Thunder to Stay in Oklahoma City as Arena Vote Passes by Wide Margin
On Tuesday, Oklahoma City voters approved funding for a new $900 million state-of-the-art arena that is set to house the Thunder through 2050.
The final results were 41,129 yeses to 16,797 nos, or 71% to just 29%. The arena vote had the sixth-highest turnout out of sixteen elections.
The new deal is set to double the team's tenure in OKC. And the hope is that the new arena will be built prior to the 2030-31 season.
“Incredibly exciting for our city,” Oklahoma City mayor David Holt told KOCO 5 following the voting results. “Obviously, a win was a win, but to move forward with this margin, a historic margin in our city’s history. It really represents a consensus — it’s validation we’re on the right track.”
“I just can’t believe almost, that we really get to have this renaissance continue, in some ways, for another generation. And we can build on this platform now knowing we’re a big league city.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver weighed in with a statement too:
“A signature of the Oklahoma City Thunder, beyond the team’s success on the floor, has been their deep connection to their fans and their community. This vote for a new arena is another example of that bond. We are grateful to the people of Oklahoma City for the confidence they have shown in both the Thunder and the NBA as we embark on a new era of global sports and entertainment.”
The Thunder are set to continue playing in Paycom Center until the new arena is built.
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