Supersonics file for relocation to Oklahoma City!

[YoungTulsan]

quote:Originally posted by MichaelC

Maybe, maybe not.  Again, the way these owners are handling this (trying to hold the State of Washington hostage), I'm not sure they're interested in being philanthropists, as much as they are making a profit.  Which means, if they move to OKC, doing it on the cheap.  

They're probably already talking to politicians in the state about a new stadium.  I think it's a good thing for the state generally, but not necessarily good for Tulsa.

The point of what they did to Seattle was to make an outrageous demand they knew couldnt be met so they would have a REASON to move to OKC.  Bennett and co. bought out the Sonics SPECIFICALLY to bring them to OKC.  This was after they saw the success of the Hornets in OKC and thought it was FEASIBLE.  They don't care if it is more profitable than Seattle, just that it is feasible.  Most of the money behind the Sonics ownership now is OKC money anyway.  And the guys probably all have other interests in OKC that will flourish (and benefit them) from having pro sports in town.

[MichaelC]

Doesn't sound right.  I guess crapping all over Seattle is one way to do it, but that doesn't sound right.  They don't need a reason, they can announce the move, and just move.  Just like many other teams.  

Bet they'll be looking for the same thing out of the state of Oklahoma.  And they probably already have it locked up.

Why anyone would want owners that would purposefully crap on a state, I don't know.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by MichaelC

Doesn't sound right.  I guess crapping all over Seattle is one way to do it, but that doesn't sound right.  They don't need a reason, they can announce the move, and just move.  Just like many other teams.  

Bet they'll be looking for the same thing out of the state of Oklahoma.  And they probably already have it locked up.

Why anyone would want owners that would purposefully crap on a state, I don't know.

When one is wealthy, they can pretty much crap all over people with impunity.

[USRufnex]

quote:Originally posted by YoungTulsan

The point of what they did to Seattle was to make an outrageous demand they knew couldnt be met so they would have a REASON to move to OKC.  Bennett and co. bought out the Sonics SPECIFICALLY to bring them to OKC.  This was after they saw the success of the Hornets in OKC and thought it was FEASIBLE.  They don't care if it is more profitable than Seattle, just that it is feasible.  Most of the money behind the Sonics ownership now is OKC money anyway.  And the guys probably all have other interests in OKC that will flourish (and benefit them) from having pro sports in town.

^^ +1

That's EXACTLY what they're doing.  Evidently, the ENDS justifies the MEANS.  [:O]

And there is no doubt in my mind that they'll be talking about getting state $$$ for this in the next 5 or so years... so, instead of saying "no, no, no" and being perceived as sore losers spiteful of OKC for getting a major league franchise, how 'bout Tulsa pols ask for their "share"???

[deinstein]

I just watch professional sports casually...because I'm a huge sports fan.

This team will come and go, it's nothing but a business. I'll stick to the college game for my loyalty.

I saw it happen with Charlotte with the Hornets and I'm seeing it again with this...

[sgrizzle]

I'm waiting to see them move to Kansas City which has better demographics and a nicer arena and tick off OKC.

[YoungTulsan]

Don't forget they have a BUILT IN advertising linkage to Sonic Corp. which is headquartered in OKC.  I'd put odds at over 90% that a new arena would be heavily assisted by money from Sonic for naming rights.  As they have expanded aggressively over the last several years, one of the things Sonic has been known for is running national spots and advertising in markets they havent entered yet (but plan to) - Having their name all over an NBA team and arena fits that style.  If you haven't noticed from living in Oklahoma, they have been expanding at a feverish pace, taking markets all over the country and saturating them with stores about as much as they do here (meaning, a Sonic every damn mile)

Kind of funny when you think about it how QT and Sonic have both been on huge expansions lately.  All of these cities around the country are turning into Tulsa

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by USRufnex

quote:Originally posted by YoungTulsan

The point of what they did to Seattle was to make an outrageous demand they knew couldnt be met so they would have a REASON to move to OKC.  Bennett and co. bought out the Sonics SPECIFICALLY to bring them to OKC.  This was after they saw the success of the Hornets in OKC and thought it was FEASIBLE.  They don't care if it is more profitable than Seattle, just that it is feasible.  Most of the money behind the Sonics ownership now is OKC money anyway.  And the guys probably all have other interests in OKC that will flourish (and benefit them) from having pro sports in town.

^^ +1

That's EXACTLY what they're doing.  Evidently, the ENDS justifies the MEANS.  [:O]

And there is no doubt in my mind that they'll be talking about getting state $$$ for this in the next 5 or so years... so, instead of saying "no, no, no" and being perceived as sore losers spiteful of OKC for getting a major league franchise, how 'bout Tulsa pols ask for their "share"???

I might be for it if there were a "chicken in every pot" aspect to it.  No I'm not a pro ball kind of guy anymore, but I'll cop to it being a good regional draw and improves the image.  I'm just sick and tired of hearing players and owners constantly sniping about money and wanting more and more.  Let OKC have their team and a mega-arena, and give us the river.

[Laramie]

It's really strange that evertime Oklahoma City looms to prosper, some of you Tulsans get all bent out of shape.  When it was announced that the Hornets would relocate here temporarily--many said then that Oklahoma City couldn't support them.  

I truly believe that if Oklahoma City can support an NBA team, Tulsa can support an NHL franchise as well.

It would be nice to have an NHL team in Tulsa and an NBA franchise in Oklahoma City.

If you guys ever put $500 million into the development of the Arkansas River you're going to bolt miles ahead of OKC?  Looks like there is a lot jealously among the towns even around Tulsa--what a shame!

Tulsa is a much cleaner, nicer and more beautiful city that Oklahoma City; however, you're just not as ambitious!

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by Laramie

It's really strange that evertime Oklahoma City looms to prosper, some of you Tulsans get all bent out of shape.  When it was announced that the Hornets would relocate here temporarily--many said then that Oklahoma City couldn't support them.  

I truly believe that if Oklahoma City can support an NBA team, Tulsa can support an NHL franchise as well.

It would be nice to have an NHL team in Tulsa and an NBA franchise in Oklahoma City.

If you guys ever put $500 million into the development of the Arkansas River you're going to bolt miles ahead of OKC?  Looks like there is a lot jealously among the towns even around Tulsa--what a shame!

Tulsa is a much cleaner, nicer and more beautiful city that Oklahoma City; however, you're just not as ambitious!

See Laramie, it's basically because OKC sucks and no one can find a rational reason for our lesser neighbor down the Turner to get something which rightfully should be ours, just because we are Tulsans.

What's the major forum name down in OKC just so I can log in for four or five posts and take a big crap?

[Laramie]

OKCTalk;  Hope to hear from you my good man!

[USRufnex]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

quote:Originally posted by Laramie

It's really strange that evertime Oklahoma City looms to prosper, some of you Tulsans get all bent out of shape.  When it was announced that the Hornets would relocate here temporarily--many said then that Oklahoma City couldn't support them.  

I truly believe that if Oklahoma City can support an NBA team, Tulsa can support an NHL franchise as well.

It would be nice to have an NHL team in Tulsa and an NBA franchise in Oklahoma City.

If you guys ever put $500 million into the development of the Arkansas River you're going to bolt miles ahead of OKC?  Looks like there is a lot jealously among the towns even around Tulsa--what a shame!

Tulsa is a much cleaner, nicer and more beautiful city that Oklahoma City; however, you're just not as ambitious!

See Laramie, it's basically because OKC sucks and no one can find a rational reason for our lesser neighbor down the Turner to get something which rightfully should be ours, just because we are Tulsans.

What's the major forum name down in OKC just so I can log in for four or five posts and take a big crap?

Well, I can't tell you what Laramie did last summer, but I can tell you what he was doing in the summer of 2002...

MLS Expansion: Oklahoma City vs. Tulsa--A Tale of Two Cities! posted 26 Jul 2002 by Laramie4OKC
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3135

Oklahoma City area gaining momentum in MLS stadium race. posted 17 Aug 2002 by Laramie4OKC
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8147

Oklahoma City suburb prepares for MLS stadium bond vote. posted 13 Aug 2002 by Laramie4OKC
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7006