NBA Players Think OKC is Boring...boo hoo

[dismayed]

As far as I know, the only place you can legally drink in public is in Norman during OU games.

I think the Norman city council just this week made even that a crime.

Ok, just curious, but what/where are these "hip districts"?

You mean a district where you put on your best Affliction tee, jeans, and flip flops isn't considered hip?

You're right, many of the people I work with live in Edmond, as do I. I've looked at places in Deep Deuce, I've looked at all the new/refurbished place in and around the DT area. Frankly, they're waaaaay overpriced. At least with the properties in Edmond, I know that if&when I leave, I'll make a return on my investment. In the DT area, it's too much of a risk, especially when place like Maywood park are barely half full and Regency tower is trying out 2-for-1 deals to try and attract people.

The risk is a real problem. I can afford to live down there, but the whole venture just strikes me as too risky. I don't want to live in a condo for 10 years to be able to break even when I sell it, and if that is the expectation of downtown builders then they don't understand the 'creative class' very well.

Bottom line is that there's almost nothing in this city to draw 20-30 somethings, specifically single ones.

I think the single aspect is being played up too much. It is really difficult to put one's finger on but it is the same problem if you're single or not. It has gotten much better in recent years though.

I think the 'go out and make it happen' comment is a lot harder than those who would so easily type it. I have actually been considering exactly that. The problem with that scenario is a person may not have any experience in the type of business that they want to bring to OKC or no desire to run it, even if they have the money, so it comes down to making a connection and essentially finding a business partner with the experience to run something like that which you trust enough to fork over quite large sums of money, or sign on a dotted line for. I know this has happened before, a good case study would probably be the now defunct LIT bar in Bricktown... it was started by two law students who just wanted a cool place for their friends to hang out. I would also be interested to know why they eventually decided to shutter their doors.

I don't really see Bricktown becoming the district that we are hoping will one day come into existence. I tend to think that Midtown has the potential there, but it is just too immature and underdeveloped at this point.

I think the biggest challenge for OKC is that the types of things we are talking about are not the city's domain and are essentially things that private investors and business people are going to have to figure out. And honestly it is a tough sell in a bad economy. It really boils down to moving past all the naysayers who say "look, there are no businesses catering to this demographic in OKC therefore trying to start a business like that would be economic suicide" and transforming that thought process into "look, there are no businesses catering to this demographic... they're under-served! This is going to be a gold-mine!"

[MikeOKC]

I actually might be worried if some of those guys thought this place was exciting.

Very true!! When OKC becomes a city that's exciting to most NBA players, we've got problems. Sorry, but some things just have too much anecdotal evidence to even bother arguing about it. Agree, midtowner, agree.

[Blazerfan11]

You hear lots of things. I heard Bennett got so many of the players to live in Rose Creek so that the Gallardia folks wouldn't have to be around all those black people.

[betts]

You hear lots of things. I heard Bennett got so many of the players to live in Rose Creek so that the Gallardia folks wouldn't have to be around all those black people.

First of all, that is an incredibly offensive statement. Secondly, you don't say things like that as hearsay in a public forum. Shame on you.

Thabo Sefalosha lives in Nichols Hills, as did Desmond Mason. His neighbors threw him a block party when he moved in. I think almost everyone in town would be thrilled to have one of the Thunder players as a neighbor.

[kmf563]

Part of the problem, I think, is that a lot of these single guys live in Edmond, in residential developments designed for families. Obviously, they think they can't live in Deep Deuce, but they'd have a lot more fun if they did. I talked to a friend who knows a bunch of them last night, and she said the married ones love it here, and she suspects it's the single guys who might be grumbling. She also said it would be nice if we had a few more jazz clubs that cater to people with higher end incomes. And, I suspect they'd like more hip shopping, and more high end shopping. It's annoying, because we've supported stores like Chanel and Balliet's for years and years, probably because our dsiposable income is about the same as any other place, but retailers can't look past average income data.

Who doesn't shop online anymore? Really. Going shopping doesn't sound like something an NBA player would consider fun. Wearing the things that just show up on your doorstep does. I'm single and live in Edmond. I don't hang out there, but I love living there. I'm never bored. Get over it.

[betts]

I think they like to shop. The one time in my life I've been in Las Vegas as an adult was over the NBA All Star break. I've never seen more non-All Star NBA players in one place at a time. Where did I see them? Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. I think they like to drive nice cars and wear nice clothes. Just like my son of a similar age, although his budget is a wee bit different.

[kmf563]

I think they like to shop. The one time in my life I've been in Las Vegas as an adult was over the NBA All Star break. I've never seen more non-All Star NBA players in one place at a time. Where did I see them? Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. I think they like to drive nice cars and wear nice clothes. Just like my son of a similar age, although his budget is a wee bit different.

It's Vegas. Who DOESN'T like to shop in Vegas?? That's what sports players do. They shop in Vegas and New York and California. It doesn't matter where they live. These are the known places to shop.

Just like my girlfriends who have money don't shop anywhere but Milan and Paris. That's what they do.

[jc4455]

Okay, I'm going to read the rest of Page 4 later but in the mean time I have something to say!

I thought this thread was entitled "NBA Players Think OKC is Boring...boo hoo"?! Mods, can you change it to "jc4455 Thinks OKC is a Piece of Crap Wanna Be Big City"? It'd be much appreciated...

I never said OKC is a piece of crap. I mostly like living here, I just gave my perspective and opinion on why it's boring here.

jc--and no, you're not Jesus Christ--you talk up Dallas so much and how much more awesome it is than OKC. I do agree with you on that because it serves a metro population of 6.3 million and therefore has to be very diversified when it comes to the amenities provided for the vast array of lifestyles and ethnic groups that live there. On the other hand you bring up just a few points that have nothing to do with nothing other than whining like a little b***h.

Wow, well I never attempted at passing myself off as Jesus, I'm not even sure where you got an inkling of that impression. I also never "talked up Dallas". I simply stated that we go there alot to party as opposed to staying here.

Point #1 - You and your 'friends' (are these your fingers?) don't care about a trolley system because it would take up a lane of traffic??? Ever been down on McKinney Street just north and west of downtown Dallas?!? It has a circular street car system. Oh smack, I bet you don't go down there and hang out in that "hip" district because one little car comes along every five minutes and disrupts traffic in that area and before you know it it creates a butterfly effect that throws off all the traffic in the DFW metroplex!

The trolley taking up a lane of traffic is one of a number of reasons why I don't care about it. Another is that it wouldn't benefit me, nor any of my friends, at all since I would still have to drive the same number of miles to get Downtown. A Park and Ride situation wouldn't benefit us either since we almost always park at the Theatre or at Bass Pro and walk to where we're going anyway.

Point #2 - Your beer thing. Our beer is 3.5, yes. 6 point beer is technically 5.2. If you know somebody close to you that has worked at a beer distributor, they'll pretty much inform you of that. I could drink more beer up in Missouri (certified 5.2 beer) than I could down here, but isn't that kinda bassackward?? Do you honestly believe that a 1.7 difference is really gonna do it for you? Go to Google and look up some drinking games or try drinking some heavy liquor before you get intimate with your next 3.2 beer! You and your fingers (friends) can have a party with that can, or bottle. Oh and also, there's places called liquor stores here--granted they're not open past 9pm or on Sunday's, which I agree is kinda stupid--that stock all kinds of beer that has a much higher alcoholic percentage. Maybe that's up your alley. Granted it's not refrigerated (sub-point) but buy another refrigerator yourself, being I've read about all of your disposable income.

If the 1.7 difference is such a tiny, insignificant thing, then why the hell don't we just repeal the stupid law and keep the money spent on 5.2 beer here in the state??

And the refrigeration issue isn't about having a cold beer ready to drink. It is about quality control. Many beers will lose flavor and become "skunky" if they are allowed to go from cold to room-temp back to cold, which is exactly what happens to beers in OK liquor stores, most are kept cold during transport then warmed up sitting in the stores. That's why a number of companies simply won't ship to liquor stores here.

Point #3 - Your complaints of 30+ douchebags reclaiming their youth. They're not reclaiming their youth, they're living their lives as you 20-30 somethings are able to live them here now because of the amenities that are available (although few in your book) that weren't available when they were in that age group.

Well that's just awesome. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm at an OKC club or social function and there's a bunch of guys who work with my Dad hitting on me. I'll remember that they're just living their lives and that I shouldn't feel creeped out at all.

Point #4 - Clubs. Please tell me how much better Dallas clubs are?? <<snip>>

umm, I don't see much point in further explaining this. It has debated ad nauseum on this forum and the majority of people agree that clubs in OKC are lacking. you've already made up your mind and decided that the clubs here are perfectly fine and don't need to be improved, increased in number or even discussed.

If you don't, get a darn U-Haul and move on!

I guess that's my only option. Bye


Y'know, if I had thought that simply posting my opinion here and giving my perspective as one of those who think the city is boring would have brought up so much hatred and bile, I never would have posted at all.

Let's see, I've been called a drunk, a beaten child(I still don't get that one), and an "Ugly American".

I have offered suggestions on ways to improve, which most you soundly ignored in an attempt to show how lazy I am, or how I don't support your precious f'ing MAPS3 initiative(which I was probably going to vote for anyway, so sorry for posting my misgivings about it).

It's been made very clear to me that my "type" isn't wanted in this town, both in this thread and from the PMs I received.

BTW, for the record PennyQuilts:

And if you were asked to leave a SPORTS BAR, I can't imagine you and your friends were being anything but obnoxious.

I said we were at Coach's. I said we were asked to go outside. Coach's has an OUTSIDE patio. We chose to leave and go somewhere else instead since in this city, the Family unit trumps the large group of people spending money watching a SPORTS event in a SPORTS establishment.

Good luck to you all with trying to draw young professionals to this city, I sincerely mean that.

Maybe I'll see some of you at one of the icecream socials, or board game lockins or young republican meetings you people think are "fun" for my demographic.

[gmwise]

I would like to say there's good and bad in all people.
I would be worried about having a NYC feel to OKC.
I seen some of the rudest fans of the NBA, out and about and I wouldnt missed them if they go away.
I guess it would be exciting to live next to a professional athelte just as much as it would be next door to the fire station.

[kmf563]

Maybe I'll see some of you at one of the icecream socials, or board game lockins or young republican meetings you people think are "fun" for my demographic.

LOL. geez. "Can't we all just get along?". Believe it or not...all of us use to be, and some of us still are in their 20's. Most of us on here lived in Oklahoma. We surprisingly survived and didn't die from boredom. There are way more options and things available to this age group now than even when I was there. I still was never bored. I've never been to an icecream social or a young republican meeting. eww. Most of my twenties were spent at raves until 6am, clubs until 6am, parties, events, festivals, artshows, release parties, concerts, and never complained about being bored. Now I'm in my thirties I still find places to go and things to do that are more my style and fun. I do not go to clubs. Too many of you 20 somethings. Maybe all of you need different friends who aren't boring and know where to go to find something to do.

"I guess it would be exciting to live next to a professional athelte just as much as it would be next door to the fire station. " gmwise - funny. I wouldn't want to live next door to anyone famous.

[Roadhawg]

I'm surprised nobody has mention that where your talking about is just a rumor from "a very reliable source" ... Hell, that could be the beer vendor for all you know.

[bretthexum]

umm, I don't see much point in further explaining this. It has debated ad nauseum on this forum and the majority of people agree that clubs in OKC are lacking. you've already made up your mind and decided that the clubs here are perfectly fine and don't need to be improved, increased in number or even discussed.



I guess that's my only option. Bye


Y'know, if I had thought that simply posting my opinion here and giving my perspective as one of those who think the city is boring would have brought up so much hatred and bile, I never would have posted at all.

Let's see, I've been called a drunk, a beaten child(I still don't get that one), and an "Ugly American".

I have offered suggestions on ways to improve, which most you soundly ignored in an attempt to show how lazy I am, or how I don't support your precious f'ing MAPS3 initiative(which I was probably going to vote for anyway, so sorry for posting my misgivings about it).

It's been made very clear to me that my "type" isn't wanted in this town, both in this thread and from the PMs I received.


Good luck to you all with trying to draw young professionals to this city, I sincerely mean that.

Maybe I'll see some of you at one of the icecream socials, or board game lockins or young republican meetings you people think are "fun" for my demographic.

I can totally see where you are coming from. I think some people around here have a problem with the phrase "work hard, play harder". I work my ass off all week and I love to go check out the clubs, etc. Right away I get labeled as a bad person. I hear it all the time from my co-workers. It's like I'm some evil person because I want to stay out past midnight after working 55 hours the previous week. I think the point JC is trying to make is not all young people are drunks looking to go the bar every weekend to cause trouble or get laid. There are many young professionals that love to go out after a tough week of work and let loose. It's a culture thing. And I think that's the biggest reason we don't have that much of a bar scene. That's why we get the half-assed BT clubs.

[kevinpate]

Just a thought. Over the last decade plus there have been numerous offerings that opened, and closed, sometimes not so far apart.

Why not find a 'not yet arrived' place, and make it yours. Capture it, craft it, market it to like minded folks and own it by sheer will and presence.

You don't like family geared halls? Fine, the above solves that problem for you.

When you and your crew and your extended crews set the tone, the family element will see that vibe and look elsewhere.

It can be done, even by the younger set, if you want it. Lawdy knows there are enough places around dying for you to revitalize and own the floors and tables by your numbers.

Hips is as hip does. It's a state of mind, not a robe of conformity.

Enjoy.

[gmwise]

"I guess it would be exciting to live next to a professional athelte just as much as it would be next door to the fire station. " gmwise - funny. I wouldn't want to live next door to anyone famous.

Thats sarcasm or my attempt to be.

[DaveSkater]

it would be a bit noisy! (I've been wanting to use that smiley in context ever since I signed up here!

Thats sarcasm or my attempt to be.

[andy157]

I'm surprised nobody has mention that where your talking about is just a rumor from "a very reliable source" ... Hell, that could be the beer vendor for all you know.

Rumor you say? Could have been a beer vendor you think? I think not. I have a buddy that works for a large beer distributor here in town, and it just so happens he delivers beer to the Ford Center. My buddy told me, that according to one of the towel boys, who by the way, dates one of the dancers, she had been told for a fact by someone in the front offfice that these statements have been made. So I believe we can dispell the rumors of this being just a rumor.

[bretthexum]

Just a thought. Over the last decade plus there have been numerous offerings that opened, and closed, sometimes not so far apart.

Why not find a 'not yet arrived' place, and make it yours. Capture it, craft it, market it to like minded folks and own it by sheer will and presence.

You don't like family geared halls? Fine, the above solves that problem for you.

When you and your crew and your extended crews set the tone, the family element will see that vibe and look elsewhere.

It can be done, even by the younger set, if you want it. Lawdy knows there are enough places around dying for you to revitalize and own the floors and tables by your numbers.

Hips is as hip does. It's a state of mind, not a robe of conformity.

Enjoy.

I'd love to. Just need get a few hundred K to get it goin.

[onthestrip]

Rumor you say? Could have been a beer vendor you think? I think not. I have a buddy that works for a large beer distributor here in town, and it just so happens he delivers beer to the Ford Center. My buddy told me, that according to one of the towel boys, who by the way, dates one of the dancers, she had been told for a fact by someone in the front offfice that these statements have been made. So I believe we can dispell the rumors of this being just a rumor.

LOL, ever heard of the game 'telephone?'

Reminds me of the girl that expained where she heard that Ferris Beuller was sick.

[gmwise]

lol, ever heard of the game 'telephone?'

reminds me of the girl that expained where she heard that ferris beuller was sick.

lol

[king183]

I'm surprised nobody has mention that where your talking about is just a rumor from "a very reliable source" ... Hell, that could be the beer vendor for all you know.

Yeah, that's could be true and such cryptic citations should always be looked upon skeptically. But the source is two of players themselves. Neither one of which was Nick Collison, as was speculated earlier. Like I said in the OP, I'm not really worried about their criticism for the reasons many have touched on throughout the thread. The discussion about how to improve OKC--and the level of change that is required or desired-- has been great.

[BFizzy]

I can totally see where you are coming from. I think some people around here have a problem with the phrase "work hard, play harder". I work my ass off all week and I love to go check out the clubs, etc. Right away I get labeled as a bad person. I hear it all the time from my co-workers. It's like I'm some evil person because I want to stay out past midnight after working 55 hours the previous week. I think the point JC is trying to make is not all young people are drunks looking to go the bar every weekend to cause trouble or get laid. There are many young professionals that love to go out after a tough week of work and let loose. It's a culture thing. And I think that's the biggest reason we don't have that much of a bar scene. That's why we get the half-assed BT clubs.

I seriously doubt anyone labels you a bad person because you like to go out after work. Most young professionals like to do that.

Here's the issue... Most young professionals like to go to bars, drink adult beverages with friends, and meet new people. Some like to go to clubs where hundreds of people are drinking red bull vodkas and grinding on each other. If it's clubs you like, then yes, OKC is lacking. I doubt there are many cities around OKC's size that have a good club scene. However, there are plenty of neighborhood watering holes where people go every night in OKC and blow off some steam.

Remember, these basketball players are mostly college age. They missed out on the college experience. Most young professionals have evolved past liking parties and venues that are so packed you can't move or hear what anyone is saying.

[kevinpate]

I'd love to. Just need get a few hundred K to get it goin.

Nah, I guess my intent was less than clear. Not suggesting buying a place out or creating your own start-up.

Rather, find a place that doesn't already have a strong customer base or owner mindset that's contrary to one's group, and keep it from disappearing by making it one's base, the place for one's group to go.

Simply become the majority of the customer base. Bring friends who are like minded, have them invite folks in their expanded spheres who are like minded, and so on until your view is the culture of the club. It's far simpler to re-craft a off the beaten path spot with next to no base into one's vision of a great time than to transform a Coach's into a 20 something's focused establishment. A group can salvage a place and by sheer will and dedication make it into something in tune with their needs.

One doesn't have to buy out a less than established joint to mastermind its makeover into what you want it to be.

[PennyQuilts]

I understood what you said, Kevin. I thought it was a good plan. As soon as they get one going, I am going to go set up a quilting bee in there and get them tossed out! (I'm just kidding, guys).

[Turanacus]

oklahoma city is boring.

[PennyQuilts]

So am I and my kids still love me.