Rayo OKC

[bradh]

well for one, they don't compete as often and there is less schedule overlap

Whoever hit the ground first in soccer in OKC was going to do the best. Right now that's the Energy. If it was NASL first out the gate you'd likely see the same response.

[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!!!!

[Edgar]

Go to a Barons game Dubya- not speaking figuratively, you can take a nap in the place. No way they're coming close to breaking even. Went from no comps to giving away cars pretty quickly. Wonder who's cover operating deficit, and who is paying for all those cars they're giving away.The pizza vendor literally resting on his elbows. My buddie and I have multiple beverages and tip and they act so delighted like it never happens anymore. OKC had a long passionate vibrant hockey culture and Funk Jr arrives with his faith and family bs and insults all the hockey fans in town and kills the sport, and now our plutocrats putting all their support behind Funk rather than a proven winner like Brad Lund. Small time town.

[bradh]

If hockey fans were so diehard they'd still go to games. It's not like you have an owner who is releasing a winning team (Jeff Loria and the Marlins) or the old Chicago Blackhwaks who didn't show games on TV. It's freaking AHL hockey, there should be no reason for old Blazers fans not to keep going to games. I guess I'm just confused what's keeping the old blowhard Blazer fans from going to and supporting Barons games.

Faith and family BS? Were old Barons games places for satanic worship or something? What does that have to do with anything?

I just don't understand what has people so bent out of shape about the losing the Blazers and getting an upgrade in quality of hockey here.

[Dubya61]

Go to a Barons game Dubya- not speaking figuratively, you can take a nap in the place. No way they're coming close to breaking even. Went from no comps to giving away cars pretty quickly. Wonder who's cover operating deficit, and who is paying for all those cars they're giving away.The pizza vendor literally resting on his elbows. My buddie and I have multiple beverages and tip and they act so delighted like it never happens anymore. OKC had a long passionate vibrant hockey culture and Funk Jr arrives with his faith and family bs and insults all the hockey fans in town and kills the sport, and now our plutocrats putting all their support behind Funk rather than a proven winner like Brad Lund. Small time town.

I've been to several Barons games and, with the exception of the inaugural game, loved it! Didn't nap once or feel the inclination to -- I was there to watch hockey, not participate in a hockey-themed rave.
Bob Funk, Jr. was involved in the Blazers operations as well as the Barons. It's not like he has the reverse Midas touch and suddenly the Barons suck where the Blazers were kings.
I honestly don't know how the pizza vendor's success ties into your point, and I don't care. All I'm saying is that a lot of Blazers fans are butt hurt about the way the transition was managed, and I understand that, but Prodigal Hockey and the Funks aren't the arch-villains you or borchard portray them to be. In fact, as much fun as I had at Blazers (and now Barons) games, I applaud them for keeping the husk of an business the Blazers apparently were alive for so long.
Times change. Situations change. The OKC the Blazers seem to have succeeded in is not the OKC the Barons have to compete in.
Maybe you should reduce your beverage intake and look at the reality without beer goggles. I'd say that the Barons are doing OK as an NFL affiliate team.

[Richard at Remax]

I bet those seats that are covered up by sponsors keep them treading water in the financial department. that's just easy money for the Barons.

I go to my fair share of games. I love it. ITs not as gritty as the blazers but ill take quality over the CHL any day. Also, I think the lack of rivalries and the inconsistent rosters turn some fans off.

At the end of the day it is what it is. Minor league hockey with about 2500-3500 die hard hockey fans there every game. I think the same will happen for the Energy as well.

[Edgar]

I've been to several Barons games and, with the exception of the inaugural game, loved it! Didn't nap once or feel the inclination to -- I was there to watch hockey, not participate in a hockey-themed rave.
Bob Funk, Jr. was involved in the Blazers operations as well as the Barons. It's not like he has the reverse Midas touch and suddenly the Barons suck where the Blazers were kings.
I honestly don't know how the pizza vendor's success ties into your point, and I don't care. All I'm saying is that a lot of Blazers fans are butt hurt about the way the transition was managed, and I understand that, but Prodigal Hockey and the Funks aren't the arch-villains you or borchard portray them to be. In fact, as much fun as I had at Blazers (and now Barons) games, I applaud them for keeping the husk of an business the Blazers apparently were alive for so long.
Times change. Situations change. The OKC the Blazers seem to have succeeded in is not the OKC the Barons have to compete in.
Maybe you should reduce your beverage intake and look at the reality without beer goggles. I'd say that the Barons are doing OK as an NFL affiliate team.

Point is about the lonely pizza vendor- it's a totally different crowd and atmosphere. No more passionate raucous crowds selling out concessions and lined up 10 deep at the merchandise booth. Jr had plans to change the hockey culture of OKC and bestow the gift of AHL to the city. And from the looks of actual people in the arena at a home game the new culture appealed to about 700- 800 folks, unless they're giving away a car. Mgmt seemed to be proud new people were buying tixs rather than the old hockey guard. Get what you wish for. You're right, it's not the same OKC. The town used to have a beloved hockey team. It's the arrogant elitists like Funk Jr that are trying to make the town into something it isn't. Hockey fans in OKC are blue coller people who like to put on a team jersey for a Sat night game and spill beer while pounding on the glass and shouting at the opposition. Jr ran everyone off and ruined hockey in OKC.

[jerrywall]

Jeeze, this obsession on division, throwing around words like plutocrats and elitists. It's like the Mayoral election all over again.

There's no problem with 2 teams in town, and an improved soccer culture will benefit everyone. However, those obsessed with being divisive will turn people off as quick as Shadid did.

Funk obviously has something going for him considering he was able to beat out the OKC FC for the USL Pro slot. Folks can act like they wanted the NASL affiliation all along, but that's not true.. it was the second choice.

I see us as getting the best of both worlds. We have Division 2 soccer with the NASL, with higher salaries, and more visibility. But we also have the USL Pro team, with MLS affiliation, and the opportunity for loaned players and to potentially see players move to and from MLS. Win-Win, and I think there are enough soccer fans in OKC to support both, unless folks turn it into an either/or scenario. In that case, I'd say the team that's active right now would end up with the advantage.

[Edgar]

happens every time there is an oil boom Jerry. The oilies get all puffed up and think they're high society and start building huge wine cellars.
Funk Jr's main problem with running hockey in town is he has a real disdain for the people who are the actual hockey lovers in town. Definitely some elitism at work there and it sure seems blazer fans took notice.

[LakeEffect]

This thread isn't about hockey, it's about NASL.

[bradh]

happens every time there is an oil boom Jerry. The oilies get all puffed up and think they're high society and start building huge wine cellars.
Funk Jr's main problem with running hockey in town is he has a real disdain for the people who are the actual hockey lovers in town. Definitely some elitism at work there and it sure seems blazer fans took notice.

I see Edgar's lunacy knows no boundaries, it stretches across multiple topics.

Again, if there are old Blazers fans staying at home because of why you say, then aren't really die hard hockey fans.

[Rover]

Why would Funk Jr. waste lots of money just to drive hockey fans out of town or to just kill soccer here? That's as goofy as those that think people buy businesses that lose money "for the tax write off". LOL.

[Edgar]

Of course he didn't intend to kill hockey in OKC. No doubt he had high hopes. He just doesn't know what he's doing. Seems odd you'd want him to lead a new sports venture. Funk is one of our religious right plutocrats, and Brad Lund seems to be persona non grata for some reason. Who would you choose to lead your new operation?

[bradh]

Because I don't care if someone is a religious right plutocrat, it has zero to do with their ability to run a sports franchise.

From what I can tell, people supporting Lund and NASL were huge pre-Funk Blazer fans. Problem is, OKC has had a lot of new people move to this city since the Blazers were here, and what they see in the Energy thus far is a professional operation who appears to have their stuff in order. There is zero outside bias from being jolted over their precious lower level minor league hockey team that was popular in pre-Thunder OKC.

[OKCretro]

I heard that Funk was the one that blocked the sale of the redhawks to the rangers

[Dubya61]

I heard that Funk was the one that blocked the sale of the redhawks to the rangers

Jeez! Are you feeding the GD troll?

[borchard]

Design Our Scarf!

[Plutonic Panda]

Oklahoma City FC invites fans to design club scarf » Local News » The Edmond Sun

Oklahoma City FC Invites Fans To Design Club Scarf - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

[LakeEffect]

2015 games will be played in Yukon, per Twitter. https://twitter.com/OklahomaCityFC

[borchard]

2015 games will be played in Yukon, per Twitter. https://twitter.com/OklahomaCityFC

So now both teams will be playing in high school football stadiums. The key, I think, will be which one gets out first. Whoever builds their own stadium, or gets a lease to play in Bricktown Ballpark, will fire the final shot in this war, IMHO

[Snowman]

So now both teams will be playing in high school football stadiums. The key, I think, will be which one gets out first. Whoever builds their own stadium, or gets a lease to play in Bricktown Ballpark, will fire the final shot in this war, IMHO

On some level I almost would have expected they might do a minor revamp of the older stadium that was just replaced a year or two ago if they were picking one of the two (note it was mostly replaced due to moving the high school, the field is in great shape since they put in a really nice artificial turf and sub-surface two or three years before it was replaced), they both are artificial turf but at least if you used the old one it could be changed to only soccer lines. They could also do it in whatever colors and logos they want (for reference Yukon's colors are Red, White and while not official but highly common Black) since it pretty much is a practice field for middle schools now.

[shawnw]

Who wants to go to Yukon for soccer? Not me (no offense). Edmond, maybe, I might be convinced. Norman, yes. Yukon? Just doesn't grab me. It's a fine place, I just don't immediately think of other things to possibly do like with Norman or Edmond...

[Snowman]

Who wants to go to Yukon for soccer? Not me (no offense). Edmond, maybe, I might be convinced. Norman, yes. Yukon? Just doesn't grab me. It's a fine place, I just don't immediately think of other things to possibly do like with Norman or Edmond...

Edmond's were probably out since the high schools only have like a tenth the seating capacity they will have with Yukon (or most of the other high schools), I could see Moore's or Douglass before Norman's just due to it being 1/3 farther out than any of the other suburbs. After finding the full press release, I think it may be more to do with the athletic support facilities, media facilities & private suits in the new Yukon stadium than anything else

[Dan L]

The Edmond High Schools play football at Wantland Stadium on the campus of UCO. It has a capacity of 10,000.

[Snowman]

The Edmond High Schools play football at Wantland Stadium on the campus of UCO. It has a capacity of 10,000.

That makes more sense, the fields by the high schools look like they barely would have enough for a parents section. Are the stands scaled for the track events/soccer?