“Oklahoma City Votes to Fund New $900M Downtown Arena, Securing Thunder’s Future until 2050”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Night of Celebration Down There: Oklahoma City Votes in Favor of New Downtown Arena

December 12, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – It has been a night of celebration here in Oklahoma City as Mayor David Holt took the stage to declare victory in the recent election. The results have cleared out any doubts, with the proposition to fund a new $900 million downtown arena passing with an overwhelming majority. This victory ensures that the Thunder will remain in Oklahoma City until 2050, solidifying the city’s status as a Big League City.

In an exclusive interview, Mayor Holt expressed his excitement for the city’s historic vote. “To see the margin of victory and the level of excitement in our city is truly incredible. This isn’t just a win, it’s a consensus, a mandate. It validates that we’re on the right track and that Oklahoma City is a big league city. I am thrilled and grateful for this opportunity to continue our renaissance for another generation,” Mayor Holt said.

The significance of this election goes beyond Oklahoma City. For years, people have questioned whether the city deserves a team and if it can compete on a global stage. Mayor Holt’s speech earlier in the night emphasized the importance of this decision. “We have shown the world that Oklahoma City is here to stay. We are a global city, and we are not going anywhere,” he stated passionately.

With the passing of the proposition, the major question now is the location of the new arena. Mayor Holt revealed that the planning process will begin in 2024, with expectations of a larger arena to change the skyline of OKC. The new arena is projected to have a size of approximately 750,000 square feet, surpassing the current Paycom Center.

The funding for the new arena will come from an extension of the MAPS 4 one-cent sales tax for an additional six years. This extension will include $70 million from previous funds allocated for the Paycom Center. Thunder ownership has also committed to contributing $50 million towards the project.

Supporters of the new arena believe it will not only keep the Thunder in Oklahoma City but also attract better concerts and events. They anticipate an economic boost of $513 million annually for 30 years, although some economists have expressed skepticism about the exact impact.

Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Oklahoma City and Mayor Holt for their support. “With this project, we will be doing more than just building a world-class sports and entertainment complex. We will be propelling Oklahoma City toward the next generation. This new home for the Thunder will serve as an iconic centerpiece of our vibrant and modern downtown,” Bennett said.

However, not everyone supported the new arena, arguing that Thunder ownership should contribute more and that the burden on taxpayers is too great.

As the city looks forward to the construction of the new arena, details regarding its location, timeline, and amenities have yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, this historic vote marks a new chapter in Oklahoma City’s growth and solidifies its position as a global player in the sports and entertainment industry.

The Night of Celebration Down There in Oklahoma City will be remembered as a turning point for the city’s future, with the Thunder set to continue their legacy until 2050 in a state-of-the-art arena that will shape the city’s skyline and attract visitors from all over the world..