Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt Plans to Build a New Arena For The Thunder

Small capacity and aging infrastructure have led to the decision

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt shared some exciting news for the future of the Thunder. 

In a recent interview with Thunder Reporter Steve McGehee, Holt revealed plans of a brand new arena for the team. 

The Thunder's current arena -- Paycom Center -- was built in 2002 and has served as the team's arena since the former Supersonics were rebranded and relocated to Oklahoma City. 

As the decades have passed, Holt believes it is time for an upgrade for the growing Thunder franchise and Oklahoma City sports market. 

The arena possesses one of the lowest capacities in the NBA, while also only being the second biggest arena in the state of Oklahoma. Tulsa's BOK Center surpasses the Paycom Center by almost 1,000 seats, which Holt views as unacceptable for Oklahoma City. 

"If we want to be a top 20 city, if we want to be a major league professional sports city, especially for a market our size, with that much competition breathing down our neck, we have to invest in ourselves,” said Holt.

It's not secret that Oklahoma City is one of the smallest markets in the NBA, so it is important for the franchise to make the necessary improvements to its infrastructure and be ahead of the curve. 

If not, Oklahoma City could be at risk of losing their sole professional sports team of the big four American sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL).

Holt describes a potential loss of the Thunder as "the first gut punch this city's had in 30 years."

The mayor seemed confident in getting enough approval from Oklahoma City residents once the time comes for a vote, as the team has massive support from its residents. 

In 1927, 1963, and 1993, Oklahoma City voters passed the vote for new arenas. Another 30 years have passed, so it fits the timeline of the city being ready for a new arena. A proposal regarding the financial planning will take place in the next month, and vote is being targeted to be on the ballot before the end of the year.

According to McGehee, Thunder ownership will help pay for the arena, which expresses great interest in keeping the franchise in Oklahoma City for the foreseeable future. 

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