Ford Center improvements (Oklahoma City, May: 2010, home, luxury)

[happytown]

Ford Center improvements and NBA practice facility.
https://www.okc.gov/news/2008_01/fordcenter_1.pdf


Upgrading the Ford Center
Expected changes to the Ford Center if proposal is approved by voters on March 4

A new practice and training facility in an undetermined off-site location.

An expanded southwest grand entry.

New and expanded locker rooms.

New VIP clubs.

New player parking with secure access to the event level.

Larger team stores and added kiosks and merchandizing throughout the building.

Upgraded finishes on floors, walls and ceilings throughout the 100 and 300 concourse levels.

Updated interior design to the suites.

Lounge-style seats in the club level.

A new restaurant on the southwest side of the building.

A fan zone and play area in the 300 level.

Two roof gardens areas where fans can mingle and see the skyline.

......The upgrades are needed if OKC gets a NBA team. The renderings could be better IMO, but it puts it on par with the best NBA arenas. The upgraded designs will most likely evolve.

[2010grad]

Here are some renderings for that...(which are in the pdf happytown linked to)

[happytown]

Thanks for being more computer savvy 2010....It is much appreciated and needed!

Comments on the design?
I feel like it clashes but I think we will have to wait and see. The renderings are somewhat garish with the rainbow background effecting the colors of the front entrance. Maybe some less exaggerated drawings will calm it down and put it in another perspective. Anyway, the amenities sound great and were needed to begin with. OKC will finally have a REAL arena and not just a shell to lure in the NBA.

[Synopsis]

Cool. I really like the rooftop access. That's gotta be a first.

[2010grad]

No problem Happytown...

I really like the design. The glass and steel accents definitely give it a much more up-to-date look. The only thing I think that clashes is the neon blue FORD CENTER Entrance. That is just so random. But I think the rest is great! Especially the roof gardens and the roof party deck.

[happytown]

Ya...Its gotta be that neon blue entrance that bothers me. I dont think it will be that pronounced when completed. The roof top gardens/party deck will be great and is very urban. It will give the "Loud City" seats something to really scream about! I wonder how the heck they are going to recreate the top?
The Ford is basically going to be a totally different arena considering the intial cost was 89 mil. and the improvements are more than 100. I feel that keeping the Ford Center location/upgrading and not building another arena was a very wise choice.

[happytown]

This vote will most likely pass but many are starting to rally support just in case.

Here is a person that works for the chamber if you would like to be involved with helping to support this monumental tax. Email address is creid@okcchamber.com

This is something that the Ford Center needed to begin with and should be supported....Not just to secure the NBA but to keep the momentum going in OKC. No tax like this one should be taken lightly.

Polls...
Will you vote yes on the Ford Center upgrade? - OU Insider Forums
Oklahoma City Poll Results
OKCBusiness - Oklahoma City Business News
The Journal Record - Home

[Synopsis]

It's good to see that it looks like it will pass. This is a must for an NBA team in OkC, which is a MUST!

[2010grad]

I hope so HT. I actually feel nervous because I feel like it wont pass because of what people have said....but hopefully it does!!!

[happytown]

Originally Posted by 2010grad

I hope so HT. I actually feel nervous because I feel like it wont pass because of what people have said....but hopefully it does!!!

It only needs 51% of the vote to pass....If it doesnt pass the sonics will still be on their way (already committed and home grown owners) and probably will have some requirements with them. The city will just have to provide what a NBA team needs without a tax or the franchise will threaten to move. But it will be a smoother transition for the new team if the tax is passed. OKCers are just used to having more than 75% of the public passing luxury taxes for the last 15 years.