Paycom Center (formerly Chesapeake Arena)

[AlvarezK]

If you do not reside in OKC than how can you yourself quantify it's impact. At the end of the day we have access to a global sport industry that is the NBA and that cannot be overlooked. As far as the status quo of major markets dominating that can be said in any industry but you won't see anyone arguing with a seat at the table. You continue to generalize the notion of not everyone enjoying basketball which could be true but empirical data would contradict. So please quit with your subjective view on this matter because its all opinion based.

[TU 'cane]

If you do not reside in OKC than how can you yourself quantify it's impact. At the end of the day we have access to a global sport industry that is the NBA and that cannot be overlooked. As far as the status quo of major markets dominating that can be said in any industry but you won't see anyone arguing with a seat at the table. You continue to generalize the notion of not everyone enjoying basketball which could be true but empirical data would contradict. So please quit with your subjective view on this matter because its all opinion based.

Welp, you all heard it here! If you do not reside in OKC you cannot even begin to try and quantify the impact of the OKC Thunder.

And a newsflash for you, everything posted in this thread, literally every comment has a subjective element to it. The entire point of forums is for people to discuss their opinions, exchange facts, etc. If that's a problem to you, you're doing this whole forums thing incorrectly.
And your very generalized response to my counterpoints is expected considering I squashed your original points pretty adamantly.

I hope you have a wonderful day and I will stop here before any further derailing occurs.

[Laramie]

The NBA Thunder franchise has an impact on this state as a whole; especially the two largest Oklahoma City-Tulsa media markets. IIRC there were 2,500 - 4,000 season ticket holders from the Tulsa MSA.

Tax payers who are going to foot the bill for the arena if bonds (September 2027 extension) and/or possibly an extension of MAPS funds used to finance the venue are primarily from the OKC area. Already have $70 million (growing interest) on pause. Also President's Biden's infrastructure bill may have funds for which cities qualify.

The Cox Convention Center site, if selected will save OKC at least $150 million on land and parking (950 spaces underneath; $300 million for a new arena total investment $520 million = $300 million bonds, $150 million Cox site & $70 million MAPS 4 funds on pause growing interest could be used to finance by extending the bonds for 3 years or more without extending MAPS 4 funds. We're going to be given a new life line to get this done right.

My preference is a blueprint similar to Capital One Center, Washington D. C., 20,000 seats. We can partisan off 1.500 seats if we don't need to use the full arena.

[AlvarezK]

Keep living in your own little fantasy world

[Laramie]

Keep living in your own little fantasy world

Not fantasy, just gave you some facts on one method the arena could be financed thru extending bonds that will expire in September 2027. Tell me what's fantasy about the method. The 2017 Go Bonds 5 years (2022), with 5 years left.

Extension of those bonds in 2027 could allow for the arena development to begin construction in late 2027 or early 2028. The $70 million (paused) growing interest could be used to get the project started as early as 2026 to prep the Cox 4 square block site for demolition, design, artist's rendering & pre-construction.

[Thomas Vu]

Anybody else seeing Kevin Hart this weekend?

[Mississippi Blues]

I wanted to but I already had plans to be out of town. I didn’t even realize he was coming until I went to the Kendrick Lamar concert in July and there was promotional material for him in the arena.

[Laramie]

Here are OKC's major economic engines for debt free and paying off debt thru bonds:

MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects (Eight to ten years)
Bonds (Nine to ten years
Hotel/Motel Tax revenues

Major projects resulting from the MAPS & Bond votes:

2022-26: New State of the Art, Downtown Arena - Primary tenant - NBA Oklahoma City Thunder Project cost: In-process...

2019: MAPS 4 Fairgrounds Coliseum $97 million = $63 million/$9 million MAPS surplus funds and estimated $25 million of Hotel Tax revenues earmarked by law to improvements at the OKC Fairgrounds.

2017: Expansion of ASA Hall of Fame Stadium (included private donation: $20.3 million 2017 GO Bonds.
Officials say the improvements are part of a contractual obligation that will keep the World Series in town through the 2035 season.

2009: Scissortail Park: $132 million MAPS 3

2001 $694 million - MAPS for Kids went before voters in 2001: $514 million. $180 million Oklahoma City Public Schools bond issue, which was used for school facility improvements, technology and transportation projects. Seventy percent of the sales tax funds were disbursed to the Oklahoma City Public School District and 30 percent to surrounding suburban districts.

1993: Paycom Center/NBA Thunder Practice Facility: Investment; $207 million = $89.2 million/90 million (MAPS for Hoops) $8.9 million 2017 GO Bonds

INTEGRIS Health Thunder Development Center $19 million

[AlvarezK]

Here are OKC's major economic engines for debt free and paying off debt thru bonds:

MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects (Eight to ten years)
Bonds (Nine to ten years
Hotel/Motel Tax revenues

Major projects resulting from the MAPS & Bond votes:

2022-26: New State of the Art, Downtown Arena - Primary tenant - NBA Oklahoma City Thunder Project cost: In-process...

2019: MAPS 4 Fairgrounds Coliseum $97 million = $63 million/$9 million MAPS surplus funds and estimated $25 million of Hotel Tax revenues earmarked by law to improvements at the OKC Fairgrounds.

2017: Expansion of ASA Hall of Fame Stadium (included private donation: $20.3 million 2017 GO Bonds.
Officials say the improvements are part of a contractual obligation that will keep the World Series in town through the 2035 season.

2009: Scissortail Park: $132 million MAPS 3

2001 $694 million - MAPS for Kids went before voters in 2001: $514 million. $180 million Oklahoma City Public Schools bond issue, which was used for school facility improvements, technology and transportation projects. Seventy percent of the sales tax funds were disbursed to the Oklahoma City Public School District and 30 percent to surrounding suburban districts.

1993: Paycom Center/NBA Thunder Practice Facility: Investment; $207 million = $89.2 million/90 million (MAPS for Hoops) $8.9 million 2017 GO Bonds

INTEGRIS Health Thunder Development Center $19 million

My comment was directed at TU’ Cane I understand your point.

[kukblue1]

Went to the Poison concert at BOK Saturday night. $40 to park at lots close to the arena. Felt like I was in Chicago all over again. Is Paycom still $20? Also the concourse at BOK is just so much better. Food section maybe not as much but more places to eat and much more elbow room to walk around expect in a few spots.

[OkieHornet]

Went to the Poison concert at BOK Saturday night. $40 to park at lots close to the arena. Felt like I was in Chicago all over again. Is Paycom still $20? Also the concourse at BOK is just so much better. Food section maybe not as much but more places to eat and much more elbow room to walk around expect in a few spots.

Next time you go to the BOK Center, there's a parking garage area that's mostly covered / underground a block or two south that's between the Courthouse and Police Station that's a self-serve lot and it's only $5.

[Laramie]

Went to the Poison concert at BOK Saturday night. $40 to park at lots close to the arena. Felt like I was in Chicago all over again. Is Paycom still $20? Also the concourse at BOK is just so much better. Food section maybe not as much but more places to eat and much more elbow room to walk around expect in a few spots.

If you can get to the Cox Convention Center underground parking early, the last time I used it was early 2019--it cost $10.00 or maybe $20.00, it fills up fast. You need to be careful parking off site from the Paycom Center (Peake); there may be impostors collecting parking fees on private lots.

Took my girlfriend and her friend (working at a concert) to the area, was asked to pay $15.00 behind a building near the old abandoned Rescue Mission (Spooky). Noticed police were driving around and the guy (wearing loud orange vest) quickly said I'll be back.'

My mind, that drew a red flag. Got ready to pay the guy--he never returned. Walked to my brother's codo (where parking was full there); returned later when my girlfriend texted me that they were ready. Never paid the $15.00, so, I can only guess what happened there.

The area on event nights can make you feel a little cautious and uneasy. B/C some people are walking around like 'zombies' asking for change or help. Always keep snacks, shoes & coats in my trunk--you never want to reach for a wallet in areas you're not familiar with b/c you don't know if a person's 'got game.'

Always keep some protection with you in your vehicle--in case someone wants to act 'ugly.'

[Plutonic Panda]

Holt clarified even further in an interview today:

"We have the smallest one by square footage in the NBA. We have the second cheapest one," said Holt. "If you're sitting in a 20 year old arena, and the average age of NBA arenas is 21, and you know that you're years away, the better part of a decade, from opening a potential new facility, you just start to do the math and realize now is the time."

- https://okcfox.com/news/local/new-th...alks-happening

[Laramie]

A group of nearly 100 Oklahoma City officials, leaders and Thunder representatives traveled to Milwaukee, in part, to see the Fiserv Forum.

Milwaukee MSA Population - 1,566,487/City/569,330 - Wisconsin 5,895,908 - MLB, NBA
Oklahoma City MSA Population - 1,441,647/City 687,725 - Oklahoma 3,986,639 - NBA

Fiserv Forum, Capacity 17,341 (basketball) Construction cost: $524 million
Source: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.co...erv-Forum.aspx

[Laramie]

[HOT ROD]

OKC may have the smallest or second smallest/cheapest arena but we do not have the worst. I know this is PR from Holt to get the arena replaced, but he should be more factual and just inform voters we need to build a world class arena in a larger building. Make the master plan on the Cox site and Im sure it will sell, and be less expensive overall (esp if parts of the lands are parcel off to developers.

I really dislike how OKC officials denegrade our venues every time it's time to MAPS or replace something. We all know how Ford Center was built and it turned out wonderful from the fan experience and DID meet and exceed NBA standards for a very long time. Just tell the truth, be transparent, and develop/build world class the first time THIS TIME.

[chssooner]

OKC may have the smallest or second smallest/cheapest arena but we do not have the worst. I know this is PR from Holt to get the arena replaced, but he should be more factual and just inform voters we need to build a world class arena in a larger building. Make the master plan on the Cox site and Im sure it will sell, and be less expensive overall (esp if parts of the lands are parcel off to developers.

I really dislike how OKC officials denegrade our venues every time it's time to MAPS or replace something. We all know how Ford Center was built and it turned out wonderful from the fan experience and DID meet and exceed NBA standards for a very long time. Just tell the truth, be transparent, and develop/build world class the first time THIS TIME.

He didn't say a damn thing that wasn't true. Look at the cost, even after renovations of this arena, and it is still one of the poorest arenas. it is small, outdated, bare bones. He didn't say worst. Don't need to get offended by the truth. Pretty lies will not help in this situation. The arena is not good, when compared to 95% of the rest of the NBA arenas. New Orleans and maybe Utah's are worse. The rest, blow OKC out of the damn water. Holt is speaking to the people (not you) who keep saying that the Paycom is good enough, and nothing needs to happen (similar to having a dingy roof over your head works so long as it keeps the rain off of you). It really hasn't met NBA standards for a while, but for 2.5 years, there was a little pandemic going on to where you can't just come out and say the truth about something like this, due to the suffering around the world and state. Now that we seem to be on the other side of the pandemic, this is finally able to come out.

[Rover]

OKC may have the smallest or second smallest/cheapest arena but we do not have the worst. I know this is PR from Holt to get the arena replaced, but he should be more factual and just inform voters we need to build a world class arena in a larger building. Make the master plan on the Cox site and Im sure it will sell, and be less expensive overall (esp if parts of the lands are parcel off to developers.

I really dislike how OKC officials denegrade our venues every time it's time to MAPS or replace something. We all know how Ford Center was built and it turned out wonderful from the fan experience and DID meet and exceed NBA standards for a very long time. Just tell the truth, be transparent, and develop/build world class the first time THIS TIME.

He didn’t denigrate, he told the truth. If you traveled to many NBA arenas you would have to admit the same.

[dcsooner]

OKC may have the smallest or second smallest/cheapest arena but we do not have the worst. I know this is PR from Holt to get the arena replaced, but he should be more factual and just inform voters we need to build a world class arena in a larger building. Make the master plan on the Cox site and Im sure it will sell, and be less expensive overall (esp if parts of the lands are parcel off to developers.

I really dislike how OKC officials denegrade our venues every time it's time to MAPS or replace something. We all know how Ford Center was built and it turned out wonderful from the fan experience and DID meet and exceed NBA standards for a very long time. Just tell the truth, be transparent, and develop/build world class the first time THIS TIME.

I generally agree with your opinion but not about this. The PC is functional, bland in its appearance (externally). OKC DT needs more creative structures rather then bland sandstone rectangular ones. Milwaukee has a very bold DT for its size e.g its museum. OKC could use a “true “ entertainment and sports district.

[HOT ROD]

hey guys, Im not saying we dont need to replace Paycom. I totally agree and DC I too am hoping OKC goes big this time (see my last post).

I'm just saying it appears that everyone is throwing Paycom under the bus now just to make the political process to replace it more feasible - and <-- THAT is a common practice Ive noticed about OKC. To the contrary, I posted an earlier survey that had Paycom Center in the top half of arenas (ahead of American Airlines center Dallas) as the best NBA arenas. Also, if you listen to commentary just last year it did not have the same dire tone that it does now; Holt and all were saying they wanted to renovate and upgrade with MAPS 4 funds - which had passed as such with like minded outcome that now all of sudden wont fix the ugly pig. What changed?

That's all I'm saying. I'm all for replacing Paycomm and if they want to use MAPS 4 moneys originally meant for Paycom but now to use for the new arena - I'm all for it. Just don't now say that Paycom is so obscelete or worst in the NBA because that isn't true from even just the rhetoric he said last year let alone the survey I posted; and I have been to other NBA arenas and I think Paycom is currently about mid-pack just like the survey highlighted.

This switch in rhetoric by Holt is making me (at least) think he's being shady when if he just said, "hey other cities are building new arenas - we better start planning now to build a world class arena and could even use MAPS 4 fund that were meant for Paycom to get going right away" - I'd like that argument more.

[Bill Robertson]

hey guys, Im not saying we dont need to replace Paycom. I totally agree and DC I too am hoping OKC goes big this time (see my last post).

I'm just saying it appears that everyone is throwing Paycom under the bus now just to make the political process to replace it more feasible - and <-- THAT is a common practice Ive noticed about OKC. To the contrary, I posted an earlier survey that had Paycom Center in the top half of arenas (ahead of American Airlines center Dallas) as the best NBA arenas. Also, if you listen to commentary just last year it did not have the same dire tone that it does now; Holt and all were saying they wanted to renovate and upgrade with MAPS 4 funds - which had passed as such with like minded outcome that now all of sudden wont fix the ugly pig. What changed?

That's all I'm saying. I'm all for replacing Paycomm and if they want to use MAPS 4 moneys originally meant for Paycom but now to use for the new arena - I'm all for it. Just don't now say that Paycom is so obscelete or worst in the NBA because that isn't true from even just the rhetoric he said last year let alone the survey I posted; and I have been to other NBA arenas and I think Paycom is currently about mid-pack just like the survey highlighted.

This switch in rhetoric by Holt is making me (at least) think he's being shady when if he just said, "hey other cities are building new arenas - we better start planning now to build a world class arena and could even use MAPS 4 fund that were meant for Paycom to get going right away" - I'd like that argument more.

The fact is, and I hate it, the NBA teams hold their host cities hostage. I'm a function over form thinker. I didn't think Reunion Arena was bad. American Airlines is newer but not way better. BOK looks more modern outside than Paycom but I've been to lots of events there and inside I've never been impressed. I'm also all for building a new arena but agree with you that the Paycom isn't "obsolete garbage".

[Laramie]

When OKC gets its new area built. Use Paycom for ice related (Ice hockey, ice shows); also rodeo events like the PBR that's to big for new Fairgrounds Coliseum. Use it as the main arena for the new Oklahoma City Convention Center & Omni Hotel.

You might want to take a page from Omaha's Douglas Convention Center where you have swimming as well.

The new arena needs to be reserved for large concerts, large gatherings, NBA & Collegiate basketball. Resurrect the
infamous 'All College NCAA Holiday Basketball Tournament.'

.

[Bill Robertson]

When OKC gets its new area built. Use Paycom for ice related (Ice hockey, ice shows); also rodeo events like the PBR that's to big for new Fairgrounds Coliseum. Use it as the main arena for the new Oklahoma City Convention Center & Omni Hotel.

You might want to take a page from Omaha's Douglas Convention Center where you have swimming as well.

The new arena needs to be reserved for large concerts, large gatherings, NBA & Collegiate basketball. Resurrect the
infamous 'All College NCAA Holiday Basketball Tournament.'

.

That is great. I wonder how they cover the pool up for a floor? And I would love for the All College to be resurrected.

[chssooner]

When OKC gets its new area built. Use Paycom for ice related (Ice hockey, ice shows); also rodeo events like the PBR that's to big for new Fairgrounds Coliseum. Use it as the main arena for the new Oklahoma City Convention Center & Omni Hotel.

You might want to take a page from Omaha's Douglas Convention Center where you have swimming as well.

The new arena needs to be reserved for large concerts, large gatherings, NBA & Collegiate basketball. Resurrect the
infamous 'All College NCAA Holiday Basketball Tournament.'

.

This is actually their main arena. Nothing old about it. The CHI Health (formerly Qwest) Center is their main arena, which is what this is. But yes, the Paycom could be used for something like that. Or torn down for residential/mixed-use.

[Laramie]

Omaha, NE MSA 971,637, CITY 487,300
Oklahoma City, OK MSA 1,441,647, CITY 687,725

CHI Heath Center is Omaha's main arena and convention center built In 2000, Omaha voters approved a $216 million bond issue to build a new convention center and arena; the remainder of the $291 million project ($75 million) was provided by private organizations and individuals.

Owner: City of Omaha
Size: 1,118,300 square feet
Cost: $291
Seating capacity: 18,320 (basketball) - 17,100 (hockey)
Suites: 32 Luxury Suites and more than 1,000 Club Seats.
2021 value: ($429 million in 2021 dollars)

How are they paying off the construction debt? The plan was to pay off the debt using city property and sales tax revenue, parking revenue, seat taxes and state sales taxes collected in the Qwest and nearby hotels and "turned back" to the city. But most of the debt has been paid off with city property tax revenue.

Oklahoma City, a state-of-the-art $288 million convention center built in 2021 that is debt-free; includes massive 500,000-sq-ft interior includes a 200,730-square-foot exhibit hall on the first floor, which is divisible into four halls. About 45,000 square feet of meeting spaces are on all levels of the building. The rooms can be configured to provide up to 27 meeting spaces.

Now we need a new state of the art arena to match the convention center. Anticipate the cost of the new arena with 37% inflation on building materials to cost $450 million to $500 million on city owned land.

How are we able to pay off the debt; Bonds and/or sales taxes.

$70 million MAPS 4 Funds (PAUSE).
Extension vote: Oklahoma City 2017 General Obligation Bonds June 2017 ends June 2027 (10 years)
Extension vote: MAPS 4 initiative sales tax collection began April 2020 ends April 2028 (8 years)

.