Thunder's success helps alter perception of OKC

[Laramie]

Having an NBA franchise in the state can be a springboard for bringing much attention to Oklahoma's two largest markets--Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

With the possibilities of high-speed rail separating both cities within the next decade or two, both Oklahoma City and Tulsa stand to prosper as the quality of life elevates both cities to national acclaim.  The University of Oklahoma is 17 miles from OKC with a great Arts university (OCU) in Oklahoma City and the University of Tulsa in Tulsa  both cities some 60 miles from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater there is much in store for Oklahoma's two major markets.

Thunder's success helps alter perception of OKC!

Link:  http://www.okgazette.com/p/12834/a/6068/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=LwBEAGUAZgBhAHUAbAB0AC4AYQBzAHAAeAAslashAHAAPQAxADIANwAzADEA

[Admin]

Unfortunately everything after this post was just OKC v Tulsa rhetoric.

OKC got an NBA team based on three things:
1. OKC's success in hosting the Hornets
2. The state demographics (OKC in itself is too small by NBA standards, but with no other major league sports in the state, they could draw on the whole state to make up the numbers)
3. OKC's willingness to pay another 1c sales tax to upgrade their facilities.

Some other facts:
- The Sonics were not very good before they moved
- The Commissioner of the NBA suggested they be named the "Oklahoma Thunder" to try and draw in the whole state, as many states who have one NBA team do.
- The owner and Mayor of OKC scoffed at the suggestion
- The Thunder has been very successful as of recently
- The success of the Thunder is good for the state, but most of the benefit goes to the team's locale(OKC).
- Suggestions about playing games outside of OKC or naming the team after the state is generally viewed as being "anti-okc."
- People from outside of Tulsa like to troll on our forum, like people troll on every other forum.
- Hopefully Road Runner and Laramie never find out where the New York Jets and the New York Giants play.