The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

An Open Letter from the Owners
Posted on March 28, 2016
http://www.tulsaathletics.com/news/an-open-letter-from-the-owners/

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As most of you may know there is a Vision Package up for vote on April 5th that proposes turning Athletics Stadium into a BMX national headquarters.  We have been asked a number of times what our position is on this vote and although we do not involve the club in political topics, we feel it is important to address this one.

Our position is this: We love Tulsa.

When we started the Tulsa Athletics in 2013, it was with the sole purpose of enriching the soccer and sports culture in our town.  We took a piece of Tulsa history that had been completely removed from the county's property list and once again made it a fun and exciting place to bring the family for a night of supporting your local team (much like the Drillers had done for decades prior to our arrival).  Tulsa showed us that it had been longing for a soccer team to connect with.

The Athletics will no longer be able to play at our current stadium if the Vision vote passes, but we always return to why we started our club in the first place.

We love Tulsa.

We will always give 100% support to building Tulsa.  The Tulsa Athletics are not a roadblock; we are an idea.  We are the idea that any regular Tulsan who has the drive and passion can bring to life something special in our community.  We are not a sports group that will move to Dallas or demand that a city spend its money to support us.  We're just a couple of regular dudes who built a team for the fans, for the players, and for the city.

Over the past three years it has become clear that the Athletics have helped bring a revitalization and an energy to the city.  We take it with great pride that this energy has become a catalyst for our city leaders to conceive these new proposals and endeavors.  Any decision that the fans want we will stand behind and if any Tulsan wants his voice heard, whether it be for or against, then please make sure you vote on April 5th.

Finally, "Is this the end of the Tulsa Athletics?"

Such an important and scary question and the answer is unequivocally - ABSOLUTELY NOT.  The vote could mean that we lose our home come August, but when we sing "Tulsa 'Til I Die," we sing it from the heart. We are presently exploring several very exciting options and we'd love to hear your feedback.  We love being a part of the sports scene in T-Town, we love utilizing our support to help raise money for local charities, and we love watching teams crumble under the pressure that our fans and players apply when the opposition steps into the arena.

We are Tulsans.  We do not back down from challenges and we certainly do not fear change.

So regardless of how the vote turns out, come down to the old ballpark on May 7th and pull for the Athletics as we once again chase down a National Championship for the city we love.

TTID

Sonny Dalesandro & Dr. Thomas J. Kern

Not as much arrogance from the Armory this year. Hope you guys find a home.

Athletics Stadium Open Forum
Posted on April 6, 2016

Athletics Family -
 
Celebrate a Vision for Tulsa with us!
 
BMX is coming to Tulsa and we welcome them with open arms.  We are excited about the vision Tulsans have for the future of our city.  We welcome any and all things that enrich our local sports scene, while we look forward to a new chapter for sports on this corner.
 
This means the end of an era for a Tulsa landmark.  How many of us Tulsans have taken in a ball game (of any kind) at this old ball park?  All of us?  That's what we thought.  We personally have our memories - Dr. Kern had his 8th birthday here on baseball card night (I still have my Reuben Sierra).  My dad SWEARS to this day Monty Fariss hit a ball over the Homeland across the street.  The stadium even served as the makeshift home for the original Tulsa Roughnecks of the NASL in 1985.
 
So celebrate this Tulsa landmark with us!  Soon will be the days when you drive past 15th and Yale and say to your son or daughter: "I remember in 2016 when Dave Leung scored an overtime winner to give the Athletics the national championship."

Let's make this summer special.  Let's give this old girl the proper sendoff this place deserves.  It has given all of us countless memories.
 
Co-owner and Chairman
Sonny Dalesandro
 
The Tulsa Athletics will be hosting an open forum concerning the future of the Athletics on Wednesday, April 13th at 6pm at Fassler Hall.  Season ticket holders can also pickup their jerseys and season tickets at this time.  No reservations necessary.  You can purchase season tickets here or order a jersey here. http://www.tulsaathletics.com/merchandise/official-home-jersey-2016/

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Possibilities of where they could play?

TU - either the soccer field (would tear it up, could conflict, and seating is very limited), Skelly (huge stadium, crowd would look tiny), plus TU isn't known for hosting many outside events

High School Stadium - numerous high school stadiums are available (or Will Rogers practice field), but it could conflict with the season AND the general nature of the Athletics could be a problem (tailgating, drinking, etc.). There is also a stigma for playing at a high school stadium.

Drillers Stadium - direct competition, too big, too much $, damaging to the field which is already stressed

You could use the erector stands from Driller's to construct a mini-stadium somewhere else:

The Soccer Fields up north - obviously some stands could be brought in, but if the Athletics aren't in the middle of things, they die. Fewer people would drive to 56th St. North for a game.

Put stands up somewhere out east - large hispanic community which already gave Athletics some support, plenty of potential spaces, City land so tailgating and drinking could be allowed. Too far from their core audience?

EXPO - there is under utilized space all around expo. We could finally put something in the "not going to just be a parking lot" parking lot that used to be Bells. It might even be possible to make the Driller's stands into removal seating and roll out a turf field? Probably not, trying to think outside of the box.

Empty parking lots downtown is talking too much $$$...

Make the Rugby field along riverside into a stadium. Obviously open most of the time, but could benefit both Tulsa Rugby and the Athletics.

Ideally near an entertainment area. But dang, hard of think of anywhere realistic.

http://ktul.com/news/local/tulsa-athletics-talk-new-home-during-meeting

I watched the whole video on the Facebook page and only Dan made comments about the stadium. Seemed like it was just a season opening bar gig. Was told Sonny admitted there were no plans for a stadium.

Are you always going to be this dismissive of the Tulsa Athletics?
Geez.  What's your problem?

I just didn't see any big discussions on a stadium. I think it would be cool for you guys to get a small soccer specific stadium, but that takes more work that a fan giving a few ideas.

It's not any less dismissive than you were when the Roughnecks were announced.

Calling it "dismissive" is being really, really kind.

A small part of me will always be angry and bitter about the timing (a matter of weeks after the Athletics drew 3,300 fans per game in their first season) and the general way the Drillers went about entering pro soccer.
ALWAYS.

And I think the Tulsa Athletics deserved better.
Alot better.

John Klein: Lund is hopeful soccer-crazed Tulsa can get NASL team
Posted: Thursday, October 3, 2013 12:00
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/john-klein-lund-is-hopeful-soccer-crazed-tulsa-can-get/article_7e301e19-ba72-59d7-9bf9-54a73706b386.html

Tulsa Athletics officials in discussions with NASL for pro soccer status
Posted: Thursday, May 1, 2014
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/soccer/tulsa-athletics-officials-in-discussions-with-nasl-for-pro-soccer/article_516c8411-c551-5d95-b8d2-7e7f13be80cb.html

As I said when you originally posted that, you don't want Jeff Lund within 1000 miles of a sports franchise if you want it to succeed.  He almost ran the Oilers into the ground.

Nothing stopped Sonny from making the Athletics an NASL team. Totally different league than USL. OKC metro now has both and they both brought over 5k last week to each last week.

These Athletic guys just bash the hell out of the Roughnecks. I could go on for days about it. At the end of the day, the Roughnecks will be around next year and the Athletics Stadium will be under construction for a BMX headquarters. You tell me which club had the better plan for pro soccer in Tulsa...

Sad news to hear about the Tulsa Athletics.  The NPSL Athletics & USL Roughnecks have passionate fan bases.  Having two competitive semi professional soccer teams can be a good thing.   Whatever you do don't let it divide your city and fan base. 

Tulsa has a great professional soccer history dating back to the early years of the original NASL Tulsa Roughnecks.   Personally feel that your soccer fan base may be larger than you realize.

OKC has two teams, the NASL in suburban Yukon, OK and the USL Energy FC who play at historic Taft Stadium.  So far, both franchises have started out doing great; averaging over 6,000 fans thru two home games each--both franchises televise their home games locally.   You have a much stronger & larger soccer community fan base than OKC.   

You need to get your soccer community together; plan to propose something for the next Vision 2025 Initiative like a soccer specific stadium; something seating around 11,000 as a starter (around $25 million) with future expansion plans.

City of Sacramento (home of USL Republic) constructed & expanded Bonney Field (CAL EXPO - soccer & rugby) to 11,500 seating capacity in 2014 & 2015 for around $3.5 million. 

Tulsa deserves a chance to return to the NASL era of the late 70s & 80s.  Who knows, you could eventually need around 20,000 seats.

Sacramento just released plans for their MLS stadium. Looks great.

http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/13/sacramento-republic-stadium-renderings- (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/13/sacramento-republic-stadium-renderings-)

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mls/article71623112.html (http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mls/article71623112.html)

Funny, but from my POV it's been you who has bashed the hell out of the Athletics... instigating rifts more than any other member of the Roustabouts supporters group.


"Which club had the better plan for pro soccer in Tulsa?"

Unknown/too early to tell. I know that Sonny and Dr. Kern's first love is soccer, not baseball, and (unlike Melega or the Hubbard brothers) they personally grew up with the original Roughnecks, both as fans and as young players coached by some of those same original Roughnecks who chose to make Tulsa their permanent home. I also know that their decisions will always be based on what they feel will be in the best interests of Tulsa soccer, which for us (unlike OKC) doesn't currently involve engaging in a prohibitively expensive soccer civil war. Nobody really knows how committed the Hubbard brothers will ultimately be on a longterm basis to the sport of soccer, and I'd be naive not to compare the current situation to the initial solid commitment shown (at the time) by Cameron Box Sports to the Shock and the Talons (let's not forget how the BOk Center was once touted as the national office for Arena Football 1).

Mike Melega's first job is GM of the Drillers and will be for the foreseeable future... he (and many of the rest of the Front Office for that matter) now have second jobs running the Roughnecks. No matter how much Hoss hates Jeff Lund (and no matter how much I dislike his nephew Brad who runs Rayo OKC at Yukon HS), at least his FIRST JOB would have been working on behalf of a soccer team. And Jeff Lund would not have been majority owner; that honor would have gone to Warren Ross... and yes, Ross is a big time fan of both Tulsa soccer and a literal mover and shaker for Tulsa's downtown.  

My first choice would have been for an NASL pro soccer team in Tulsa to start play at the old 11k-seat ballpark, a move that would have required better lease terms (at least on concessions) than what the A's had, and stadium parking that would have included all the spots in the middle of the horse track at Fair Meadows. In that case, I could easily have seen a Tulsa Roughnecks v NY Cosmos match that would have filled the old 11k-capacity ballpark and included an awesomely loud home field advantage, an advantage that has been conspicuously missing for the USL Roughnecks playing in orange over at ONEOK.  Otherwise, at least Chapman Stadium at TU would have been IMHO a far better setup with superior viewing angles over ONEOK and surely would have drawn well over 10k for an initial home match had it been the venue of choice for a Tulsa Roughnecks NASL team in 2015. Average crowds lower than 5k would have looked really small, but at least it would have had room for growth, much like the college football stadium hosting FC Cincinnati this season.

Compare FC Cincinnati's initial match at Nippert Stadium this season to what happened at the initial match at ONEOK last season, when hundreds of fans were turned away at the gate, and the Drillers organization still had no clue just how bad the majority of the seats sold for that game actually were for soccer. And finally, I have little doubt that if the Drillers ballclub ever suffers in any financially significant way that affects their AA baseball business model, the Hubbards would kick Tulsa pro soccer to the curb in a heartbeat. And the Drillers know better than just about anyone else that if they hadn't tried their hand at soccer, someone else would have and this way at least they have full control over the narrative.

http://www.turnpikesoccer.com/2015/04/20/rumors-of-soccer-stadium-in-tulsa-grass-getting-greener/
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The Drillers had no "plan" for pro soccer in Tulsa whatsoever until after they saw the Athletics averaging over 3,300 fans per game at the old ballpark our first season... if the Drillers had any substantial pre-existing plans to one day embrace pro soccer at ONEOK, the stadium would have been built with a far better field configuration to accommodate sports other than baseball. The new ballpark is worse than any other baseball park used in USL soccer because the facility at OneOK is quite a bit smaller, viewing angles are poor, seats have no elevation, upper deck is only for suites, etc etc ... unlike in Louisville, season ticket holders have to look past the pitchers mound to see the sidelines... fans in $10 seats either have to sit at awkwardly placed picnic tables or bring their own lawn chairs to the west lawn seating section... from the west lawn, fans have to look past the bullpen and the two teams' benches to see the game action.  To add insult to injury, soccer tickets are substantially more expensive than baseball tickets and the soccer version of this facility leaves most fans far detached from the action with the exception of the supporters' groups on either end of the goals. Sad to say, but IMO the views are better from the concourse than from most seats below...

@cannon_fodder - Our attendance last year ranged from a few hundred for a midweek game to around 1,500 or so for the season finale against FC Wichita. I'm not sure about the soccer field at TU since we seem to be trying to connect with Tulsa Rugby, the Tulsa Buffaloes Aussie Rules Football and an ultimate frisbee group for space. All those groups and ours supported the Vision2025 proposal for Boston Avenue Multisport-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12uJ1c4nNUs   Seems the early favorite right now would be putting in some bleachers at 38th & Riverside. I'd really like us to be able to take a few hundred of the individual seats and some of the bleacher seats from the ballpark once it's demolished. Your point about a high school (no beer) is spot on. I get the feeling that the Athletics aren't really interested in east or far south Tulsa locations. As much as I'd love to see the horse track demolished in favor of a soccer stadium, the county really weren't particularly good landlords IMHO (I remember one day in particular when Sonny had to resort last minute to trams when alot of our regular parking was taking up by horse trailers and winnebagos). For completely selfish reasons, I'd love for them to setup shop in 2017 at the unused field next to Roosevelt School at Owen Park.

It's a little off the beaten path, but the field exists, the parking could work, the Tulsa Children's Museum is there... and if TPS wouldn't allow beer sales at the field itself, Owen Park certainly would... http://www.tulsaworld.com/gallery/the-cyntergy-hurtland-bicycle-race-at-owen-park/collection_97193860-4d16-5efc-851a-c39334d830bb.html

 

Opening game is coming up Saturday, 5/7 at 7:30 PM
All tickets are $7
The South Central Division has added new teams in Little Rock, Shreveport, and a second team in Houston.
Tickets can be purchased online here... https://itkt.choicecrm.net/templates/EXPO/?prod=npah

2016 Jersey has all season ticket holders names on them.
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Revisionist history.

Rufnex, you started the bashing of the Roughnecks day one and accused them of "stealing the idea of soccer" on this forum.

You don't get the high road.

 

http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/index.php?topic=20440.0

He keeps blabbing about an NASL team yet nothing is stopping the Athletics from putting their money where their mouth is to make the Athletics one.

All I have heard is negativity from the Athletics towards the Roughnecks.  I haven't heard it the other way around.  I have been to an Athletics game and never have been to a Roughnecks game.

Does anyone know if LaFortune Stadium, which is used by The Memorial Chargers is a TPS property or county property as a part of LaFortune park?  That might skirt the alcohol issue.

Also, either Cascia Hall or Bishop Kelley might be an end-run around alcohol sales as they are privately owned by the Catholic Church.

Two soccer franchises in one city.  Tulsa (NPSL Athletics/USL Roughnecks) & Oklahoma City (USL Energy FC/NASL Rayo OKC) share a common concern.

Rayo OKC Fights For Right To Sell Beer At Games: http://www.news9.com/story/31696278/rayo-okc-fights-for-right-to-sell-beer-at-games (http://www.news9.com/story/31696278/rayo-okc-fights-for-right-to-sell-beer-at-games)

Is Oklahoma getting a reputation for its 'mother hen' mentality?  

I'll give you a free ticket if you come on Saturday. PM me if interested.

Pretty sure it would be the same as Taft Stadium in OKC.

Which is owned by whom?

History factoid: Taft Stadium hosted midget and stock car racing way back when.

The politically correct term is little people.

Totally what I saw in my head...

And you know me, never PC.  NEVER.

I was damned angry, and for good reason... after the Drillers got involved, the TW wouldn't give us the time of day and now we've lost our stadium.
You sure loved calling us "cheap" on the above thread and in TW newspaper comments sections back then, Michael... so you sure don't get the high road either.
Here are just a few of your accusations and cheap shots, Michael:

"But not to you and the Athletic soccer hooligans."
"You are jealous of their money and ability."
"I get it. But attacking anybody who likes the idea of even more soccer in Tulsa is nothing but childish."
"I just want professional soccer in Tulsa. The Athletics games were fun, but it was not the best product."
"The players were amateurs, the referees let fights happen during the game and on the sidelines, and the games never even started on time."
"The league was two teams from Houston and a team from Plano. To make a season, they played those same three teams four times each."
"There was no investment into the fan experience. When you sang the national anthem, no one could hear you because of cheap audio equipment."
"The concessions were some food trucks parked on the other side of the stadium that no one went to."
"It was completely underfunded. Grassroots is a polite way to say doing everything cheap."  

The Drillers charge soccer fans more $$$ for seats with poor viewing angles than they charge baseball fans for great seats.
Our club and our team have worked their butts off over the past three years, dealt with lease terms worse than what the Drillers had when they played there... and IMO the Athletics deserved a helluva lot better fate than to have the rug pulled out from under them by the Drillers only weeks after our first successful season in which we drew over 3,300 fans per game.
Our team built upon winning our 4-team division in our first season, won our 8-team division in our second season, and finished a disappointing 3rd out of 8 teams this past season but still have been the highest scoring team in our conference every year of our existence.
Our stadium has hosted the Tulsa Rugby Club and Tulsa Buffaloes aussie rules football team, and will host ultimate frisbee as well this summer...
Our conference now has a total of eleven teams, including new clubs in Little Rock playing at War Memorial Stadium, Shreveport, and a Houston club that had been playing in a rival league controlled by USL.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NPSL_season#South_Central_Conference

We have some of the best players from TU, ORU, RSU, NSU and a few players coming in from Creighton, UNC-Wilmington and another guy from Syracuse.
All tickets are $7 with Opening Day coming up 5/7

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You guys have acted cheap.

For example:

https://mobile.twitter.com/AthleticsArmory/status/614231625572876288 (https://mobile.twitter.com/AthleticsArmory/status/614231625572876288)

I could post well over a dozen of your cheapshot tweets directed towards us from last year but they became so caustic I ultimately had to block them.
Which is ironic since I consider a few of the Roustabouts to be friends and will likely be at tomorrow night's game.

And I'll never be at an Athletics game.

So, you're trolling this thread in particular and the team in general... good to know.

It *might* be nice for you two to have your personal war via PM, as you're turning this thread into...

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Just my opinion...

I don't disagree.

But Tulsa Rufnex is a good guy and DavidEinstien is a good guy. I disagree with both of them sometimes and agree with them sometimes.

This thread is the only thing harmed by this discussion. It had a short life to begin with.

Talking sports rivalries is fun. The only difference between this thread and hundreds of Yankees/Mets online conversations is the sport and the town.

I say, "Go Soccer"

May 7th is OPENING NIGHT! Come join the Armory in celebrating the Tulsa Athletics before the match! May 7th is also the Kentucky Derby so we are doing a Derby themed tailgated w/ fried chicken and mint juleps! We'll have the race on when it kicks and you can place your bets at Fair Meadows OTB! Wear a floppy hat, dress like a jockey, and have fun!

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http://www.tulsaathletics.com/news/may-7th-mike-wozniak-night/

WOZ!!!

Sounds like fun, we will try to be there.

Owned by OKC Public Schools but Tim McLaughlin, co-owner of the Energy FC, is part of Fields-and-Futures so the school district will give that team alot of leeway for beer sales, etc...
http://newsok.com/article/3890969

I'm sure that building a modern stadium for them was not an influence on that decision.

Taft and Speegle Stadiums were rebuilt using $19mil obtained though a bond issue.
Both stadiums were in really bad shape-- Taft had to be completely demolished other than keeping its historic wall facade intact.
The soccer club (originally the NASL group won the lease until Tim McLaughlin defected to the USL group) agreed to pay quite a bit for rent which goes to OKC PS and also kicked in for a nicer press box.

The only marginally close equivalent IMO in Tulsa would be if the horsetrack at the fairgrounds were somehow the property of TPS, home of Rogers HS Football, and a bond issue was passed for it to be rebuilt.

As for a new stadium locale that hosts the Tulsa Athletics and/or the Tulsa Roughnecks, a first choice for me has always been somewhere in the midst of all that empty space/unused parking south of Blue Dome/East Village and just north of Home Depot. A second choice would be on the other side of the IDL just off Peoria which would be blocks away from the Pearl District/Cherry Street.

Taft and Speegle
http://www.meyerarch.com/home/MyDocs/Taft%20%20and%20Speegle%20Article.pdf

Oklahoma City Energy owners state desire for MLS
By Ryan Tolmich April 6, 2016
http://sbisoccer.com/2016/04/oklahoma-city-energy-owners-state-desire-for-mls

Tulsa is so far away from a soccer stadium. It's terrible.

If only they had listened during the Vision process...

How much does it cost to put up and take down temporary bleachers that hold 1000-1500 per game?  I think Veteran's Park would be an awesome place to watch a soccer game.  Set up temporary bleachers for each game, set up kids activities, food trucks, and beer garden, an every seat is feet from the sidelines.

Pitch would be the issue over there I would assume.

Only ONE DAY until our home opener against Liverpool Warriors!

Kick off is 7:30, gates open at 6:30, tailgate with the Tulsa Athletics Official Supporters Group begins at 4:30.
Bike Club and Soundpony Bar will be handing out free bike helmets to kids!
Join us after the game at Fassler Hall to meet some of the players!

I'll be there some this season. Only helps the case for a soccer stadium in this town if I support teams that aren't mine.

May 7, 2016 7:30PM
The Tulsa Athletics host Liverpool Warriors in the 2016 NPSL season opener. Live from Athletics Stadium.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2uPhEGvois

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Tad too chippy out there. Had issue with Liverpool complaining too much and mooching time to collect a draw on the road. I felt like they were a tad better as a team skill wise but my understanding is the Athletics are still getting 5 more players not on the roster yet. 3457 in attendance was impressive.

Tonight's game against Little Rock has been moved back an hour to 6:30pm due to anticipated storms.
For your troubles we are offering ONE DOLLAR BEER all night!

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Where have we been? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZtW-teycdU&feature=youtu.be
Highlights from last Saturday's game... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9wC-Ll7o88

Game Preview: Tulsa Athletics vs Corinthians FC SA
http://www.tulsaathletics.com/news/game-preview-tulsa-athletics-vs-corinthians-fc-sa/

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Last night in the single elimination US Open Cup, Corinthians FC of San Antonio, a team the Athletics defeated 4-2 last Saturday, lost against crosstown USL (and Roughnecks rival) San Antonio FC 3-1 after tying the game early in the second half. Highlights from last Saturday's Athletics' 4-2 win... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSYM_suMwrc

The Tulsa Roughnecks lost to amateur PDL side Des Moines Menace 2-0 last night in Des Moines, a week after Des Moines beat A's conference rival FC Wichita 2-1 on a late goal in Wichita.  

The Athletics are currently on top of the 11-team South Central Conference with 2 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie with three other clubs tied for 2nd.
This Saturday night the Athletics will be on the road at the expansion Shreveport Rafters, a club that has won its first two matches by identical scores of 2-1 over Corinthians FC and Houston Regals. The game will be streamed live from Shreveport at 7pm at Fassler Hall. There will be beer (duh!) and there will be door prizes!

Also, Saturday the 21st will mark a year since the passing of Roughnecks Legend Alan Woodward.
George's Pub in Jenks will mark the occasion with "Alan's Day" starting at 2pm.... from the Facebook Page:  A day of rememberance for Alan. Tell your stories, drink some of Alan's favorite (bud light) or just piss off! Corey is giving away a keg of his Alan's favorite in shot form and pints. In honor of his great sense of humor it will be infused with HELIUM! Yep! Helium!

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This week's Tulsa Voice:

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Principles of play   
Despite losing stadium, Athletics’ demise greatly exaggerated
By John Tranchina
http://www.thetulsavoice.com/May-B-2016/Principles-of-play/#.Vz1NKATate5.facebook

Have the Athletics considered visiting with TPS about renting what will be a newly built stadium at Rogers HS?  The 2015 bond authorized $4.5MM for a bleachers, locker rooms and concessions.  The sticking points might be booze and being in the middle of the neighborhood (Turner Park), but it is worth someone reaching out to TPS in my opinion.

Game at Joplin tonight 5/26
If anybody hangs out at Arnie's Bar, we'll be in the back room in about an hour watching the stream and drinkin'
Game starts at 7:15 pm
Here's the link for the stream...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P1bCooho5I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P1bCooho5I)

Also, for this Saturday's home game 5/28 against Dallas City at 7:30, military vets get in free... Gates open at 6:30pm
Proceeds will benefit the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 577. The Athletics will be playing in special camo uniforms for the match which will also be auctioned off.

Tonight's camo jerseys up for bids on Ebay... military vets get in free tonight, proceeds to VFW 577.

http://www.ebay.com/usr/tulsathle
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Huge game tonight at 3rd Place and undefeated Houston Dutch Lions FC... start time is 7pm and game will be live streamed.
If you're around downtown, fans will be in the back room at Arnie's Bar watching the game. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDiRbp1i-_bJfs9rXY5A6cA

The Athletics are now 5-1-1 on the season and in 1st place after Fri night's 5-0 win over Houston Regals FC.
http://www.tulsaathletics.com/news/recap-athletics-defeat-regals-5-0/

Here are the current standings in the South Central Conference...
http://npsl.bonzidev.com/sam/standings/ss/schedule.php?v=3&divisionID=MjA5MzQ=

NPSL Top 15 (as of June 2)
http://www.outsidethetouchlines.com/2016/06/npsl-top-15-june-2.html?m=1
 Out of 84 teams nationally, four teams from the South Central Conference are ranked in the Top 15.
5. FC Wichita
6. Houston Dutch Lions
8. Tulsa Athletics
14. Shreveport Rafters


The Athletics will continue on the second half of their four game road trip next Friday 6/10 at unbeaten FC Wichita and next Sunday 6/12 at War Memorial Stadium against the Little Rock Rangers.
Additional exhibition home games have been added against a couple more Liga MX youth teams...
http://www.tulsaathletics.com/news/athletics-to-host-tigres-and-cf-monterrey/
Exhibition Schedule:
Saturday, June 18: vs Houston Dynamo U23
Tuesday, June 28: vs UANL Tigres sub-20
Thursday, June 30: vs Santos Laguna sub-20
Tuesday, July 5: vs CF Monterrey sub-20  

This is not our last home game at the old stadium, but we are celebrating it as such this Saturday, June 25th at 7:30pm.
It is against conference rival FC Wichita, the Athletics have clinched at least one home playoff once the regular season is completed in the next couple of weeks...
http://www.newson6.com/story/32286440/drillers-stadium-to-get-proper-farewell-before-demolition

The game this Saturday will likely determine this season's conference champion.
An informal ranking this week has us as the #4 team nationally in the NPSL (out of 86 teams).
FC Wichita is ranked 6th and will likely have a busload of fans roadtripping from Kansas, much like last year...
http://www.outsidethetouchlines.com/2016/06/npsl-top-15-june-19.html

This is our annual match that benefits BCAP and Oklahoma Project Woman.
A couple of tailgates with plenty of free food will be going on starting at 3:30 and 4:30 ending 30 minutes prior to 7:30 game time, and it's possible you could score some free tickets (which are normally $7)... if you do, please consider making a donation to either charity, either in cash at the tailgate(s) or online. Also, the jerseys themselves will be on sale as well...
Thank You!

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Highlights from the 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness game... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT_KPWnybug

Also, we will have extra parking spaces on the south side of the fair grounds.
Check this map so you won't get stuck in lines!
Advanced tickets $7 and all are general admission:  https://itkt.choicecrm.net/templates/EXPO/?prod=npah

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Might be fun to walk over for Saturday since we finally do not have anything going on that night.  What time will you be at the tailgate, Ruf? 

I'm probably going to hold out til 5:30 or 6pm since the weather's so hot, and I'm a wimp...
Two tailgates, lotsa food... David starts his at 4:30 and it's all in the front parking... as parking may be at a premium, doing the tailgate also gives you a decent parking spot, lol.

OKChive posted this event on Facebook.... Tulsa has voted - and the old Drillers stadium is coming down. This is the loving home to Tulsa Athletics Soccer Team- and they plan to play one of the last games of the season in the stadium in ABSOLUTE STYLE!

Saturday, June 25th - wear PINK and come out for a chance to say goodbye to one of Tulsa's iconic locations, Say "Until Next year" to The Tulsa Athletics Group, and have a blast! Up to 200 tickets will be available for a $1 donation- which will then turn around be donated for Breast Cancer research.

Tailgaiting is starting at 4:30 (Tailgaiting with The Armory is FUNNNNNNNN)!)
Gates Open at 6:30
Game Starts @ 7:30

Be one of the first 200 to get with us before the game and we will collect the $1 and in you go! After the 200 - don't be sad! Tickets are only $7! This is a WONDERFUL family event with bouncy houses, live music and SOCCER!!!!

Hope to see you all there!

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Tonight's match between First Place Tulsa Athletics and second place FC Wichita starts at 7:30 tonight and tickets are now ONE DOLLAR!!!!
That's right, one buck... donations will be taken at the stadium, proceeds benefit BCAP & Oklahoma Project Woman (our 3rd straight year!)
Top of the page describes some of the parking situation so either come early or look at the secondary parking off 21st Street... big tailgate starts later this afternoon.

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Conference Standings
http://npsl.bonzidev.com/sam/standings/ss/schedule.php?v=3&divisionID=MjA5MzQ=

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Most important soccer game in recent Tulsa history. Wouldn't miss it. Important on so many layers.

Finally made it to an Athletics game, and I'm glad I did. The playing was excellent. Really nice to see a team that has it all together.

The atmosphere was a lot better than I expected too. I like the food trucks and little beer garden area. Going to be tough to find a new facility that is as flexible as this one.

Huge win. 2nd ranked team in NPSL right now.

I think the stadium situation might end up better listening to some folks.

More soccer at the old ballpark... Thursday night friendly, Saturday night final regular season game against Ft Worth Vaqueros, hosting playoffs the following Saturday July 9th and Sunday July 10th for the conference championship... 7:30pm game times for all remaining matches... tickets are $7, all General Admission

http://www.tulsaathletics.com/news/south-central-conference-playoff-watch1/

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NPSL National Rankings based on Points per game
http://npsl.bonzidev.com/power_rankings
OVERALL RANK
Rank    Team    Games    Wins    Losses    Ties    Pts    GF    GA    Pts/GP                
1    Milwaukee Torrent    3    3    0    0    9    11    1    3.0000                
2    Chattanooga FC    8    7    0    1    22    15    3    2.7500                
3    Tulsa Athletics    11    10    1    0    30    32    9    2.7273                
4    Miami United FC    9    8    1    0    24    25    11    2.6667                
5    Clarkstown Eagles    8    7    1    0    21    21    10    2.6250                
6    New York Cosmos B    13    10    2    1    31    39    17    2.3846                
7    Myrtle Beach Mutiny    8    6    1    1    19    20    7    2.3750                
8    Albion SC Pros    12    8    0    4    28    30    8    2.3333                
9    Dutch Lions FC    10    7    1    2    23    26    10    2.3000                
10    Chicago Mustangs    4    3    1    0    9    13    5    2.2500                
11    AFC Cleveland    8    6    2    0    18    20    8    2.2500                
12    FC Wichita    10    7    2    1    22    24    11    2.2000                
13    Fredricksburg FC    6    4    1    1    13    13    6    2.1667                
14    Atlanta Silverbacks    8    5    1    2    17    14    7    2.1250                
15    Armada U-23    8    5    1    2    17    22    8    2.1250

Republican Jesus and Chuck Norris want YOU to come see our final regular season home game against the Fort Worth Vaqueros tonight... I've gotta work, damn.
We will be hosting playoffs next weekend... stay tuned.

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Last night, FC Wichita won its playoff game... and looky... their local media actually covers them (unlike the A's unless we're talking about the stadium shutting down).
http://www.kwch.com/content/sports/FC-Wichita-knocks-off-Shreveport-in-playoffs-385787201.html

We will host playoffs this Saturday & Sunday... FC Wichita will play 2nd place Houston Dutch Lions at 3:30pm while we will play 5th place Liverpool Warriors (who beat the 4th place team last night) at 7:30pm... winners of Saturday's games will play for the conference championship on Sunday at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $7 and are general admission other than seats marked with names of season ticket holders...
They can be purchased here... https://itkt.choicecrm.net/templates/EXPO/?prod=npah

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OVERALL RANK THROUGH JULY 7 (84 teams)
http://npsl.bonzidev.com/power_rankings
1    Chattanooga FC    10    9    -    1    28    -    Southeast    2.8000
2    Tulsa Athletics    12    11    1    -    33    -    South Central    2.7500
3    Clarkstown Eagles    11    10    1    -    30    1    Keystone    2.7273
4    Miami United FC    9    8    1    -    24    1    Sunshine    2.6667
5    Dutch Lions FC    12    9    1    2    29    -    South Central    2.4167
6    AFC Cleveland    9    7    2    -    21    1    Great Lakes East    2.3333
6    New York Cosmos B    15    11    2    2    35    1    Atlantic    2.3333
6    FC Wichita    12    9    2    1    28    -    South Central    2.3333
6    Albion SC Pros    12    8    -    4    28    -    Southwest    2.3333
10    Legacy 76    9    6    1    2    20    1    Mid-Atlantic    2.2222
11    Indy Eleven NPSL    9    6    2    1    19    1    Great Lakes East    2.1111
12    Myrtle Beach Mutiny    10    6    1    3    21    -    South Atlantic    2.1000
13    Boston City FC    14    9    3    2    29    2    Atlantic    2.0714
14    New Jersey Copa FC    11    6    1    4    22    1    Keystone    2.0000
14    Armada U-23    9    5    1    3    18    1    Sunshine    2.0000
14    North County Battalion    12    7    2    3    24    -    Southwest    2.0000
17    Deportivo Coras USA U-23    12    7    3    2    23    -    Southwest    1.9167
18    Grand Rapids FC    10    5    1    4    19    2    Great Lakes West    1.9000
18    Atlanta Silverbacks    10    5    1    4    19    -    South Atlantic    1.9000
20    Fredricksburg FC    9    5    2    2    17    1    Mid-Atlantic    1.8889
20    Miami Fusion FC    9    5    2    2    17    1    Sunshine    1.8889
22    Sonoma County Sol    14    8    4    2    26    -    Golden Gate    1.8571
23    AFC Ann Arbor    10    5    2    3    18    2    Great Lakes West    1.8000
24    C.D. Aguiluchos USA    14    7    4    3    24    -    Golden Gate    1.7143
25    Memphis City FC    10    5    3    2    17    -    Southeast    1.7000
25    OSA FC    10    5    3    2    17    -    Northwest    1.7000

Three years ago today, a day that will live in IRONY...

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Tulsa Athletics Facebook page trolling an announcement at 5pm today:

https://www.facebook.com/ttownsoccer/

Games at LaFortune.

Probably a good move.

Can they sell beer?

Better sightlines for soccer than ONEOK.
Probably one of the better temporary options available.  Beer sales is being negotiated...
Funny how the original proposal for BMX National HQ was for south Tulsa and NOT at the corner of 15th & Yale.
Wonder why the proposal was changed at the last minute to force the relocation of the Athletics and the destruction of a perfectly good stadium?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WL4VZznopM

   
Tulsa Athletics Prove An NPSL Team Can Thrive With USL In Town
by Chris Kivlehan - December 22, 2016
http://midfieldpress.com/2016/12/22/tulsa-athletics-prove-an-npsl-team-can-thrive-with-usl-in-town/

When they proposed it in South Tulsa they specifically said they didn't have a site plan in mind, it wasn't meant to imply it would be located here, they just thought putting it on the river "would be cool" for their presentation.  The location was the playground and splash pad at ~76th and Riverside, from the apartments almost down to the volleyball courts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIYB2AbVCGU   (~4 minute mark)

That they did not move forward with the proposal to take 20 acres of park land and transfer it to a private entity (to include 10 acres of surface parking) is not surprising. The proposal basically called for several phases that ended with a new Expo like building (an "all weather" enclosed structure large enough for an indoor BMX track that could be reconfigured).  That was a $45,000,000 plan made in August of 2015.

The expo square location is right next to their longtime home, Expo Center (or whatever we are calling it now), and the new facility is a $15mil investment (not $45mil). So I imagine it changed when they were advised $45mil and park land wasn't likely...

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Letter to the Editor: A Brief History of the Real “Athletics”
by Sonny Dalesandro - January 22, 2017
http://midfieldpress.com/2017/01/22/letter-to-the-editor-a-brief-history-of-the-real-athletics/


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Want me to tell you how this ends?

From an intellectual law perspective, the Oakland A's seem to have a fairly weak case.  They are a national brand for sure, but they are located 1700 miles away, play a different sport, use a different color scheme, and a logo that is entirely different. The Tulsa mark specifically disclaims the word "Athletics."  The test should be:  is the other guy causing confusion in the marketplace.  Would someone accidentally patronize the Tulsa Athletics instead of the Oakland Athletics, thereby letting the Tulsa Athletics unfairly profit from the branding and other efforts of the Oakland A's?

It seems unlikely to me.  "Hey Bob, that guy over there with the funny ankle armor just kicked that ball really far, but he didn't even try to run to 1st.  Also, there are people sliding all over the place, but the ump never calls them safe or out.  I mean, there is beer.  These are the athletics.  I don't get it."  Of course, Courts have let what I think are weak cases skate by before so...

Maybe I'm missing something significant, since I have only read the Tulsa side of the argument and haven't spent a lot of time researching it. But it seems kind of off.


From a practical standpoint, the Oakland A's have a budget that is almost certainly higher than ever team in Tulsa all added together (including ORU and TU).  The cost for the Athletic's attorneys to look into this and do a few conference calls would probably be enough to matter in the Tulsa soccer clubs annual revenue. Let alone the cost to actually defend an action in this regard.  $o it i$nt really hard to tell who would win a legal battle over thi$.

The green and yellow were the same and I remember there used to be an Oakland A's logo at Drillers Stadium.  I'm guessing they sent someone down to take a photo of that sign which is why the lawyer thought it was the same.  He surely wasn't talking about the pink coat of arms.

This is pretty damn ridiculous, but as you said, CF the Oakland folks have more $ at their disposal so better off to white out the “s” and move on.

I saw one of your stickers on a car today.   While you may have used the red and black logo in the past, you have also sold it in the green/yellow of Oakland.   

Seems silly and unfortunate, but blanket letters are not uncommon.