The debates in Oklahoma City over the wisdom of coughing over arena money while other pressing issues exist is painfully familiar to longtime Seattle residents.
Since Tulsa built the BOK center they have been getting the majority of top tier performing acts over OKC. Oklahoma has never had have much in the way of entertainment which makes the larger events even more competitive. Why go to OKC if Tulsa has a bigger, newer, and more accessible venue especially if you are only planning one stop in this part of the country. That is why it is being built, and the Thunder want to lease the new venue and contribute to the funding of the building with 0 stake in ownership of that building.
Did they have a large concert/entertainment industry?
Since Tulsa built the BOK center they have been getting the majority of top tier performing acts over OKC. Oklahoma has never had have much in the way of entertainment which makes the larger events even more competitive. Why go to OKC if Tulsa has a bigger, newer, and more accessible venue especially if you are only planning one stop in this part of the country. That is why it is being built, and the Thunder want to lease the new venue and contribute to the funding of the building with 0 stake in ownership of that building.