Paycom Center (formerly Chesapeake Arena)

[Bill Robertson]

But does HE own 20 percent or does Chesapeake own 20 percent? And again, how many public companies put their names on the arena?

If it is advertising, using advertising dollars, which all public and private companies do, what the **** is the problem? Sorry, but you don't have me sold. I see the point you are trying to make, but given all of the facts from both sides, I am not buying it.

He, personally, owns 20 percent. At least he's listed in the owners group personally. Not the company.

Either way I don't get Mike's argument. If McClendon and the board of directors use company (shareholder) money to name the arena, and that generates quite a bit of additional, nationwide, advertising it a good thing for Chesapeake. The naming isn't likely to increase the teams, and therefor, McClendon's personal income from a "moonlighting project". Having televised games, some nationally, broadcast from "The Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City" is good for the company and doesn't change McClendon's position much if at all.

No matter what the issue is there's always some group that look for a conspiracy.

[onthestrip]

He, personally, owns 20 percent. At least he's listed in the owners group personally. Not the company.

Either way I don't get Mike's argument. If McClendon and the board of directors use company (shareholder) money to name the arena, and that generates quite a bit of additional, nationwide, advertising it a good thing for Chesapeake. The naming isn't likely to increase the teams, and therefor, McClendon's personal income from a "moonlighting project". Having televised games, some nationally, broadcast from "The Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City" is good for the company and doesn't change McClendon's position much if at all.

No matter what the issue is there's always some group that look for a conspiracy.

I believe the thunder were one of the few reams to make a profit last year so yes, this will increase profits by about 2.5 mil(after okc get about 400k). And I don't know why the word conspiracy is being used. Mike isn't trying to say this is a conspiracy but more of a business ethics issue. And of course Chesapeake gets some advertising from this but that's not the point that's trying to be made.

[Rover]

And I don't either. I only would hope that the profits come honestly. To those who don't 'get it', please understand, my only problem is McClendon, acting as CEO of Chesapeake Energy, using stockholder money from this public company and diverting that money directly to another business in which he owns 20%. Period. Beyond that, he can do as he pleases in all of his moonlighting, just stop using CHK money to infuse one of his moonlighting projects with millions of dollars. Easy.

IF you own stock, go to the stockholders' meeting and bring it up. I doubt you will get any traction as most are intelligent enough to understand that this is a very good advertising opportunity consistent with marketing objectives of the company. His involvement is very transparent and there is no evidence of an attempt to mask it. I would also guess that the amount paid is very consistent with costs to name other arenas and not excessive or granting Aubrey a personal benefit.

This objection posed is a non-starter.

[dcsooner]

When I read some of ridiculous cmts of some on this board, I understand why some loathe the thougt of living in a place so backwards. A local corporation pays money for advertising on the cities arena and people look for issues. A great player gets tattoo and people are astounded. Oklahoma continues to remain in the closet of progressive thought, what a shame.

[metro]

This thread has officially become the dumbest ever

[betts]

I disagree. Not even in the top ten. We're a prolific bunch.

[Bill Robertson]

I believe the thunder were one of the few reams to make a profit last year so yes, this will increase profits by about 2.5 mil(after okc get about 400k). And I don't know why the word conspiracy is being used. Mike isn't trying to say this is a conspiracy but more of a business ethics issue. And of course Chesapeake gets some advertising from this but that's not the point that's trying to be made.

Conspiracy isn't the best choice of words. But I don't see anything unethical about the CEO using corp. money to move the corp. forward. Even if it could result in personal gain for the CEO from a separate, perfectly legal, source. In this case the corp. stands to gain a lot more than Mr. McClendon.

[Spartan]

Why is this controversial?

[Architect2010]

When I read some of ridiculous cmts of some on this board, I understand why some loathe the thougt of living in a place so backwards. A local corporation pays money for advertising on the cities arena and people look for issues. A great player gets tattoo and people are astounded. Oklahoma continues to remain in the closet of progressive thought, what a shame.

I think we both know that Oklahoma is consistently more progressive then people like to make it out to be. We can also be fairly 100% certain that the opinions you read on a website, like ours, are not going to be representative of our entire population; instead, those are the radicals of opinion. So let's get passed judging our populace based on a comment board. Lol.

[Spartan]

When I read some of ridiculous cmts of some on this board, I understand why some loathe the thougt of living in a place so backwards. A local corporation pays money for advertising on the cities arena and people look for issues. A great player gets tattoo and people are astounded. Oklahoma continues to remain in the closet of progressive thought, what a shame.

I think you're fetching for straws to support the reasons why you left Oklahoma.

[dcsooner]

I think you're fetching for straws to support the reasons why you left Oklahoma.

I am in Lawton right now through Friday, come back at least 4x yr

[Spartan]

Reasons won't be hard to find there ;-)

[PhiAlpha]

I second what rover said... Are any of you that are complaining actually stock holders in CHK? If not, quit bitching!!!! It's not your problem, quit looking for something to complain about in every post! I'm a shareholder and I don't give a crap. It's a great publicity opportunity to promote natural gas.

[metro]

I second what rover said... Are any of you that are complaining actually stock holders in CHK? If not, quit bitching!!!! It's not your problem, quit looking for something to complain about in every post! I'm a shareholder and I don't give a crap. It's a great publicity opportunity to promote natural gas.

Best post in this thread yet

[betts]

I just remembered I'm a shareholder too. I'm fine with it as well. I'm actually happy we've got a local company purchasing naming rights.

[megax11]

WOW! Peeps came and derailed my topic.

Anyhow, my son tells me something has happened to the Chesapeake Arena on the side facing the highway. I was tempted to drive by it, but I didn't.

He obviously has seen it, but I haven't seen it lately.

What all has happened to the exterior as of late? Any pics? He makes it sound like the new entrance is, or is close, to being done.

[Pete]

They are really just getting underway on the new entrance on the SW corner of the arena. Lots of dirtwork and such.

It won't be finished for several months.

[Thundercitizen]

This may help. Took these yesterday.

[dankrutka]

As can be seen in the pictures, there's quite a bit of work left. I think they said they hope to be done with everything by May 2012.

[OKCRT]

Will The Chez Arena be top 10 in the NBA when finished?

I drove buy the work zone today and they are starting to really kick it in gear. This will be awsome when done and will totally change the look of the Chez

[jn1780]

As can be seen in the pictures, there's quite a bit of work left. I think they said they hope to be done with everything by May 2012.

Well, there's no hurry. The Thunder may not even play this year, unfortunately.

[dankrutka]

No. When the renovations are complete the Arena will still be bottom 3rd of NBA Arenas, but it of course depends on your criteria. Most are built much more elaborately initially than the Ford center. Still, it will be much improved.

[Larry OKC]

No. When the renovations are complete the Arena will still be bottom 3rd of NBA Arenas, but it of course depends on your criteria. Most are built much more elaborately initially than the Ford center. Still, it will be much improved.

As you said it depends on the criteria used and who you believe. Reportedly the Ford was middle of the NBA pack both in seating capacity and amenities before the improvements were made. After the improvements, and the removal of 960 seats, seating capacity went from #14 all the way down to #28 (maybe even lower, depending on newer facilities). We have been told by officials that it is a top tier NBA arena (but not sure what criteria they are using for that statement). Read somewhere that it will be one of the larger NBA facilities but that is solely based on square footage and not seating capacity (the added sf for team offices, entrance etc).

[Rover]

No. When the renovations are complete the Arena will still be bottom 3rd of NBA Arenas, but it of course depends on your criteria. Most are built much more elaborately initially than the Ford center. Still, it will be much improved.

Have you been to many of the NBA arenas?

[betts]

All arenas are so different, inside and out, that it's really almost impossible to rank them accurately. For example the arena in Boston has two tiers of suites and a really nice restaurant for season ticket holders, but the interior is a bit shabby and the exterior is unexciting. Most people would tell you American Airlines Arena in Dallas is the nicest, but I think it's a little cheesy. I haven't seen the new $450 million Orlando arena but I would suspect it's nice. In terms of financial outlay, adjusted for inflation, we haven't spent anywhere near enough money on our arena for most people to rank it near the top. I think we've gotten a pretty decent building considering what we've invested.