East Coast Hockey League (ECHL)

[Jersey Boss]

OKC could easily support an ECHL team. It's just a matter if the powers that be want to put forth the effort/money for one. Looks like they don't.

Are the powers to be the Thunder ownership group or is it the public servants of OKC?

[jedicurt]

Are the powers to be the Thunder ownership group or is it the public servants of OKC?

a combo of both... i know someone who sat in on meetings to discuss putting the Dallas Stars ECHL team in OKC, and they were just basically told that they couldn't use Chesapeake arena, if they wanted to have any advertising or location for merch sales, and that there was zero room to negotiate on that. that no space would be given for a hockey store, and that just setting up tables would be the only option, and zero branding or advertising in the arena... the question was even asked about if they won the league could they put in a championship banner, and were told it would have to be taken down when games were not taking place... that if the needed these types of things, then Chesapeake arena was not an option... and since there is no long term plan for another facility in the city to house hockey... they left.

[Laramie]

a combo of both... i know someone who sat in on meetings to discuss putting the Dallas Stars ECHL team in OKC, and they were just basically told that they couldn't use Chesapeake arena, if they wanted to have any advertising or location for merch sales, and that there was zero room to negotiate on that. that no space would be given for a hockey store, and that just setting up tables would be the only option, and zero branding or advertising in the arena... the question was even asked about if they won the league could they put in a championship banner, and were told it would have to be taken down when games were not taking place... that if the needed these types of things, then Chesapeake arena was not an option... and since there is no long term plan for another facility in the city to house hockey... they left.

Don't doubt your source here. My question: Who owns Chesapeake Energy Arena--City of Oklahoma City or Professional Basketball Club LLC (PBC)?

If the Thunder are planning to hog The Peake, I'm all in favor of building a new multipurpose arena at Fair Park or Stockyards City. Let's invest in some of these areas that truly qualify & benefit for TIF funds.

[jedicurt]

Don't doubt your source here. My question: Who owns Chesapeake Energy Arena--City of Oklahoma City or Professional Basketball Club LLC (PBC)?

well the city... but the city doesn't want to upset their anchor tenant, especially when they are currently the only game in town. it's still very much the good ole boys club of helping people out they have known for years. so PBC gets to make the calls of what they are willing to concede and not.

[Jersey Boss]

well the city... but the city doesn't want to upset their anchor tenant, especially when they are currently the only game in town. it's still very much the good ole boys club of helping people out they have known for years. so PBC gets to make the calls of what they are willing to concede and not.

IMO, another reason why publicly funded arenas for billionaires is bad policy. Certainly better lease terms so more concerts and hockey could utilize this public arena.