When is the City of LA approving the venue changes that move events from within the City of LA to here? Are there concerns the City of LA won't approve?

When is the City of LA approving the venue changes that move events from within the City of LA to here? Are there concerns the City of LA won't approve?

I'm very sure it's just a formality.

When is the City of LA approving the venue changes that move events from within the City of LA to here? Are there concerns the City of LA won't approve?

Sure they will approve it. By doing so it will save them approximately 150 million dollars.

Between the 2010 and 2020 census, Oklahoma grew by 208,000.

During the same period, the OKC MSA grew by 173,000. Pretty much says it all.

And Tulsa grew by 78,000. Not as fast as OKC, but certainly not nothing.

The rest of the state lost 43,000 people.

And Tulsa grew by 78,000. Not as fast as OKC, but certainly not nothing.

The rest of the state lost 43,000 people.

The Tulsa MSA has been growing at about the same rate as the entire country, half of which is rural.

Without OKC, the entire state would be growing much slower than the national average.

Between the 2010 and 2020 census, Oklahoma grew by 208,000.

During the same period, the OKC MSA grew by 173,000. Pretty much says it all.

Yes, this does literally say it all. It's weird though how people twist themselves into pretzels on this board trying to find bizarre framing to argue that Tulsa is keeping pace.

The Tulsa MSA has been growing at about the same rate as the entire country, half of which is rural.

Without OKC, the entire state would be growing much slower than the national average.

Plus their growth may look better on stats due to some of the counties around them started being included in the MSA officially in the last few years.

The Tulsa MSA has been growing at about the same rate as the entire country, half of which is rural.


This is simply false.

2020 to 2023 the US growth rate was 1.0%

Tulsa's MSA growth rate was 2.9%, nearly triple the national rate. OKC was at 3.66%.

Tulsa ranked 15th highest in growth rate out of the 54 MSAs with more than a million people. OKC was 12th.

This is simply false.

2020 to 2023 the US growth rate was 1.0%

Tulsa's MSA growth rate was 2.9%, nearly triple the national rate. OKC was at 3.66%.

Tulsa ranked 15th highest in growth rate out of the 54 MSAs with more than a million people. OKC was 12th.

I'm using hard census data, not short-term estimates.

and the fact that I argued (and got crucified), that Tulsa's MSA is as large area wise as OKC's CSA. I know that includes Osage County, the state's largest by area and least dense; but OKC's MSA also includes Lincoln County (large and not dense) as well. And even if you dropped Osage, Tulsa's MSA would still be larger than OKC's MSA in area. Anyways.

173,000 is a factor of 2.2 over 78,000, meaning OKC's Metro growth was more than double Tulsa's during the last census decade. Don't even talk about city. It's not keeping pace (but in fairness, they are adding at the natl avg which does help offset the loss in the rest of the state).

OKC’s 2028 Olympics bid awaits LA council approval (https://journalrecord.com/2024/06/okcs-2028-olympics-bid-awaits-la-council-approval/)
By : Jeff Elkins//The Journal Record//June 27, 2024//

OKLAHOMA CITY — City leaders are enraptured with the prospect of hosting two events for the 2028 Olympics, but the Los Angeles City Council first has to approve the relocation.

As opposed to taking on extensive construction to build temporary venues specifically for Canoe Slalom and Softball events, the LA28 organization assigned the sports to Oklahoma City for the games. Canoe slalom events would take place at Riversport OKC, and softball games would happen at the 13,000-seat Devon Park, which is widely considered as the premier softball venue in the U.S. and hosts the Women’s College World Series annually.

Mayor David Holt said Thursday the effort to host the Olympics has been ongoing for eight years. He called the opportunity to showcase Oklahoma City on a worldwide stage historic, but steps in the process of that becoming a reality remain.

The Los Angeles City Council is considering aspects of this proposal and we are deeply respectful of their work. From what we understand that consideration will proceed for a couple of months. Obviously, I serve on the city council as well and so I have great empathy and respect for their process,” Holt said. “They deserve all the space they need to evaluate LA28’s plan.”

A release by the LA28 organization expresses trust in Oklahoma City’s suitability for canoe slalom and softball.

“The Oklahoma City community has consistently supported top events for both sports and is confident that they will for these Olympic competitions as well,” the release reads.

Holt said the city has those two venues because residents committed to them with their votes and tax dollars.

“We’re inspired by LA’s careful planning and vision for the 2028 Summer Olympics, and we look forward to partnering with LA28 to deliver a dynamic experience for the athletes and fans of canoe slalom and softball,” Holt said.

Teresa Rose, Chair of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, spoke on the local organization’s collaborative commitment.

“This will be a significant partnership with LA28 to create a dynamic environment for athletes in these two sports, to create an experience and a competition in world-class venues and in an environment fitting of the Olympic athletes,” Rose said. “Partnerships will underpin all of our work, the city of Oklahoma City, the two venues and actually numerous other community partners will be critical to our success.”

Once approved, Rose said involved parties will develop a detailed plan that meets the needs and requirements.

As for the cost to taxpayers, Holt said the largest cost, building the venues, has already been incurred.

“Whatever cost there is will be far offset by both the economic activity of the events themselves, and also just the elevation of the community that’s going to occur as a result of this that will be a legacy that will last for decades to come,” Holt said.

While no report has been conducted to determine the potential economic benefit of hosting the events, Holt said the preparation process will create a meaningful number of jobs.

Some athletes have expressed indifference at the idea of competing in Oklahoma City instead of Los Angeles, but Holt guaranteed a “special experience,” adding that athletes will be pleasantly surprised if they have any trepidation before the games.

“When it comes to these two sports, especially softball, you know, this city is going to be electric in the summer of 2028. And, you know, the way that this city is going to embrace these athletes at these events,” Holt said. “We certainly envision a festival sense really across the whole city. It’s not just the venues, you know, it’s about this whole community rallying around this and delivering the kind of dynamic experience they might have expected in Los Angeles.”

Holt said athletes who compete in Oklahoma City would attend the opening or closing ceremonies, with some taking part in both ceremonies.

The chamber and the mayor anticipate venue enhancements to elevate the Olympics experience, however, major infrastructure changes in the city over the next four years are unlikely.

According to LA28, all venue changes have been assessed with each respective International Federation. The International Olympics Committee Executive Board approved venue assignments for each sport.

Assignments align with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5 recommendation, which stresses sustainability by encouraging the use of venues outside of the hosting city.

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

Couldn’t agree more!! This type of positive leadership missing in state government.

Couldn’t agree more!! This type of positive leadership missing in state government.

Holt has the advantage of a strong and connected Chamber, a city council that (mostly) is on the same page, and citizen voting block that is predominantly moderate. Night and day difference from the situation at 23rd and Lincoln!

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

Don't forget the tallest building in America! :)

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

He also was a major factor in Mick Cornett's era, working as his chief of staff, which is when I met him. It was clear to me at the time that a lot of the good things Mayor Cornett did were influenced by Holt. He is the most skilled political leader of his generation, in my opinion, with a brilliant political mind and a calm, measured temperament. He is incredibly disciplined, focused, and strategic.

You could definitely make the argument he's the best mayor we've had. You could argue he's the best mayor of any city in the nation, too. Apparently his colleagues agree, as he will become president of the US Conference of Mayors in 2027.

The mayor himself - who is a student of OKC history and who was involved in the Office of the Mayor long before he was himself elected - would almost certainly tell you with honest humility that he has been standing on the shoulders of giants. That he is simply cashing in on several decades of very hard work, innovation and inspiration by every mayor since Ron Norick, who oversaw the conceptual creation and rode herd on the original MAPS vote, when OKC was at its absolute lowest point in history.

However, in many ways that would be a political answer. Among the skills over which he possesses absolute mastery is political communication. There’s definitely never been an equal to him in that regard.

CLEARLY Mayor Holt is exceptional (almost certainly the most prepared for the role ever, and incredibly effective) and who along with the City’s (and the city’s) recent and current leadership has accomplished things his predecessors likely barely dared to even dream about.

I agree with soonerguru’s assertion that he might very well currently be the best mayor of any major city in America. Many other mayors seem to agree that he’s among the best, placing him in leadership of the National Conference of Mayors.

“Best ever” is totally subjective, but in his case also most arguable. At the end of the day what is without question is that we been incredibly lucky with the past several mayors (AND city managers, it must be said), and that has continued (and even elevated) with his service, where we have truly seen the payoff from 30 years of OKC’s planned, structured (and largely taxpayer-funded) self-reinvention.

The mayor himself - who is a student of OKC history and who was involved in the Office of the Mayor long before he was himself elected - would almost certainly tell you with honest humility that he has been standing on the shoulders of giants. That he is simply cashing in on several decades of very hard work, innovation and inspiration by every mayor since Ron Norick, who oversaw the conceptual creation and rode herd on the original MAPS vote, when OKC was at its absolute lowest point in history.

However, in many ways that would be a political answer. Among the skills over which he possesses absolute mastery is political communication. There’s definitely never been an equal to him in that regard.

CLEARLY Mayor Holt is exceptional (almost certainly the most prepared for the role ever, and incredibly effective) and who along with the City’s (and the city’s) recent and current leadership has accomplished things his predecessors likely barely dared to even dream about.

I agree with soonerguru’s assertion that he might very well currently be the best mayor of any major city in America. Many other mayors seem to agree that he’s among the best, placing him in leadership of the National Conference of Mayors.

“Best ever” is totally subjective, but in his case also most arguable. At the end of the day what is without question is that we been incredibly lucky with the past several mayors (AND city managers, it must be said), and that has continued (and even elevated) with his service, where we have truly seen the payoff from 30 years of OKC’s planned, structured (and largely taxpayer-funded) self-reinvention.

The Goat is what the kids say these days.

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

I'd say 1000 % the best mayor we've had.

The Goat is what the kids say these days.

Fun fact: Those kids are now in their 20's and 30's, including myself. Feel old yet?

Fun fact: Those kids are now in their 20's and 30's, including myself. Feel old yet?

No, my girlfriend is 25.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fiTU9lGRfw


8 days ago . . .

The Goat is what the kids say these days.

Stands for Greatest Of All Time.

And I don't think it started with the kids as I've been saying it and seeing it for years. I think it may have started in sports as we're always discussing who the greatest is at a particular sport or position.

Stands for Greatest Of All Time.

And I don't think it started with the kids as I've been saying it and seeing it for years. I think it may have started in sports as we're always discussing who the greatest is at a particular sport or position.

first time i remember hearing it was about Jerry Rice in the mid 90's. not saying that is when it started. but it is certainly when I have a first memory of it

first time i remember hearing it was about Jerry Rice in the mid 90's. not saying that is when it started. but it is certainly when I have a first memory of it

I think it was started with Michael Jordon in the 90s.

I think it was started with Michael Jordon in the 90s.

that wouldn't surprise me. i also heard it about MJ. but it was certainly after the first time i (just my personal experience) heard it in relation to Rice

Seems like Micheal Jordan got the GOAT title as far back as I can remember. around 1996 ?

The term GOAT originated in the 1990s by Muhammad Ali, well, technically his wife updating his nickname from "The Greatest" to "The Greatest of All Time". However, it wasn't until LL Cool J's album called G.O.A.T. in 2000 that the term hit mainstream. What a great song at that!

The term GOAT originated in the 1990s by Muhammad Ali, well, technically his wife updating his nickname from "The Greatest" to "The Greatest of All Time". However, it wasn't until LL Cool J's album called G.O.A.T. in 2000 that the term hit mainstream. What a great song at that!

I'm pretty sure that if me and my fellow middle school/high schoolers in Woodward OK were using it in the late 90's it was already mainstream, long before the LL Cool J album.

and it does look like G.O.A.T. Inc was incorporated by Lonnie Ali in 1992. so that is probably around when it became mainstream. but that means it's origins probably come from even before that, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was about Mohammad Ali

The term GOAT originated in the 1990s by Muhammad Ali, well, technically his wife updating his nickname from "The Greatest" to "The Greatest of All Time". However, it wasn't until LL Cool J's album called G.O.A.T. in 2000 that the term hit mainstream. What a great song at that!

Earl Manigault was called the GOAT well before this ..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Manigault

the HBO movie about him is pretty good as well ..

Is there any indication as to the need for housing during the time the Olympics are here? I'm wondering about total housing needs for participants and observers. Housing including hotels and actual VRBO housing.

Is there any indication as to the need for housing during the time the Olympics are here? I'm wondering about total housing needs for participants and observers. Housing including hotels and actual VRBO housing.

Will only be 2-3 hundred athletes and coaches.

There will be a lot of fans but I'm sure the Chamber and CVB will work hard to secure big blocks of rooms in advance. I bet the Omni will be the main hotel.

Will only be 2-3 hundred athletes and coaches.

There will be a lot of fans but I'm sure the Chamber and CVB will work hard to secure big blocks of rooms in advance. I bet the Omni will be the main hotel.

I guess the number of fans attending is the great unknown.

Other than Japan and the US how many more countries will be able to field a Women's softball team? I imagine it will be 8-10 teams maximum.

Other than Japan and the US how many more countries will be able to field a Women's softball team? I imagine it will be 8-10 teams maximum.

14 countries have participated in Olympic softball over the years.

Australia, Canada, China, and Japan have all won medals in addition to the U.S.

Japan has won the last two golds.

Other than Japan and the US how many more countries will be able to field a Women's softball team? I imagine it will be 8-10 teams maximum.

Well, there are only 6 qualifying spots in the Olympics for both Softball (Womens) and Baseball (Mens). At least, based on the 2020 Olympics (and the number of the teams competing below only includes those that qualified for that level of competition - it does not include all countries that presented a team for qualification):

Six teams qualified for the Olympic softball tournament, including Japan, which, as host nation, qualified automatically. The United States team won the 2018 Women's Softball World Championship (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Women%27s_Softball_World_Championship) to qualify for the Olympics. The remaining four spots were allocated through three qualification tournaments: one spot for a Europe/Africa tournament, one spot for an Asia/Oceania tournament, and two spots for an Americas tournament.

The World Championships featured 16 teams, with the winner earning an Olympic qualification spot (awarded to the runner-up instead if Japan wins).
One quota spot was awarded at a combined continental qualifying tournament for Africa and Europe to be held from 23 to 27 July 2019. The tournament featured eight teams: the top six from the 2019 ESF Women's Championship (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_ESF_Women%27s_Championship) and the top two from the 2019 Softball Africa Cup (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2019_Softball_Africa_Cup&action=edit&redlink=1).
One quota spot was awarded at a combined continental qualifying tournament for Asia and Oceania to be held from 24to 29 September 2019 in Shanghai (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai), China.[6] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball_at_the_2020_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Qua lification#cite_note-fourteams-6)[7] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball_at_the_2020_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Qua lification#cite_note-7) The tournament will feature eight teams: the top six from the Asian Softball Championship 2019 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Softball_Championship_2019) and the top two from the Oceania Softball Championship 2019 (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oceania_Softball_Championship_2019&action=edit&redlink=1).
Two quota spots were allocated to the winner and runner-up of the Americas Qualifying Event to be held from 25 August to 1 September 2019 in Surrey, British Columbia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrey,_British_Columbia), Canada (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada). Tournament consisted of 12 teams split into two groups.

I love OKC’s momentum, but I don’t see this. I think being Tier 3 is a great thing considering OKC is 42nd in MSA population. There’s a lot of big cities out there.

Obviously this is debatable: but this is a rough list I’ve seen several places. I think it puts OKC in a great spot.

Didn’t put every city - but you’ll get the picture.
Tier 1 (International Influential Cities)

New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
Washington DC
Boston
San Francisco
Seattle
Dallas
Houston

Tier 2 (National Influential Cities)

Detroit
Minneapolis
Phoenix
Denver
Baltimore
Portland
St. Louis
Pittsburgh
Kansas City
Cincinnati
Columbus
Charlotte
Las Vegas
Austin
Sacramento


Tier 3 (Regionally Influential)

Nashville
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Tampa
Orlando
Salt Lake City
Raleigh
Oklahoma City
Honolulu
San Antonio
New Orleans
Richmond

OKC still needs a lot more population/corporations/universities to bump up to tier 2. I was in KC this weekend, and the density and wealth was surprising. There are so many headquarters there.

Not sure putting the number 3 tourist city in the US, which has the number 1 D&O airport (IIRC), and just a massive convention scene in tier 3 makes sense. Orlando doesn't have the influence of NYC, but I think it pretty handedly beats out a lot in the Tier 2. The number 2 tourist city and a major cultural hub, Miami, is also missing from the list (I know you said you didn't include all).

Honestly Orlando isn’t much of a city. I made a couple of trips there last fall; had never been. Explored pretty extensively. If you’re not at one of the parks/resorts, it’s a pretty crummy destination. Food scene lacking, nightlife lacking, downtown entertainment district emptied out by COVID fallout. Sure, International Drive has the same chains most major cities have, and some carnival-attraction-type places that many cities don’t, but even the nice stuff lacks authenticity or local flavor. Orlando…ain’t great.

Honestly Orlando isn’t much of a city. I made a couple of trips there last fall; had never been. Explored pretty extensively. If you’re not at one of the parks/resorts, it’s a pretty crummy destination. Food scene lacking, nightlife lacking, downtown entertainment district emptied out by COVID fallout. Orlando…ain’t great.

Isn't that like saying "If you ignore Manhattan, NYC is just sort of okay?"

I agree Orlando itself is just another sprawled out city, same as many on the tier 2 list, but it does have 1 very major global cultural center, another major national cultural center, and a few other at least a few other major regional destinations. How many US cities have an iconic worldwide attraction (that actually draws thousands of international tourist from every continents every week)? Disney World also operates the largest public transit system in the state. Orlando also has a very outsized chunk of conferences, especially big and high profile conferences.

Especially since the OKC Chamber is taking the financial risk, the people of OKC have paid for the facilities that made this possible (similar to the Thunder), and because OKC will be putting even more money into all this. I do think the state will come up with some money, but city residents have already made most of the investment. Few realize the city subsidizes Riversport to the tune of $5 million a year.

Any success in OKC is almost in spite of the rest of the state dragging us down.

Right! It was highly amazing that Mayor Holt of OKC wasn't too afraid to march behind the Grand Master car of the OKC gay parade last month. What with the District Hotel being the biggest gay resort in America, he knows the LGBTQ+ crowd are important to the economy of OKC. OKC should be plenty ready for the 2028 Olympics.

With a few rare and great exceptions in Oklahoma, such as Durant, most Oklahoma towns outside of the metros are simply relentlessly dragging themselves down. It's a far more bad reflection upon those towns than upon Oklahoma City. It's a pity they can't help it, though. Surely, a number of younger people in those declining towns know it full well and have been moving to the Oklahoma City metro for a much brighter future in their lives, while leaving behind the stubborn old people being highly devoted homebodies as they are to die there.

Orlando also has a very outsized chunk of conferences, especially big and high profile conferences.

for perspective Orange County Convention center (orlando) has 7 MILLION sq feet .. and over 2 mil of exhibit space ..

OKC CC is 500k with 200k exhibit space ..

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No question, OCCC is massive. One of my trips was centered around a show there, and it’s difficult to describe the floor space. The just the exhibit space in the N-S hall is like ten Home Depots. Orlando wins at conventions, and at Mickey Mouse. Not much else. Least favorite major city I’ve visited in recent memory. By a lot.

Orlando wins at conventions, and at Mickey Mouse. Not much else. Least favorite major city I’ve visited in recent memory. By a lot.

Anecdotal and not even my story, but I listen to a lot of Thunder podcasts and some beat writers mentioned during COVID when the league was paused there was an Athletic article that involved several teams' reporters/writers where they ranked the NBA cities. They didn't go through with it but when the host asked what was the worst city, several of them mentioned Orlando. Which shocked me.

Right! It was highly amazing that Mayor Holt of OKC wasn't too afraid to march behind the Grand Master car of the OKC gay parade last month. What with the District Hotel being the biggest gay resort in America, he knows the LGBTQ+ crowd are important to the economy of OKC. OKC should be plenty ready for the 2028 Olympics.

With a few rare and great exceptions in Oklahoma, such as Durant, most Oklahoma towns outside of the metros are simply relentlessly dragging themselves down. It's a far more bad reflection upon those towns than upon Oklahoma City. It's a pity they can't help it, though. Surely, a number of younger people in those declining towns know it full well and have been moving to the Oklahoma City metro for a much brighter future in their lives, while leaving behind the stubborn old people being highly devoted homebodies as they are to die there.

Stillwater seems to do fine because of OSU - same thing with Tahlequah with NSU and also nearby tourism from the Illinois River and Ozark hiking. Grove has similar potential with its location on Grand Lake. But yeah most small towns across the state are pretty bleak.

Anecdotal and not even my story, but I listen to a lot of Thunder podcasts and some beat writers mentioned during COVID when the league was paused there was an Athletic article that involved several teams' reporters/writers where they ranked the NBA cities. They didn't go through with it but when the host asked what was the worst city, several of them mentioned Orlando. Which shocked me.
Yep. Since returning, pretty much every person to whom I’ve mentioned my distaste for outside-of-the-parks Orlando has agreed with me. Clearly if you have young kids or if you’re an adult superfan of any of those park offerings, it’s a great place to go. Other than that it is 100% a skip.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No question, OCCC is massive. One of my trips was centered around a show there, and it’s difficult to describe the floor space. The just the exhibit space in the N-S hall is like ten Home Depots. Orlando wins at conventions, and at Mickey Mouse. Not much else. Least favorite major city I’ve visited in recent memory. By a lot.

no doubt "downtown" Orlando is a joke ..

I attended some conferences at UCF in Orlando and I was very much not impressed with the city. Definitely in the bottom of U.S. cities for me, and I’ve visited a ton of them.

Anecdotal and not even my story, but I listen to a lot of Thunder podcasts and some beat writers mentioned during COVID when the league was paused there was an Athletic article that involved several teams' reporters/writers where they ranked the NBA cities. They didn't go through with it but when the host asked what was the worst city, several of them mentioned Orlando. Which shocked me.

Have you been there?

That would've been my thought as well. It's hot and humid, it's downtown is lame and is in a state lined with beaches but an hour from the beach.

Is Holt the greatest mayor OKC has ever had?

Maps 4, securing the NBA in OKC for the next 25 years, and getting Olympic games in OKC are some pretty serious accolades.

Says more about the chamber, and the hotel tax, than anything else.

Says more about the chamber, and the hotel tax, than anything else.

And, I love Holt, but Holt wasn’t responsible for the NBA in OKC. It really was Mick Cornet, wasn’t it?

Leadership is always critical. We have been blessed in OKC with a good run of good mayors. Wish we didn’t have to fight Tulsa and the rural areas or else some of these would have been great leaders for the State and maybe we wouldn’t have the kind of “leadership” we suffer now. Would love to see this state with actual progressive leaders and a working legislature.

^^^^^^^^^
David Holt was Mick Cornett’s chief of staff during the Hornets temporary relocation and the arrival of the Thunder, and he was deeply involved with those moves, but yes, it’s fair to call the NBA ascension Mick’s baby. He was the person who dared to think it. But clearly David has taken the ball and ran with it…much like when Sam Bradford used to hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson.

^^^^^^^^^
David Holt was Mick Cornett’s chief of staff during the Hornets temporary relocation and the arrival of the Thunder, and he was deeply involved with those moves, but yes, it’s fair to call the NBA ascension Mick’s baby. He was the person who dared to think it. But clearly David has taken the ball and ran with it…much like when Sam Bradford used to hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson.

I’m guessing the Sam Bradford-Adrian Peterson part is a joke since they never played together, right? Or did you mean Jason White and AD, or Sam Bradford and Demarco Murray?

Oh Dan

Oh Dan

I guess the Internet joke is going over my head…

Have you been there?

That would've been my thought as well. It's hot and humid, it's downtown is lame and is in a state lined with beaches but an hour from the beach.

I’ve only ever been to Orlando for the theme parks. Never stepped foot in its downtown or really even got close.

When this is official, what kind of infrastructure improvements can we expect to the areas being used? I am not talking stands for viewing of the slalom or something for the softball, but do you think the city will prioritize redoing roads leading up the settings and maybe improving landscaping surrounding it?

When this is official, what kind of infrastructure improvements can we expect to the areas being used? I am not talking stands for viewing of the slalom or something for the softball, but do you think the city will prioritize redoing roads leading up the settings and maybe improving landscaping surrounding it?

As I understand it, there is no current plan for infrastructure improvements.

However, there is this never-ending attempt to make the Boathouse District a year-round destination and I know that will continue to be a big priority when figuring out how to host the Olympics. In addition to grandstands and temporary food, beverage, and merchandise concessions, you can count on them wanting to leverage this opportunity into something like a hotel or other permanent commercial structure.

When this is official, what kind of infrastructure improvements can we expect to the areas being used? I am not talking stands for viewing of the slalom or something for the softball, but do you think the city will prioritize redoing roads leading up the settings and maybe improving landscaping surrounding it?

The main road in the boathouse district is relatively new, constructed around the time the I-40 crosstown was replaced. Plus a fair percentage of secondary streets have been upgraded as the buildings in the area were constructed, again relatively recently for a road.

Interested to see if they set up some sort of busing service from the airport. Might be something the tour buses get into to provide the service. I'd imagine a large influx of people coming in.

When this is official, what kind of infrastructure improvements can we expect to the areas being used? I am not talking stands for viewing of the slalom or something for the softball, but do you think the city will prioritize redoing roads leading up the settings and maybe improving landscaping surrounding it?

For the Whitewater Facility they need to replace some stanchions that anchor the diverters and replace some pumps. For the softball they are asking for locker rooms, an indoor hitting facility and tunnels to practice fields.