Oklahoma City, In The Press

[dbacksfan 2.0]

Found an article from 2020 with a list of NBA arenas by age from oldest to newest. The Suns have the fourth oldest arena, opened in 1992.

The oldest three are

MSG - New York Knicks 1968

Target Center - Timberwolves 1990

Vivint Smart Home Arena - Jazz 1991

https://arenadigest.com/2020/01/08/nba-arenas-oldest-to-newest-2020-update/#:~:text=Madison%20Square%20Garden%20is%20currently,it%20competitive%20with%20newer%20facilities.

[Laramie]

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                    ^ ^  ^  Interesting post dbacksfan 2.0  ^ ^ ^

     NBA arenas - top ten:

          1. Chase Center, San Francisco, $1.48 billion, 2019 - 18,064
          2. Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, $1.2 billion, 2018 - 17,385
          3. Barclays Center, Brooklyn, $1 billion/$1.18 billion in 2021 dollars, 2012 - 17,732
          4. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, $862.9/$988 million in 2021 dollars, 2017 - 20,332
          5. Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, $558.2 million, 2016 - 17,608
          6. Amway Center, Orlando, $480 million/$604 million in 2021dollars, 2010 - 18,846
          7. American Airlines Center, Dallas, $420 million/$643 million in 2021 dollars- 2001 - 19,200
          8. Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, $375 million/$610 million in 2021 dollars- 1999 - 19,079
          9. Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, $265 million/$404 million in 2021 dollars - 1999 - 19,800
        10. Moda Center, Portland, $262 million/$466 million in 2021 - 1995 - 19,393

              Average cost of the top 10 NBA arenas: $675 million
              Average age of the top 10 NBA arenas: 8 years, 6 months
              Average capacity of the top 10 NBA arenas: 18,824

Source Thunderwire - July 2022: Ranking all 29 NBA arenas in terms of construction cost:  https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/lists/ranking-all-29-nba-arenas-in-terms-of-construction-cost/

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[Laramie]

     Unlocking the World
     22 of the USA's most underrated destinations

     
     Oklahoma

     A state that many people fly over and drive right through, Oklahoma is one of those underrated places you should visit sooner rather than later.
     Oklahoma City flaunts a surprisingly rich and varied food scene, especially the eclectic Paseo, Plaza and Uptown 23rd neighborhoods and the Asian district.
     The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Oklahoma City National Memorial are both must-see spots. For the outdoor inclined, Riversport OKC         
     offers whitewater rafting, tubing, ziplines and sky trails in the city center.
     Oklahoma's long stretch of Historic Route 66 is strewn with old-fashioned diners, museums and roadside oddities. Tulsa showcases local hero Woody
     Guthrie, the new Bob Dylan Center and classic Art Deco architecture, while Medicine Park village and the nearby Wichita Mountains offer a taste of Wild
     West days.

     CNN https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/underrated-destinations-united-states/index.html

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[Laramie]

This aerial photo shows the MAPS downtown arena amid $89.2 million construction in 2002

The 581,000-square-foot facility was designed to meet National Hockey League requirements. The venue was completed at a cost of $89.2 million and opened its doors on June 8, 2002. 

"A lot of people think of arenas in terms of the seats," Holt said. "That's only part of the experience that drives revenue for sports teams and concerts alike. You have to have all this other room for all the other elements of user experience. And our square footage (586,000 square feet), is the smallest in all of the NBA and not by a little."--Holt, State of City Address.

I think we can get 20% or so from the ownership group. I know that adds risk for OKC, but lowers bond issues. And looks better from an optics perspective.

This makes the best option if you want widespread support of the citizens and voters to insure a top 10 NBA arena that is competitive with markets like Boston, Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee & Toronto. 

Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum is the latest small market to build an NBA Arena investing $524 million — $250 million from taxpayers
in various forms, $174 million from the team's owners and $100 million from former Sen. Herb Kohl, who saved the team from leaving Milwaukee not once but twice.

Pete, OKCTalk.com owner suggestion of using the 4-square block Prairie Surf Media--Old Cox-Myriad site makes the best option since it is city
owned and already supports 950 underground parking spaces.

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[Laramie]

                               Oklahoma City named as a top U.S. capital


         
          Oklahoma City is ranked No. 10 nationally for being the best capital city, according to a recent WalletHub report. 
          Story link:  https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/inside-okc/oklahoma-city-named-as-a-top-u.s.-capital/?back=super_blog


          Rankings:  https://wallethub.com/edu/best-state-capitals/19030

[Laramie]

     Oklahoma becomes prime destination for TV and movie      productions:
                        "Hollywood on the prairie"


                                 

                   CBS Mornings:  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oklahoma-prime-destination-tv-movie-productions-hollywood-on-the-prairie/

    "One reason Tinseltown is drawn to the middle of the country is money. Oklahoma lawmakers are luring production studios and creating local jobs with a                
      $30 million rebate program to shoot in the state. $240 million has been pumped into the state's economy in the last year and a half. . .

    . . . In the last year and a half, Oklahoma's film industry created 10,000 jobs."

[Laramie]

The BEST 3 days in OKLAHOMA CITY! (Food, UNIQUE experiences, Western History, & MORE!)

     Video Link:  https://bricktownwatertaxi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/0001_24final-300x300.jpg

   

 

[Laramie]

                           To all our friends at Tulsa Now and The Great State of Oklahoma

[Laramie]

Education Rankings - Measuring how well states are educating their students: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education

[Laramie]

Tourism:   Oklahoma City & Tulsa brace for the future.

Oklahoma City in 2021 Tourism $3.8 billion.  Future:  OKC  is now on its fourth iteration of MAPS, with upcoming projects including a multipurpose stadium, a new fairgrounds coliseum and the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center.  

OKC has reinvested in itself--in 1993, Oklahoma City voters approved a penny sales tax that generated more than $363 million in sales tax and interest over five-and-a-half years and paid for such projects as the Bricktown Ballpark, Cox Convention Center and Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Oklahoma City continues to extend MAPS projects--MAPS 4 center pieces  with upcoming projects including a multipurpose stadium, a new fairgrounds coliseum and the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center.

Upcoming developments include the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine and the OKANA Resort (now under construction) expected to continue attracting new visitors
to Central Oklahoma.

OKC voters approved two proposals: one for approximately $936,000,000 to fund acquiring, constructing, equipping, repairing and remodeling school buildings, acquiring school furniture, fixtures and equipment and acquiring and improving school sites".

The second resolution for $19,000,000 will provide funds for the purpose of acquiring transportation equipment.


Tulsa In 2021, the Tulsa region continued to invest in itself ( Vision Tulsa) by advancing significant, game-changing projects. Projects like Zink Dam, the new Arkansas River Pedestrian Bridge, the reimagined Gilcrease Museum and the USA BMX headquarters all moved forward.

The opening of the Greenwood Rising history center helped Tulsa commemorate the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre and invest in a better tomorrow.

Tulsa voters invested in future generations by overwhelmingly approving a $414 million Tulsa Public Schools bond package.

Tulsa's Future, the Tulsa Regional Chamber-led regional economic development partnership, supported the creation of 4,125 jobs and $421 million of capital investment in northeast Oklahoma during 2021.

The partnership between the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County secured more than 200 private investors, and numerous regional and tribal partners to further economic prosperity in the Tulsa region.

Highlights included 319,268 event attendees, 58 events at the Cox Business Convention Center and Southern Hills' hosting of the 2022 men's PGA Championship.

Rogers State University is preparing to host the annual Tulsa Cup Oct. 24 and 25 in partnership with the Tulsa Sports Commission.  An estimated 500 people
will attend the two-day tournament, with 280 hotel room nights booked. Attendees will begin arriving in the city the weekend leading up to the event.

[Laramie]

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      Does The Mayor Of Oklahoma City Provide A Post-Trump Road Map For Republicans?

           

      Story link:  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/david-holt-oklahoma-city-mayor_n_63b7029be4b0d6f0b9f9377a

           




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[Laramie]

                             




                                       

Image and Press Release via OKCTalk.com

     Press release:

     ******************

     Business Leaders Launch the New Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce

     OKLAHOMA CITY (January 25, 2023) - The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced today the official kick off for
     the new organization and its inaugural year during Lunar New Year. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joined the celebration by serving as the guest speaker   
     at a media event at the Grand House Asian Bistro in Oklahoma City.

     With a growing Asian population and an increasing number of Asian-owned businesses in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, a group of community
     leaders and entrepreneurs created the new Asian Chamber with a mission to support the economic growth of the Asian community in the Greater
     Oklahoma City area.

     In addition to Mayor Holt, Gov. Kevin Stitt and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice's staff shared remarks honoring the contributions of the Asian American
     and Pacific Islander members who have made Oklahoma and the United States their home.

     "Asian American and Pacific Islander residents have made a tremendous impact in the State of Oklahoma and across the nation, serving in vital leadership
     roles at the local, state, and national level, leading businesses, making breakthroughs in science and technology, building businesses, serving in our
     military, serving in public office, excelling in sports, arts, education and more," said Governor Stitt.

     "The Asian American and Pacific Islander community is rapidly expanding and has already had positive effects throughout Oklahoma City. The Greater
     Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce will empower businesses and allow new growth opportunities throughout Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional                             
     District," said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice.

     ECONOMIC IMPACT

     The Asian community is one of the fastest growing populations in the nation, state and city. Locally, the meaningful contributions to the economy have
     also increased. The 2020 Census data shows that nearly 50,000 Asian residents live in the greater OKC metropolitan area. Surveys show there are more
     than 5,300 businesses resulting in $203 million in payroll and $1.25 billion in sales.

     "We started out with a small group of entrepreneurs from different businesses and backgrounds in early 2022 and quickly grew into a strong and
     passionate team of prominent business leaders serving as board of directors and committee members," said Scarlet Le-Cao, the inaugural president of
     the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce. "The Asian population is incredibly diverse, and we want to preserve our cultural heritage and             
     support economic development for Asian communities in the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area. It is critically important to advocate, represent and         
     provide our communities with valuable tools for their businesses and professions."

     The Asian Chamber will work closely in partnership with other chambers of commerce, the city and state to strengthen the minority business enterprise
     and workforce. The goal is to establish long-term relationships to build foundational growth for Oklahoma City's economy.

     "For decades, Oklahoma City has been the proud home of a vibrant Vietnamese American community. The Asian community has grown significantly and
     made a remarkable impact on our neighborhoods and local economy," said Mayor David Holt of the City of Oklahoma City. "This special Lunar New
     Year celebration not only marks a new beginning for the chamber and for our city but also promotes unity, spurs innovation and fosters economic growth."

     FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     A group of prominent business leaders and professionals make up the founding board of directors including officers Scarlet Le-Cao, president; Mary Nhin,
     vice president; Victoria Tran, vice president; Chante Sourignavong, treasurer; and Ernest Abrogar, Secretary.

     Other board of directors include Cassandra Kalancha, education programs committee chair; Mydazjah Petties, events committee chair;
     Thao Nguyen-Pham, membership committee chair; Thuan Hieu Nguyen, advocacy committee chair; Valorie J Filippo, board member; Tasneem Ahmad Al-                           
     Michael, board member; Mike Hoang, board member; Jacqueline Sit, marketing committee chair; Justin Le, board member; and Victor Flores, fundraising       
     committee chair.

     The advisory board includes Roy Williams, Meg Salyer, Ban Nguyen, Nathan Cao and Robert Palmer.

     "Our values treasure diversity, innovation, integrity, teamwork and communication, and we are excited as an organization to grow, serve and support our
     Asian community," Le-Cao said.

     The chamber's vision statements are:

          o To connect, strengthen and advocate for Asian businesses and professionals in the greater Oklahoma City metro by supporting pro-business policies.
          o To recruit Asian-owned businesses and Asian talents to areas we serve.
          o To facilitate fair and equitable access to opportunities for Asian businesses and professionals.
          o To pursue educational and cultural initiatives for the greater Oklahoma City Asian communities

     The chamber's founding sponsors were officially announced at the event. The sponsors include: Paycom, Chesapeake, Jimmy's Egg, OKC Thunder, Super Cao     
     Nguyen Market, OG&E, First National Bank, Gooden Group, Full Sail Capital, Nhinja Sushi & Wok, Ninja Life Hacks, True Sky Federal Credit Union, Tinker
     Federal Credit Union, Stride Bank, Practical Preparedness, THN Insurance, CMM Financial, Navaid Health, and Neuroradiology & Pain Solutions of Oklahoma.

     To join The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, to become a sponsor or to learn more, visit asianchamberokc.com.


                   
                    Oklahoma City's Asian District is home to a diverse array cuisine, culture and shopping. Photo by Laci Schwoegler/Oklahoma Tourism.
                   
                    The gift section of the Super Cao Nguyen market in Oklahoma City's Asian District offers unique shopping finds.
                   
                    Military Park Vietnam War Memorial "Brothers in Arms" Monument
                   
                    Super Cao Nguyen Market is a mainstay for Oklahoma City residents and visitors.




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[Laramie]

Bright future for Oklahoma City & Tulsa metros:



"Spotlight on Oklahoma: a growing hub for advanced mobility"

          In October, Oklahoma and Arkansas signed a memo of understanding to position the region as a national hub of advanced mobility. This collaboration,
          done in partnership with with Tulsa Innovation Labs and Runway Group, invests in advanced mobility development, including drones, electric and   
          autonomous vehicles, battery manufacturing, and transportation and logistics solutions. The project is expected to create 55,000 new high-tech jobs,
          and companies such as Walmart, QuikTrip, and J.B. Hunt will help pilot emerging technologies.


          Canoo, a Los Angeles-based EV company, is building a mega microfactory on a 400-acre campus outside of Tulsa. The facility will open next year and
          house a paint shop, body shop, and general assembly plant.

    Full link to story:  https://www.automotiveworld.com/articles/spotlight-on-oklahoma-a-growing-hub-for-advanced-mobility/

    Credit poster Plutonic Panda, OKCTalk.com


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[Laramie]

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                                              Oklahoma Wants to Be the 'Next Texas.' Imagine That.
                         March 2, 2023 in News, appeared first on New York Times:   


                         

          "I can't believe I live in Oklahoma — it's like even weird to say," said Chris Bland, who took the $10,000 and moved in 2021
            from an apartment in Harlem, working remotely as an environmental scientist at New York's Mount Sinai Health System.

           Since then, Mr. Bland, 29, has been selling his friends and family on Tulsa — restaurants, bars, $895 a month for a studio apartment
           downtown — and he has already stayed longer than the single year required by the program, which is funded by the Tulsa-based
           George Kaiser Family Foundation.


                    Full story link:  https://dnyuz.com/2023/03/02/oklahoma-wants-to-be-the-next-texas-imagine-that/


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[Laramie]

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                    Study: OKC a top city for affordable vacations

                         

                    Link:  https://journalrecord.com/2023/05/15/study-okc-a-top-city-for-affordable-vacations/

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