Maps 3 new consideration...

[Theo Walcott]

Given some of the recent developments in the last week with the Sonics in Seattle and it looking ever so likely that they'll leave, I think the focus of Maps 3 should shift somewhat.

On another board, I read an excellent suggestion for Maps, and I figured we could give it a go here and discuss what people think.

The idea would be to construct a new facility near the new downtown boulevard following the completion of the I-40 project. The facility would be a truely state of the art venue with a feature that would seriously put OKC on the national consciousness.

Essentially, it would involve cutting edge engineering and architechtural techniques where the facility could cleanly expand or retract from 22,000-50,000 seats. There has to be a way to design a facility with the latest technology that could expand and retract in a flawless and seamless manner. Done this way, the arena's primary tenant would be the NBA with seating for 22,000 or so in its "standard" configuration. However, when expanded to 50,000, the configuration could change for hosting amazing events like the NBA all-star game, the Final Four, college football bowl games, and any other number of activities.

I realize other venues have been used in the multipurpose context (namely the Alamodome in San Antonio), but that kind of a conventional configuration is nowhere near what is envisioned here.

[JavaDaves]

With us already having the Ford Center, a very versatile arena that can be improved upon, I don't think building a new arena at this point would be a smart idea. We have a brand new arena already. Maybe 20-30 years from now when the Ford Center is aging, we can disscuss this.

I think the SanAntonio Spurs situation with the Alamo Dome shows you that larger domed structures aren't necessarily the best for NBA basketball. The Ford Center is perfect.

[Theo Walcott]

Here is the text from the original post describing this facility:

I'd like to see a new arena someday that is sort of a modern "mini-dome". Something that seats 40,000 so Oklahoma can host it's own college bowl game (makes sense since we love college football), the final four, etc. But can also be configured for a cozy 20,000 for NBA hoops.

I have no idea how it would be built, but I am talking about an arena that is unique. Like nothing out there right now. I said 40,000 max because that would be the minimum for a mid-level college bowl game and a final four, but in my utopian plan, it would be something with retractable walls and ceilings (or something like that) that would allow it to go from 40,000 for football to a cozy 20,000 for NBA hoops.

There are people out there alot smarter than us that could create such a concept. Retractable seats, walls, ceilings. A way to make basketball fans right on top of the action with good sightlines in an intimate setting (basketball wise), luxury suites, club seating, huge locker rooms, a NBA practice facilty, and at the same time turn it into a 40,000 seat "mini-dome" for college football or a final four.

It sounds far-fetched and makes me say, "why hasn't someone done it yet"? I don't know, al lI do know is there are a lot of smart engineers and architechs that could probably figure out a way to make it work.

I know you're talking big bucks. Raise my sales tax, I'd happily pay it.

[Theo Walcott]

With us already having the Ford Center, a very versatile arena that can be improved upon, I don't think building a new arena at this point would be a smart idea. We have a brand new arena already. Maybe 20-30 years from now when the Ford Center is aging, we can disscuss this.

I think the SanAntonio Spurs situation with the Alamo Dome shows you that larger domed structures aren't necessarily the best for NBA basketball. The Ford Center is perfect.

I hate to break it to you, but the Ford Center will need to be replaced within a 5-10 year period. It has ALREADY paid for itself.

[Easy180]

Absolutely...Bennett has made it known the Ford Center will do for a while, but a new arena will be needed asap...I would say 3 to 5 years max

Maps 3 would need to be tweaked if the Sonics are coming to town...Gotta pay to play

[ultimatesooner]

The inside of the Ford Center looks like an arena where they ran out of $$ when they were about 65% finished, I thought it looked like crap on the inside from the begining.

If we land a permanent franchise, we definately need a better arena

[Patrick]

I disagree. Stern has said the Ford Center is in the middle when it comes to arenas in the league. I think we need to be spending money on other things right now than new arenas, when we already have a brand spankin' new arena.

[PUGalicious]

I think the SanAntonio Spurs situation with the Alamo Dome shows you that larger domed structures aren't necessarily the best for NBA basketball. The Ford Center is perfect.

Most NBA teams would say it falls well short of perfect.

I'm with Easy on this one.

[Easy180]

Patrick get that post outta here...If Bennett sees you're argument he will head to KC

Actually I've heard calling it a middle of the road NBA arena is being very generous

[JavaDaves]

I can't see the city spending a great sum of money on a new arena when we have a new arena. I can however, see the city spending money to make some serious upgrades to the Ford Center, to improve the overall appearance of the inside of the arena, and to improve its functionality.

[Easy180]

Java...Another factor you have to consider is OKC is a lower level small market...We can't get away with having a subpar arena like an L.A. or NY can

The Ford Center will have to be upgraded, but that will only do for the short term

[jbrown84]

Yeah, I would say spend a good amount to improve the Ford Center and tide us over for 10 years.

[writerranger]

Actually I've heard calling it a middle of the road NBA arena is being very generous

I agree, Easy. What makes it "middle of the road" is factoring in the older arenas in the league. For a new arena - it clearly falls short of a great NBA venue.....or any kind of venue really. It's a very spartan place. Functional, but that's all.

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[jbrown84]

It's a very spartan place. Functional, but that's all.

Kind of like the difference between the old airport and the new one.

[writerranger]

Kind of like the difference between the old airport and the new one.

There you go. An excellent analogy.

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[Patrick]

Yeah, I would say spend a good amount to improve the Ford Center and tide us over for 10 years.

I can agree with that. So what do we do with the Ford Center in 10 years?

[jbrown84]

Going back to the airport, could the Ford Center be gutted and improved on the same level?

[okclee]

Ford Center will be history in approx 2-4 years, as far as the NBA goes. We need to build the greatest arena in the world and I am talking around the 500 million dollar range.

[Patrick]

I just think we have a lot bigger priorities right now, like a new convention center. I think the Ford Center should last us another 10 years, at least. It's not as bad as you guys are making it out to be, especially with appropriate improvements.

[PUGalicious]

I just think we have a lot bigger priorities right now, like a new convention center. I think the Ford Center should last us another 10 years, at least. It's not as bad as you guys are making it out to be, especially with appropriate improvements.

I guess any prospective NBA team would be the ultimate judge of that.

[okclee]

NBA Arenas live in dog years..........the Ford center is 5 years old in human years but that is 35 in dog years, this is the prime of it's life, in 5 more years it will be time to retire at 70.

[Patrick]

That's ridiculous. Guys, the Rockets were in the Compaq Center for almost 30 years. How many years was Reunion Arena around?

Spending all that money to build the Ford Center, only for it to last 5 years is crazy, IMHO. This city will NOT build a new arena, with the Ford Center just having been completed recently. We still have a NEW arena.

[PUGalicious]

Spending all that money to build the Ford Center, only for it to last 5 years is crazy, IMHO. This city will NOT build a new arena, with the Ford Center just having been completed recently. We still have a NEW arena.

That's an awful tough stance for a city to take if it really wants to lure an NBA team here. Why would Bennett & Co. want to move from one obstinate city to another?

[Patrick]

That's an awful tough stance for a city to take if it really wants to lure an NBA team here. Why would Bennett & Co. want to move from one obstinate city to another?

So what are we going to do, spend $500 million every 5 years to build a new arena? I don't know any city that would do that. The city of Seattle is different....they have a 30 year old arena that needs replacing. When the Ford Center is 20-30 years old, it will need replacing as well. For now, we have a new arena.

[Easy180]

I agree with PUG...If the city leaders don't all but guarantee a new arena in the next few years it will be the KC Sonics and we will be watching only an occasional exhibition game....Just not gonna happen w/o some assurances

Also keep in mind...It will be difficult to get big time free agents to come to our fine city w/o paying them substantially more than larger cities....An awesome arena with world class facilities would go a long way in recruiting