking spaces.


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The American Airlines Center (Dallas) would make for a good blueprint for a new arena in Oklahoma City.

Something similar to the brick facade:


https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/assets/img/aacenter.jpg

https://alvin-almazov.com/wp-content/uploads/americanairlinescenter1.jpg

https://alvin-almazov.com/wp-content/uploads/americanairlinescenter2.jpg


NBA seating capacity 19,200
840,00 square feet
Construction cost: $594 million

Our NBA arena seating capacity should be in the 18,500 range.

You're probably looking at an $800 million arena on the four square block Prairie Media site with the
underground parking reinforced or totally rebuilt.

Really think an arena similar to the brick facade of AA would blend well for the Downtown/Bricktown area.

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No more Brick Facade!

No more Brick Facade!

Exceptionally well said. Brick facades are fine for college football stadia, but honestly have no cognizable place in a BLC arena design.

What would either one of you (bower214 or April in the Plaza) like to see.

What would either one of you (bower214 or April in the Plaza) like to see.

I’d lean towards something like Fiserv. Basically just lots of glass and steel. And then more glass.

17709

17710

I'm a big fan of the AA center in Dallas but it was built 21 years ago.
I like April in the Plaza's idea. We have enough Brick structures in Bricktown.

Fiserv was the arena Mayor Holt and 100 OKC civic leaders toured back in August of 2022. https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2022/08/26/oklahoma-city-visits-fiserv-forum-summerfest-grou.html

We’ve brought up tons of examples of arenas in the US but any good examples of arenas elsewhere around the world that we could use?

We’ve brought up tons of examples of arenas in the US but any good examples of arenas elsewhere around the world that we could use?

There are dozens of examples if you Google but many are nationally funded so cost isn't as much a factor.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/citizen100322a.jpg

An arena with the glass facade (pictured above) of THE CITIZEN on the Development & Building site; would look nice if we could build something similar to Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum (with the massive 860,000 square feet of Dallas AA Center would go great on the 4-square block Prairie Surf Media site.

Mayor Holt IMO is focused on the upcoming OKC Public School Bond Election; if successful, we should start to see more on preliminary plans with Thunder ownership for a new NBA arena.

Mayor Holt IMO is focused on the upcoming OKC Public School Bond Election; if successful, .

why would the OKC mayor be focus on a school bond election .... that is not part of his job at all ..

why would the OKC mayor be focus on a school bond election .... that is not part of his job at all ..

Mayor David Holt called on voters to rally behind the bond proposal last month during his State of the City address.

“The Oklahoma Constitution doesn’t do school districts in this state any favors. If they so much as want to replace a broken air conditioner, they have to ask the voters. And they need 60% approval,” Holt said.

Supporting the bond issue is “the single most important thing each of us in this community can do for public education this year,” he said.--JR August 10, 2022

Mayor David Holt called on voters to rally behind the bond proposal last month during his State of the City address.

“The Oklahoma Constitution doesn’t do school districts in this state any favors. If they so much as want to replace a broken air conditioner, they have to ask the voters. And they need 60% approval,” Holt said.

Supporting the bond issue is “the single most important thing each of us in this community can do for public education this year,” he said.--JR August 10, 2022

he said all kinds of things in that state of the city ....

but that issue is in no way his "focus"

Mayor David Holt called on voters to rally behind the bond proposal last month during his State of the City address.

“The Oklahoma Constitution doesn’t do school districts in this state any favors. If they so much as want to replace a broken air conditioner, they have to ask the voters. And they need 60% approval,” Holt said.

Supporting the bond issue is “the single most important thing each of us in this community can do for public education this year,” he said.--JR August 10, 2022
Good points Laramie. It is a quality of life selling point when attracting new residents.

I know OKC's arena wasn't built for the NBA, but it's worth noting that it's the 11th newest NBA arena. It's not old by any means. You can organize by year built on this Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_arenas).

I know OKC's arena wasn't built for the NBA, but it's worth noting that it's the 11th newest NBA arena. It's not old by any means. You can organize by year built on this Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_arenas).

That is fair. And it is true, that it isn't old. But none of the criticisms for building a new arena relate to its age (which I know you are aware of). Just wanted to point that out. Not bashing you, or your post, at all.

When this arena was built in 2002 at a cost below the $89 million bid, our application to the NHL's 1997 expansion, rejected Ron Norick & Clay Bennett's Oklahoma City bid:

"Norick readily admits his city lacks a television audience, which is why he has pushed the NHL franchise as a statewide team."--Oklahoman, March 2, 1997.

Norick said. “It was a hope more than anything. I knew the only way we could do it was to have the facilities first. And that was a real gamble. There wasn't any league that would consider a city without the facility.”--Oklahoman, June 10, 2012

Oklahoma City & Houston had hoped to join Dallas Stars in the NHL.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/znuVV2B5IEWFkzcAz-5wlybHKwo=/0x0:6229x3784/920x613/filters:focal(2697x1912:3693x2908):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71269163/usa_today_18497678.0.jpg

OKC Thunder: Why a new arena is vital for the Thunder and downtown

LINK: https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2022/8/21/23316032/okc-thunder-why-a-new-arena-is-vital-for-the-thunder-and-downtown

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FUvVhEnXEAInAqM?format=jpg&name=small https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FUvVjfEWYAM5kNr?format=jpg&name=360x360
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FUvVlPfWIAQs52A?format=jpg&name=360x360

Impressed with Capital One Arena, Washington D. C.


https://www.clarkconstruction.com/sites/default/files/styles/project_photos/public/project_photos/Verizon%20Center1_Carousel.jpg?itok=ID6gQGfe


Broke ground October 18, 1995
Opened December 2, 1997
Construction cost US$260 million - (US $411 million in 2020 dollars


Capacity - 20,356 (NBA Basketball)
Capital One Arena covers 1,020,000 square feet.



https://www.dcnewsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/12/AP19076650976795.jpg?w=1280

https://bolavip.com/__export/1602857978454/sites/bolavip/img/2020/10/16/capital_one_arena_crop1602857977811.jpg_166139169. jpg



Oklahoma City could build something similar between 800,000 - 900,000 square feet on the 4-square block Prairie Surf Media site in the $500 million range since the city already owns the land and the infrastructure; could build an additional 1.000 space parking garage in addition to rebuilding the 950 underground parking below.

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Why don't we go with a Basketball arena first, which can be use for concerts and shows ?
I mean baseline seats would not be temporary flatten out stands but the concrete frame of the arena. It would get people better views and better experience. That would mean a smaller floor too and no hockey.

BTW, I know Prairie Surf has been looking to relocate to the Strawberry Fields area so that tells me they know their days are numbered at the old Cox Center.

I would be shocked if a new arena went anywhere else.

Why don't we go with a Basketball arena first, which can be use for concerts and shows ?
I mean baseline seats would not be temporary flatten out stands but the concrete frame of the arena. It would get people better views and better experience. That would mean a smaller floor too and no hockey.
I can see that. Hockey need not be considered. I'm a huge hockey fan but OKC is an eternity away from getting an NHL team and any of the minor leagues couldn't justify being in a new NBA level arena.

BTW, I know Prairie Surf has been looking to relocate to the Strawberry Fields area so that tells me they know their days are numbered at the old Cox Center.

I would be shocked if a new arena went anywhere else.
Agreed 100%. It just makes way too much sense.,But then that could be it's downfall.

Whatever gets built i hope they do a good job at designing it as a part of the urban fabric and not just an empty building 95% of the time.

https://youtu.be/Tpg7atI59A0

A mix between Little Caesars Arena (Detroit) and Banker’s Life Fieldhouse (Indianapolis) would be amazing.

A mix between Little Caesars Arena (Detroit) and Banker’s Life Fieldhouse (Indianapolis) would be amazing.

Good combination of two arenas:

Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Construction cost: US $862.9 million ($988 million in 2021 dollars)
NBA seating capacity: 20,332
885,000 sq ft

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Construction cost: US $183 million ($298 million in 2021 dollars)
NBA seating capacity: 17,923
750,000 sq ft

Construction cost: $988 million + $298 million / 2 = $643 million + 30% inflation rate = $663 million
NBA seating capacity 20,332 + 17,923 /2 = 19,128
885,000 sq ft + 750.000 sq ft = 818.000 sq ft

Match found: American Airlines Center 19,200 Dallas Mavericks
Construction cost: US $420 million (US$643 million in 2021
840,000 sq ft

Dallas' American Airlines Center (Arena) fits the pattern for construction cost and capacity that should fit Oklahoma City
goal in building a new arena beyond our current Paycom Center.

Expect a new arena to cost $550 million - $600 if built on the 4 square block Old Cox CC/Prairie Surf Media site.
Underground parking could be totally reconstructed with new arena built on top.

How would a new arena be financed . . . Extension of MAPS 4 or Bonds or combination of both.

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https://cdn.statcdn.com/Statistic/285000/286084-blank-355.png

https://www.statista.com/graphic/1/280671/player-expenses-payroll-of-the-oklahoma-city-thunder.jpg

https://www.statista.com/graphic/1/381571/gate-receipts-of-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-national-basketball-association.jpg

NBA revenue statistics (2001-2022)

https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/post/28167/nba20annual20sponsorship20revenue-15819689-720.png



The revenue of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise reached 274 million U.S. dollars in the 2021/22 season. This represented an improvement in revenue generation of about 50 percent over the previous season, when the estimated revenue of the National Basketball Association franchise amounted to 183 million U.S. dollars.

Revenue of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2001/02 to 2021/22 (in million U.S. dollars)
https://www.statista.com/statistics/196757/revenue-of-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-since-2006/



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https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2022/07/USATSI_18497678.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1

https://images.gametime.co/gametime-images/v2/chesapeake_energy_arena/basketball/328@4x/loft.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=50%2C35&disable=upscale&dpr=2&fit=crop&width=440&height=160

Thunder GM Sam Presti comments on new potential arena and concerns of it being publicly funded


“Now, part of it is because of how we started 15 years ago when we arrived. That starting point, like from scratch, from nothing, from no logo — this was nonexistent — you build relationships, and I think that you also recognize that the mutual value of those relationships. So that’s the greatest thing when I hear Mayor Holt speak. . .

. . . “The thing I love about Mayor Holt is he’s maintained that aspiration to strive for having first class things in Oklahoma City. I think that’s great.”


https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2017/10/thunderwire.png?w=506

Link to story: https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2022/09/23/thunder-gm-sam-presti-comments-on-new-potential-arena-and-concerns-of-it-being-publicly-funded/

To elaborate, yes the Thunder players contribute with payroll taxes from the players. And as the graph shows above its considerable.

What people may not know - Each player from every team that is playing the Thunder pays Oklahoma state income tax for the games played in Oklahoma. Not only the players, but the opposing team coaches and ownership pay also.

Let's say if LeBron is making $500,000.00 per game (it's close to this amount), he will pay to the Oklahoma Tax Commission over $25,000.00, just for one nights work.

That's a hell of a deal for OKC.

To elaborate, yes the Thunder players contribute with payroll taxes from the players. And as the graph shows above its considerable.

What people may not know - Each player from every team that is playing the Thunder pays Oklahoma state income tax for the games played in Oklahoma. Not only the players, but the opposing team coaches and ownership pay also.

Let's say if LeBron is making $500,000.00 per game (it's close to this amount), he will pay to the Oklahoma Tax Commission over $25,000.00, just for one nights work.

That's a hell of a deal for OKC.


Of course that is with the understanding that the tax bill is what is payed. People in that income bracket are quite adept at reducing their taxes lower than what a 50k a year wage earner pays. What does OKC realize from those players making it a hell of a deal? I thought cities only realize sales tax revenue.
If the State of Oklahoma is realizing all this income tax revenue than the State should be the entity funding the arena they get revenue from.

Of course that is with the understanding that the tax bill is what is payed. People in that income bracket are quite adept at reducing their taxes lower than what a 50k a year wage earner pays. What does OKC realize from those players making it a hell of a deal? I thought cities only realize sales tax revenue.
If the State of Oklahoma is realizing all this income tax revenue than the State should be the entity funding the arena they get revenue from.
Good grief. If the people can’t see the benefits having a nba team in OKC brings to it, then they probably don’t deserve to have them here. We can go back praying some double a hockey team is the top level entertainment and backwater image we strive for.

Good grief. If the people can’t see the benefits having a nba team in OKC brings to it, then they probably don’t deserve to have them here. We can go back praying some double a hockey team is the top level entertainment and backwater image we strive for.

Hyperbole much? It is not a big ask to have the state return some of the money they get from having this arena in OKC in order to continue to reap the tax benefits. To paraphrase if the state doesn't see the benefit of a new arena with the increased tax revenue than maybe Oklahoma doesn't deserve the team. At the least they should match OKC expenditures.

Agree Rover & JB:

Ownership group's vision, we have a franchise so let's hold on to what we have.

State should chip in on a new NBA arena since it benefits from income tax dollars.

An NBA setting gives you a sense of pride. OKC continues to grow and get better with quality (OKANA, FAM),
thank you, Chickasaw Tribe.

Our new venue, make it a jewel among NBA arenas. State & ownership assistance together
should cover 50% of an anticipated development on City owned PSM site.

Of course that is with the understanding that the tax bill is what is payed. People in that income bracket are quite adept at reducing their taxes lower than what a 50k a year wage earner pays. What does OKC realize from those players making it a hell of a deal? I thought cities only realize sales tax revenue.
If the State of Oklahoma is realizing all this income tax revenue than the State should be the entity funding the arena they get revenue from.

I should have stated it's a hell of a deal for state of Oklahoma. But we all know that the influx of the game crowd is a big payout to OKC. Whole lot of liquor tax being collected in the least.

I should have stated it's a hell of a deal for state of Oklahoma. But we all know that the influx of the game crowd is a big payout to OKC. Whole lot of liquor tax being collected in the least.

Great point on a lot of revenue collected on that 13.5% mixed drink tax. The State not OKC gets all of that tax revenue as well as 4.5% of the sales tax collected. Meanwhile it is a local cost for increased police to provide additional crowd security for the crowds and local business.

Amway Center, Orlando, FL

https://www.amwaycenter.com/assets/img/BTExterior-Amway-Center-1.1-c51e9f0c4e.jpg
Good entrance
https://dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/0a/25/da/5f/meme-tres-haut-la-vue.jpg?w=1200&h=-1&s=1
Flexible bowl shaped arena with two upper decks


Construction cost: US $480 million (US$604 million in 2021 dollars)
Architect - Populous

NBA Seating Capacity: 18,500

At 875,000 square feet with a capacity of 18,500, this state-of-the-art arena features eight levels, 60 suites, 1,400 club seats and infinite ways to experience your next event.




A similar arena IMO would more than satisfy the NBA arena needs of Oklahoma City's future. It would provide 300 more seats from
18,203 (Paycom Center- 581,000 square footage) to 18,500 with 875,000 square footage and 60 suites and/or substitute some lodge boxes. It would sit on the 4 square block site of Prairie Surf Media Studios--City would save an estimated $150 million on land acquisition and underground parking which could be reconstructed.

MAPS 4 Initiative expires April 1, 2028 would need an extension vote September 2027.

Prairie Surf Media Studios would have to be demolished to make way for the new arena. City could place an extension vote before voters on the current MAPS 4 initiative for 3-4 years to make the arena debt free generating $600 million.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkas1bbwji4

When they had "thunder alley" going; that was the best thing for downtown. Didn't the crowd size reach something like 10,000 people before they stopped doing it? They should bring that back.

When they had "thunder alley" going; that was the best thing for downtown. Didn't the crowd size reach something like 10,000 people before they stopped doing it? They should bring that back.

Would be nice, but weren’t there a few too many shootings?

I’m assuming it’s just too much liability these days.

Would be nice, but weren’t there a few too many shootings?

I’m assuming it’s just too much liability these days.

There was one shooting in Bricktown south of the ballpark that led to its closure. I always thought it was dumb that we had to lose an awesome event that brought all types of people downtown because of that, but if the regular violence in Midtown and Bricktown (and the accompanying inability of men to control their emotions) is now the norm, I don’t blame them for keeping it closed.