OKC voters approved the proposal to build a new downtown arena that will house the Oklahoma City Thunder for several generations on Tuesday. An overwhelming 71% of voters voted in support of it.
The arena proposal approved included a $900 million cost for the publicly-owned venue with $50 million contributed by Thunder ownership. At least $70 million will also come from the MAPS 4 project.
Once completed, the Thunder have pledged to sign a 25-year lease, with it opening by the 2029-30 season.
Following the lopsided election win, Thunder owner Clay Bennett — who helped move the franchise from Seattle to OKC in 2008 — released the following statement:
“We are deeply grateful for the confidence and pride our citizens have expressed in the future of our city. We also appreciate Mayor David Holt for his leadership and relentless passion to elevate Oklahoma City at all levels.
“With this project we will be doing more than just building a world-class sports and entertainment complex, we will be propelling Oklahoma City toward the next generation. This new home for the Thunder will serve as an iconic centerpiece of our vibrant and modern downtown and continue to represent the values of our city and its people.
“As we take the next step in this historic journey, I am particularly grateful and energized by what this means for our city’s young people and the Oklahoma City they will lead and enjoy over the coming decades.”
Considering the magnitude of the situation, it was only fair to expect Bennett to release a statement in support of the election’s result. Following the result, a fanbase-wide celebration ensued on social media.
