New Oklahoma City Arena--Beyond Paycom Center.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Sounds about right.

But there was the no representation thing.  Or so I've been taught.

And when has there ever been representation?   Really.

The lack-of-supreme court actually admitted to and institutionalized that lack of representation when it declared corporations are actual people.   That has been the unspoken reality for much longer, but they came out and said it explicitly.

.
Just had a thought....the supreme court is to the judiciary as Mazzio's Supreme Pizza is to pizza!  Not.  Supreme or pizza....

[Red Arrow]

Just had a thought....the supreme court is to the judiciary as Mazzio's Supreme Pizza is to pizza!  Not.  Supreme or pizza....

It's been a while since I had pizza.  Pizza gives me acid reflux and I'd rather skip pizza than take medicine. One piece of pizza is OK but who can eat only one piece?

Surprisingly, hot chile peppers do not bother me.  I put habaneros in my weekend scrambled eggs.  I think it's the acid in the tomato sauce on pizza and or the fat from the toppings I like that gets to me.

[heironymouspasparagus]

It's been a while since I had pizza.  Pizza gives me acid reflux and I'd rather skip pizza than take medicine. One piece of pizza is OK but who can eat only one piece?

Surprisingly, hot chile peppers do not bother me.  I put habaneros in my weekend scrambled eggs.  I think it's the acid in the tomato sauce on pizza and or the fat from the toppings I like that gets to me.

Chili's are good for digestion!   Lots of people says it  bothers them but most of the time it is something else with the peppers.  SWMBO uses tabasco on a lot of stuff, but especially eggs/omelets!


Pepperoni will rip the guts out of a couple close family.  Same for Italian sausage.  Same happens to me if I eat those, so I stick with hamburger or mushroom or just cheese.  Not sure any of the local places put enough sauce on to reach the trigger threshold for reflux for us.

[Laramie]

                         Updates on proposed new Oklahoma City arena:

   

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt delivers '2023 State of the City Address, July 20, 2023.'

Excerpts: Mayor David Holt said Thursday voters may be asked later this year to extend the MAPS 4 Initiative temporary sales tax to help pay for a new arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The MAPS 4 penny sales tax is set to expire in 2028.

Holt used his annual State of the City address to discuss the possible election and new arena. MAPS 4 Initiative has collected more than $390 million in a little over three years, including during the pandemic. Holt said if the city wanted to build the arena before the money comes in, it could consider taking out a line of credit. The city has an excellent debt rating, having received triple-A bond ratings from Moody's and S& P in 2023 for the 15th year in a row.

About $70 million in MAPS 4 funds that were initially earmarked for Paycom Center will serve to supplement that funding. And, Holt said, Thunder ownership will for the first time in city history make a "significant financial contribution" to the new arena, but he wouldn't say what that contribution will be.

Details still being worked out include arena cost and terms of the lease agreement, Holt said. He expects to bring an agreement forward by the end of the summer, which he defined as September 22, which would need a simple majority approval from the city council. A public sales tax election would require a majority of all votes cast.

Quote of the day:

"We will secure this team for such a span of time that I can tell you today that a superstar who will play for our city in this arena, in the next lease term, isn't even born yet," Holt said. "And yet, Sam Presti is probably already holding the draft pick to get him."

It was one year ago that the mayor first publicly addressed the idea that Oklahoma City may need to replace the 21-year-old Paycom arena to stay competitive and keep the Thunder in OKC.

Holt: New arena would exceed expectations:

Holt pressed the issue even harder Thursday, reminding listeners of Paycom's place as the smallest and second-cheapest arena in the NBA. It also sits right at the average arena age, and a new arena will take years to open if planning began today, he said.

A new arena would "exceed anything our residents have ever experienced," Holt said. It also will be designed for basketball, unlike Paycom.

Now that put a dagger in the hearts of those fans expecting a multipurpose arena built to accommodate 'Ice hockey' as well as NBA basketball.

It would be much larger, with more seats on the lower bowl and better sight lines all around, Holt said.

Councilman Todd Stone, who represents Ward 4, said it's "amazing" the city could build a new arena without raising the current tax rate.

The cost of modern NBA arenas:

    San Francisco's Chase Center at a cost of $1.4 billion
    Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum cost $524 million (Buck's share $174 million)
    Detroit's Little Caesars Arena $863 million
    Sacramento Golden 1 Center (2016) $558 million.
    The new Los Angeles Clippers arena will open next year and cost $2 billion.
    Philadelphia 76ers announced plans for an arena expected to cost $1.3 billion.



    "Our city just has to do what great cities do. We have to invest in ourselves."--Mayor David Holt


New State Fair Coliseum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzR0Ja2sKg

   
     Oklahoma City leaders broke ground on a new coliseum at the OKC Fairgrounds making it the first recipient of MAPS 4 dollars to begin construction on a
     brand-new building.

.

[Laramie]

.

     This link posted on OKCTalk.com

      By chestercheetah - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uezIsYZUxS4

      OKCTalk.com [url][https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=47184&page=30&p=1239170#post1239170/url]

.

[Laramie]

OKCTalk.com news reported there is a new survey being circulated to some OKC residents by an anonymous source but almost certainly backed by the Chamber of Commerce.

     Based on the questions, it seems to pretty clearly lay out the arena plan which is to be presented to the public in final form by the end of the summer.

     There were more 'questions' but they were mainly laying the groundwork with the main points Holt has made in his speeches.

     Adding up the numbers: $891 million in sales tax + $70 million in MAPS 4 money + $75 million from owners = $1.036 billion. I strongly suspect this does not   
     include the cost of the property, assuming the Cox Center will be used.

     New survey suggests $1 billion for new arena 

          All the following were framed in the: would this cause you to vote for the measure?

               Definitely Yes
               Probably Yes
               Probably No
               Definitely No
               No effect



               1.  This sales tax will raise 891 million over six years to fund the arena.

               2.  Unlike MAPS, the city will borrow the money so it can start the arena quickly and then pay back the loan with tax revenue.

               3.  The ownership group is donating $75 million toward the arena even though the city will own it.

                With passage the Thunder will agree to a 25- year
                lease in the new building, securing the team in OKC
                for another generation.


Link to OKCTalk.com https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=977-New-survey-suggests-1-billion-for-new-arena

[Laramie]

Which NBA teams have the most international fans?:  https://kfor.com/news/local/which-nba-teams-have-the-most-international-fans/

      Top 10 NBA teams with the largest international fanbases:  

      1.   Brooklyn Nets: 52.80%
      2.   Golden State Warriors: 52.30%
      3.   Los Angeles Lakers: 52.00%
      4.   Minnesota Timberwolves: 51.40%
      5.   Los Angeles Clippers: 49.70%
      6.   Toronto Raptors: 49.70%
      7.   Oklahoma City Thunder: 49.20%
      8.   Boston Celtics: 49.16%
      9.   Milwaukee Bucks: 48.90%
    10.   Denver Nuggets: 47.90%
     
Officials say Brazil is the most common country to appear among the international fanbases of the
NBA, showing up 7 times as a team's largest international fanbase. Canada is close behind in
second place showing up 5 times on the list, while Australia places third with 4 appearances on
the list.

.

[Laramie]

Thunder Announces 2023-24 Regular Season Schedule:  https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-schedule-230817

.

[Laramie]

         Mayor Holt announces plan to build new arena without raising taxes,
    includes commitment by the Thunder to play in new arena
    beyond 2050 if voters approve.

         Link to the story:  https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4564/18?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

       Project minimum cost:  $900 milllion

[Laramie]

                               

                              New OKC Thunder Arena *CONFIRMED* Opening in 2029

                              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWtAjUBlco8&t=45s


.

[Laramie]

     Oklahoma City Council approves letter of intent on proposed new downtown arena.
   

    Press release:

    **************

    City Council approves letter of intent with the Oklahoma City Thunder and sets Dec. 12 election to fund new arena
    09/26/2023

    Oklahoma City Council approved a letter of intent with the Oklahoma City Thunder today that potentially retains the team
    in OKC beyond 2050 and called a citywide election for Dec.12 to build a new, publicly owned downtown arena. The new arena
    is the primary condition for securing the commitment from the team.

    The new arena is proposed to be funded in part by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax that will start when the MAPS 4 tax ends
    and will not increase the sales tax rate.

    In the letter of intent, the Thunder's ownership group agrees to keep the NBA basketball team in Oklahoma City beyond 2050
    and contribute $50 million toward the cost of the new arena.

    he new arena will secure Oklahoma City's status as a destination for premier concerts and similar events. If passed, the new arena
    will be built downtown, but the exact location has not been determined.

    Workforce Intermediary Programs
    City Council also adopted a resolution directing the City Manager to negotiate the use of workforce intermediary programs by the
    new arena operator for recruitment, training and hiring of Oklahoma City residents who are in most need of jobs. The resolution
    also requires the new arena operator to pay its part-time and full-time employees a wage equal to what City of Oklahoma City
    employees earn for similar work. Additionally, the resolution creates a working group to study and evaluate the use of labor peace
    agreements at the new arena.

    Budget
    In addition to the 72-month one-cent temporary sales tax, the arena will be paid for with $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million
    from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.

    Paycom Center
    The Oklahoma City Thunder will play all home games at the Paycom Center until the new arena is ready to move in, no later than the start
    of the 2029-2030 National Basketball Association season. The Thunder's 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when
    they move into the new arena.

    The Paycom Center is the smallest in the NBA by square footage, it has the second-smallest capital investment of all NBA arenas, and at
    21 years old, it is increasingly within range of the oldest arenas in the entire NBA.

    The Paycom Center is not capable of securing a long-term lease with an NBA team. Meanwhile, there are U.S. markets larger than Oklahoma
    City that don't have an NBA team, some of which already have or are planning an NBA-ready arena. Also, without a new arena, it will prove
    more and more difficult for Oklahoma City to retain and attract new major concerts, family shows, and other similar events.
 
    Arena Background
    The Oklahoma City Thunder has called Oklahoma City home since 2008. In 2023, the initial term of the 2008 use license agreement expired.
    The Thunder exercised an option to extend the agreement for three years to allow time for the city to develop a plan for a new arena.

    "I commend the Council for authorizing me to sign this historic letter of intent, I thank the Thunder for their partnership, and I congratulate
    all of OKC for getting to this point," Mayor David Holt said. "One step does remain, and that is the vote of our residents on December 12th.
    We encourage everyone to come out and set the course for our city's future."

                                                                                          #          #           #

     

     Media Contact - Kristy Yager (405) 297-2550 kristy.yager@okc.gov

   
   
   

[Laramie]

         Beyond Paycom Center - ^  ^  ^  $900 Million arena          
         clears first hurdle ^ ^ ^         see press release above.

                   KOCO-TV 5 - Oklahoma City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L16HzefIYbQ

[Laramie]

     OKC kicks off campaign for NBA arena

      Voters will decide on proposal December 12th

      City leaders officially kicked off their campaign Thursday to convince voters to approve a $900 million arena for the
      Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team that would be largely paid for through a one cent sales tax.

      The launch event, which drew about 300 people to the Thunder Community Court at Scissortail Park in downtown
      Oklahoma City, was the start of what is expected to be a two-month-plus publicity blitz before the Dec. 12 vote under
      the banner: "Keep OKC Big League 2023."

      It came just two days after an Oklahoma City Council majority approved the new arena proposal and sent it to the ballot.

      Supporters say the new arena is critical to keeping the team in the city. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who has publicly
      called for a new arena since July 2022, spoke at the event, urging supporters to spread the word ahead of the special election.

      His address reiterated comments he often has made since last summer, connecting the growth of the city to the Thunder's arrival
      in 2008 and casting approval of the new arena as maintaining the city's momentum.

      "This is the greatest gift we could give the next generation: an assurance that we will be a big league city beyond 2050,"
      Holt told the audience. "And that comes with all of the things that being a big league city has meant to us. You want to
      help people in our city? We have to have the economic strength to do that. We have to be 'big league.' " Sean Trauschke,
      both the CEO of Oklahoma General Electric Company and the chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce,
      also spoke at the event. He echoed Holt's call for voters to support the new arena.

      "The impact of this arena goes so much beyond the jobs and the economic impact," Trauschke told The Oklahoman. "The idea
      that you're investing today for tomorrow, I think it's huge, and I don't think this is as much about us today as it is more about
      the kids. The next generation is the one that we're doing this for, and I think that's what we ought to be focused on."

      City's 'big league' status at stake after Thunder negotiations

      Opponents of the arena campaign argue that the penny sales tax meant to finance the arena could be better spent on other city
      projects, such as solutions for homelessness, mental health services, and infrastructure.

      They've also criticized the Thunder's ownership for contributing $50 million toward arena construction, about 5.5% of the minimum
      cost. Other NBA teams elsewhere in the United States have donated significantly higher percentages toward their arenas.

      "Our arena is going to be 95% on the back of taxpayers," Nick Singer, spokesman for Oklahoma Progress Now, said Tuesday.
      "We're in a city that has a tremendous amount of needs. We are often asked to delay things, to delay services that we desperately
      need, and we just feel that that's an unfair bargain."

      Holt acknowledged these criticisms Thursday but told The Oklahoman that his role as a leader was one of "cold realism" and that the
      city's growing international recognition was at stake if the Thunder were to leave.

      "My role, and it can be a thankless one at times, is to tell you the truth and to tell you the reality of this situation," Holt said.
      "I can't tell you fantasies. I can't tell you that you can have it all just the way you want it. This is a hyper-competitive business.
      I've been saying that for over a year now, and I said that for a reason. We are the 42nd-largest market in the United States in a
      league with 30 teams. We're going to have to do a lot to keep this team."

      "The only people who lose, if we don't keep the team, are the people of Oklahoma City, our economy, our ability to help people,
      our brand and our long-term economic growth," the mayor added.

      Thunder ownership, led by Chairman Clay Bennett, signed a three-year extension this year to continue playing in OKC while
      negotiations with city management were underway. If voters pass the proposal in December, the Thunder have agreed to play
      at Paycom Center, the city's current NBA arena, until the new one is built, and then play at the new arena for 25 years.

      Civic leaders begin showing support for the arena

      Dozens of businesspeople and civic leaders were among Thursday's crowd, including Kari Watkins, who is deeply familiar with what
      the city was like before the current arena was built and the Thunder arrived. Watkins is the executive director of Oklahoma City
      National Memorial & Museum, dedicated to the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building that resulted in the deaths
      of 168 people.''

      "In 1995, we saw our city come together in the worst of times, and we've proven that when we come together, we're better and
      stronger together," Watkins told The Oklahoman. "We're the city on the hill, and we've got a responsibility to keep the momentum going."

      Chris Semrau, general manager for Paycom Center, said Thursday's kick-off event was "a historic step" toward investing in the city's
      quality of life. He also told The Oklahoman that future plans for the current arena were still yet to be determined.

      "The focus has been on getting the vote passed, keeping the Thunder in the city and then looking at what all those opportunities create
      for the Thunder and the community," Semrau said.

      Semrau said it takes more than 1,000 workers in the Paycom Center to help successfully host events at the current arena, excluding any
      effect on surrounding businesses during a game day or a concert.

      "Hopefully, when we're successful here, some of the folks who may not support today will see the benefits that creates down the road,"
      Semrau said.

      Campaign costs to be determined, financers to be announced soon

      Tyler Moore, manager of Keep OKC Big League 2023, said the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce is running the campaign,
      but that various contractors are occupying different roles. The Chamber has been promoting different initiatives on behalf of the city
      since 1910, when it coordinated an effort that saw voters make Oklahoma City the state's capital.

      "We were just extremely pleased with the turnout, and just the broad support we're receiving," Moore told The Oklahoman.

      "We're excited to continue this conversation with groups all around the city and the state."

      Cynthia Reid, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the Chamber, said the arena campaign will be funded
      through the chamber's membership and private funds of various partners.

      "We don't have a final budget," Reid told The Oklahoman.

      "I think that's always dependent on the opposition and counter-balance and what we need to do. We'll make that decision as we go.
      I can't really give you a number at this point.

       "Less is always better, but we'll spend what we need to in order to make this happen."

      A list of different businesses and organizations officially endorsing the arena proposal is expected to be released in the coming weeks,
      Reid said.   

               

[Laramie]

.

  Where could the new Oklahoma City arena be located?

               

         Video Link:   https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-new-arena-thunder-okc-location-opening-building-vote/46121620


.

[Laramie]

     Oklahoma City Seeks Partner For Billion Dollar Arena Project:

               

               Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSggtjpqSok