There is a HUGE difference in evaluating whether a venue is producing positive revenue on a standalone basis versus the NET POSITIVE EFFECT of having the venue and what it brings.

I am glad the Ford Center provides positive cash flow for the city, but am more pleased with the increased taxes like the sales and property taxes due to the increased traffic and construction in the area that is directly or indirectly tied to the Maps improvements of which the Ford Center is an essential element. Our city did a great job of PLANNING for this to be successful for the city. Indirectly, the PR our city is receiving is unbelievable. As I travel all over the country and work with large companies throughout, I can tell you the business leaders I deal with are much more positively impressed with OKC and inclined to look at expansion here. Our vision and action has been impressive. Nationally, NO ONE ever thought of OKC as positively as they do right now. And just wait till we engage in the Maps 3 development. People will be shocked at how much momentum this gives OKC.