Rayo OKC

[borchard]

I know it has seemed like the NASL folks have gone away, I just wanted to let people know:
Just got a message from the NASL OKC owners.
1. Press release is on the slate for next Monday "at the latest"
2. New logo/colors will be released. (I'm hoping it is something close to the temporary logo they released. Everyone who saw it liked it.)
3. They are finalizing their new website, FB, Twitter, and instagram social media sites.
4. Working on finalizing one of three, possible venues for 2015 right now. (Let's hope one is Bricktown Ballpark)

So;
For all those who thought they would slink off into the night, sorry.
For all those who thought Tim McLaughlin was the only person who had money in OKC, sorry.
For all the energy fanboys who were hoping that they wouldn't have to compete, sorry.

[PWitty]

I guess I just don't get it. When you're trying to develop and grow a soccer fan base, or any fan base, creating two professional teams in the same area is just going to make it harder for both teams to accomplish that. Add to the fact that the Energy already have a head start on the NASL team and it makes it even harder for them. Oh well I guess

[Richard at Remax]

Sorry the NASL is going to fold in a year or two

[borchard]

Sorry the NASL is going to fold in a year or two

And you base that on...what exactly?

[borchard]

Sorry the NASL is going to fold in a year or two

Nope

[AP]

I don't get it because there are only like 5 people who even want that team to happen.

[OKCretro]

I would invest in myspace.com or Ed shadid's mayor campaign before I invested in the NASL in okc.

[shawnw]

I'm not against the NASL team, nor am I a Prodigal fanboy, but as a casual observer it sure seems like Prodigal has their act together regarding Energy FC and so far (it appears) Sold Out and NASL Team X does not. Hopefully, this is a flawed observation, they get their act together, and we have a competitive market where the "fittest" team/entity survives (or both for all I care, that can only be good for soccer fans). But so far it doesn't appear that way and people observing the same thing might have a hard time putting their hard earned money into something that seems like a riskier proposition.

[borchard]

I guess I just don't understand people's short memories, sometimes. Why would anyone put any faith in Bob Funk's organization, given their track record of trying to run sports in this city? I just don't get it.

[PWitty]

I guess I just don't understand people's short memories, sometimes. Why would anyone put any faith in Bob Funk's organization, given their track record of trying to run sports in this city? I just don't get it.

I see what you did there. Stay classy.

[OKCretro]

I guess I just don't understand people's short memories, sometimes. Why would anyone put any faith in Bob Funk's organization, given their track record of trying to run sports in this city? I just don't get it.

with that type of statement u need to explain a little more. just cant be throwing out accusations with no proof

[borchard]

with that type of statement u need to explain a little more. just cant be throwing out accusations with no proof

IGA Tennis Classic Was growing yearly in stature. But once taken over by the Funks, it quickly lost steam and was moved to Memphis.
OKC Blazers Most successful minor league hockey franchise in N. America, at any level. Funk Jr comes in, and within 9 mos has fired the GM and Asst. GM. One year later, folds the team. Claimed that he couldn't renegotiate a lease with the city. Funny, less than a year later he was able to negotiate a lease for The Barons?
OKC Barons This was supposed to be "world-class" hockey, SO MUCH better than the Blazers. I will say the Funks HAVE done one thing well, social media. The DAY the Barons were announced all of these trolls started appearing on hockey forums talking about what crap hockey the Blazers were, and basically only stupid rednecks should watch that. Well now the Blazers are gone (thanks to Bob Funk Jr), the Barons are here (thanks to Bob Funk Jr) and. IMHO, they have ran the team into the ground. They are 4th from the bottom of their league in attendance, and it keeps going down. There has been talk in several different circles that The Oilers want to move their franchise, or at least, take it away from Funk because they are not happy with how it has been ran.
OKC Redhawks In 2004 Bob Funk SR had a chance to acquire a MLS franchise for OKC when the league was looking to add 4 teams. Plans were drawn up, conversations were had, and at the last minute he decided to buy the Redhawks instead. Apparently they couldn't run that, because now, for the first time, the Redhawks are owned by an equity holding company (Mandalay Sports).
Can YOU point to ANY success that Prodigal, llc has actually had? Because I can't. I really can't.

[Edgar]

I guess I just don't understand people's short memories, sometimes. Why would anyone put any faith in Bob Funk's organization, given their track record of trying to run sports in this city? I just don't get it.

for real- they got a Mormon from Utah to run hockey and wonder why you can take a nap in the place. Heard you won't be able to get a beverage at the match. What is this Afganistan. Funk v Lund, the smart $ has to be on Brad. He knows the town like the arrogant Funk Jr never will.

[Plutonic Panda]

for real- they got a Mormon from Utah to run hockey and wonder why you can take a nap in the place.

[bradh]

for real- they got a Mormon from Utah to run hockey and wonder why you can take a nap in the place. Heard you won't be able to get a beverage at the match. What is this Afganistan. Funk v Lund, the smart $ has to be on Brad. He knows the town like the arrogant Funk Jr never will.

Mormon from Utah that has beer specials every Friday home game.

Can't get a beer at home games for one season. Next season it's a non-issue.

People who hate the Funks seem to be old nostalgic folk who just hate that they don't have the 89er's or Blazers anymore. News flash...those teams wouldn't be half of what they were if they had to compete with the Thunder like the Redhawks and Barons currently do.

[borchard]

Mormon from Utah that has beer specials every Friday home game.

Can't get a beer at home games for one season. Next season it's a non-issue.

People who hate the Funks seem to be old nostalgic folk who just hate that they don't have the 89er's or Blazers anymore. News flash...those teams wouldn't be half of what they were if they had to compete with the Thunder like the Redhawks and Barons currently do.

Not nostalgia at all. Just don't care for incompetence. Blazers were the most successful minor league hockey franchise in all of N. America. That's not my opinion. Its a fact. the Blazers led all of minor league hockey in attendance five times during their history (1993-94, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2006-07). There were may nights when The Blazers outdrew the NY Islanders. And they didn't have to have "beer specials" to do it. In fact, the city was considered a candidate for expansion in the NHL back in 1997 before the league awarded Nashville and Columbus expansion franchises.
This is just one person I found on the ol' interwebs when BFunk announced that there was no way he could reach an agreement with the city to keep the Blazers, but somehow they WOULD give him an agreement to bring in the AHL?!?

as an 8 year season ticket holder of the blazers, i have to say i’m completely crushed by the decision. i know everyone thinks if we get an ahl team its a step up in talent, but for those of us who grew up with the blazers thats not really any consolation. we loved and supported our team through good and bad times, and were not given any sort of voice in the outcome of this decision. there will be a split opinion on whether or not this was a good move, those who always think that progress for progress sake is a good thing, and those who want things to stay as they’ve always been. i guess it doesnt really matter now, whats done is done, but i will always miss my blazers, not matter what team comes rolling into town next.

And now he's moving on to soccer. I truly hope he learns more about it, and it's culture, than he ever did about OKC's minor league hockey culture. Because he has totally destroyed that. And please don't try to pin this all on the Thunder. If that's the case, then why would you believe him about bringing an MLS team here? How will they EVER compete with the Thunder?
(BTW, all that talk (on both sides) about "we're going to MLS!" is almost total B.S.) At least in the near future, there is almost 0 chance of OKC getting an MLS franchise. So, i want us to be in the highest level possible, and have fun there. As far as I'm concerned, that is the NASL, not USL-Pro. Read my post above about attendance figures for the two leagues.

[Dubya61]

Not nostalgia at all. Just don't care for incompetence. Blazers were the most successful minor league hockey franchise in all of N. America. That's not my opinion. Its a fact. the Blazers led all of minor league hockey in attendance five times during their history (1993-94, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2006-07). There were may nights when The Blazers outdrew the NY Islanders. And they didn't have to have "beer specials" to do it. In fact, the city was considered a candidate for expansion in the NHL back in 1997 before the league awarded Nashville and Columbus expansion franchises.
This is just one person I found on the ol' interwebs when BFunk announced that there was no way he could reach an agreement with the city to keep the Blazers, but somehow they WOULD give him an agreement to bring in the AHL?!?

as an 8 year season ticket holder of the blazers, i have to say i’m completely crushed by the decision. i know everyone thinks if we get an ahl team its a step up in talent, but for those of us who grew up with the blazers thats not really any consolation. we loved and supported our team through good and bad times, and were not given any sort of voice in the outcome of this decision. there will be a split opinion on whether or not this was a good move, those who always think that progress for progress sake is a good thing, and those who want things to stay as they’ve always been. i guess it doesnt really matter now, whats done is done, but i will always miss my blazers, not matter what team comes rolling into town next.

And now he's moving on to soccer. I truly hope he learns more about it, and it's culture, than he ever did about OKC's minor league hockey culture. Because he has totally destroyed that. And please don't try to pin this all on the Thunder. If that's the case, then why would you believe him about bringing an MLS team here? How will they EVER compete with the Thunder?
(BTW, all that talk (on both sides) about "we're going to MLS!" is almost total B.S.) At least in the near future, there is almost 0 chance of OKC getting an MLS franchise. So, i want us to be in the highest level possible, and have fun there. As far as I'm concerned, that is the NASL, not USL-Pro. Read my post above about attendance figures for the two leagues.

I, too, was incredibly disappointed in the way the Blazers quit, but you can't say that the Blazers were the most successful minor league hockey franchise in all of N. America unless you're only looking at attendance. Sure, they did have great attendance.

[T]he Blazers led all of minor league hockey in attendance five times during their recent history (1993-94, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2006-07).

After 17 Years, Oklahoma City Blazers Fold Up Shop in the CHL - Defending Big D
What if, however, you measured "success" by the financial viability of the enterprise? The General Manager for the Blazers said

Due to the current economic downturn, the OKC Blazers are regrettably closing their doors effective July 1. Despite attempts to re-organize and streamline the operation, the substantial losses from running the team have led to this business decision.

"We have the most loyal fans of any team, anywhere, and we appreciate the unwavering support they have given the team for many years," said Bob Funk Sr. "The Blazers organization has maintained its commitment to the fans for nine years. We've tried everything to make this model work and explored every available option. If there had been any other choice, we would not have made this decision."

and they were simply pursuing a better business model.

Little steps have been taken in the last year about the possibility of an American Hockey League franchise coming to Oklahoma City.
A major one was taken Thursday, when the Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League announced they were suspending operations for an indefinite period.
The decision coincides with Express Sports filing paperwork to start negotiations with a "prospective AHL franchise,” according to city documents.

End of the road for Blazers: Team suspends operations; AHL franchise could be coming | News OK
If they're making money with the Barons (and I'll bet they are), then perhaps their "incompetence" with the Blazers led to a good fan base here for the a better business model in the Barons.
I'm only mad at Express Sports that they seem to have given so many tickets away but I never got one!!!!

[boitoirich]

Why the combative tone? If you're tying to get people to connect with your team and organization, why risk alienating potential supporters just because they have found an organization to rally behind? It's still possible the NASL team will work out better than Energy FC, and if that's your goal -- bully for you (I will sincerely be happy, because two successful teams would definitely put MLS on notice). But you can't fault people for getting behind a team that has a stadium, is working to build a soccer-specific stadium, has a full team, has visibility in the community, communicates with fans, and oh yeah -- has an MLS affiliation. So far from the OKC FC people: radio silence.

[borchard]

Why the combative tone? If you're tying to get people to connect with your team and organization, why risk alienating potential supporters just because they have found an organization to rally behind? It's still possible the NASL team will work out better than Energy FC, and if that's your goal -- bully for you (I will sincerely be happy, because two successful teams would definitely put MLS on notice). But you can't fault people for getting behind a team that has a stadium, is working to build a soccer-specific stadium, has a full team, has visibility in the community, communicates with fans, and oh yeah -- has an MLS affiliation. So far from the OKC FC people: radio silence.

You are correct. I apologize for that. i have just been on another, soccer, forum where the tone tends to get a little adversarial.

[bradh]

The NASL's model of trying to compete with no profit sharing (which is what helps MLS be successful) against MLS will lead to a league with some teams in only the wealthiest largest cities.

[borchard]

The NASL's model of trying to compete with no profit sharing (which is what helps MLS be successful) against MLS will lead to a league with some teams in only the wealthiest largest cities.

And wouldn't it be nice if we were one of them?

[bradh]

And wouldn't it be nice if we were one of them?

I have a significant problem with a league that is trying to compete with one already established for decades, in a sport that needs all the help it can, plus some, to grow in this country. Soccer needs unity, not competing leagues.

[borchard]

I have a significant problem with a league that is trying to compete with one already established for decades, in a sport that needs all the help it can, plus some, to grow in this country. Soccer needs unity, not competing leagues.

So are you saying we should just "get with the program"? "Jump on the bus"? "Don't rock the boat"? I want soccer to succeed too. But I ALSO want OKC to have the highest level we can possibly get. I happen to believe that is the NASL, and not USL. I don't want us to just become another farm team for someone else. Maybe I'm alone in that. Nothing against Sporting KC. I like watching them. But I don't necessarily want to be their support system. I think we're better than that. OKC is big league city!
We have a chance to be in NASL, playing against the NY Cosmos, Tampa Bay Rowdies, etc...
And people are rightfully proud of pointing out that the energy have around 1,000 STH for the first year. Good for them, seriously.
But did you know that Indianapolis, in the first NASL season, now has 7,000 STH's? AAMOF they have had to open ANOTHER 1,000 seats! I want us to be part of that!
I have pointed this out on another forum, but last year when SoS operated OKC FC in the PDL, and amateur league, with only about a month and half of lead time, in a temporary venue they ended up averaging ~ 1,300/game. Did you know that 1/4 of the teams in the league that the energy will be playing in didn't even average 800/game? And with MLS teams moving to operate their own full reserve teams in USL-Pro, in the very near future the league will be just that, a reserve league.
WHY do we want to settle for that? If you do, then fine. I just don't get why?

[Laramie]

Just maybe this competition will be good for the professional soccer and Oklahoma City. One of these teams (OKC Energy or OKC NASL) will survive; this could later pave the way for the MLS?

vs. = ?

The OKC Energy has gotten out the gate with 'energy' (1,000-plus season tickets sold) because their early entry will give them that advantage. The OKC Energy will also get a boost when turnpike rival Tulsa joins the USL-Pro League in 2015. Tulsa appears to have the same dilemma as OKC with the new Tulsa Roughnecks joining the USL-Pro in 2015 battling the NPSL Tulsa Athletics for their fan base.

The Oklahoma City Energy should be positioned to win this battle as they will move into their new home (7,000-seat Taft Stadium) in 2015 thanks to former OKC NASL magnet Tim McLaughlin joining the OKC Energy camp. Will the Funks' fumble the soccer ball?

The OKC NASL doesn't begin until 2015; therefore attempting to begin an early marketing blitz could lead to confusion and benefit the Energy group. A botched OKC Energy attempt could benefit the NASL group. When it's all said and done, let us hope that Oklahoma City will be strengthened from this ordeal.

Who knows the future. Having the NASL as a competitive league to the MLS could eventually lead to a merger (MLS-NASL) involving successful NASL franchises down the road.

It happened with the NFL-AFL full merger. Jacksonville was on the NFL's radar for expansion because of its success as a USFL city (Jacksonville Bulls) when the NFL 1995 expansion gave birth to Charlotte, NC (Carolina Panthers) and Jacksonville (Jaguars) as the 29th & 30th members. The NBA-ABA merger admitting four ABA teams: New York-New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers & San Antonio Spurs developed as a result of the ABA's competitiveness with the rival NBA.

The league battles and cities jockeying to bring the best to their communities could eventually be a good thing for those successful soccer communities. Cultivating the best is what we want for Oklahoma City.

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

[bradh]

I get what you're saying, it all sounds good, but when your reserve league is the next logical step to THE premier domestic soccer league, who is going to be left to play in NASL. If I'm a fringe MLS soccer player, am I going to fight to make the MLS squad through the traditional method, or am I going to go play in wannabe big league, perhaps never getting the shot to play on national TV, with USMNT stars, etc. I'm not opposed to being "big league" like you said, but I'm not sure NASL is the right way. While individual NASL teams have made the jump to MLS, I think I can speak fairly confident that NASL as whole will never be (nor should be) on MLS level.