The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to the public for help in funding a new arena, 15 years after the relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics. The Thunder have been playing in the Chesapeake Energy Arena since they moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, but the team is now looking to build a new arena that will be more modern and provide a better fan experience.
The Thunder are asking for $115 million in public funding for the construction of the new arena. The team has promised to cover the remaining costs of the project, which is estimated to be around $1 billion. The Thunder are also asking for an additional $45 million for infrastructure improvements around the arena.
The Thunder have been a major success in Oklahoma City since their relocation from Seattle in 2008. The team has made the playoffs in nine of their twelve seasons in Oklahoma City and has won three division titles. The team has also been a major economic driver for the city, generating an estimated $2.5 billion in economic impact over the past decade.
The Thunder’s proposal has been met with mixed reactions from local residents and politicians. Some argue that the public should not be asked to fund a private business venture, while others believe that the economic benefits of having a successful NBA franchise in Oklahoma City outweigh the costs.
The Thunder’s proposal is currently being considered by the Oklahoma City Council, and a decision is expected to be made in the coming months. If approved, the new arena is expected to be completed by 2024.
No matter what the outcome of the proposal, it is clear that the Oklahoma City Thunder have become an important part of the city since their relocation from Seattle 15 years ago. The team has provided entertainment and economic benefits to the city, and now they are looking to the public for help in building a new arena that will provide an even better fan experience.
