Quote Originally Posted by Steve View Post
Well, I was the guy at The Oklahoman who did those reports in The Oklahoman. It's true that some hoped a tenant might pay for such improvements and said so for political expediency. But the truth is city leaders at the time ('98-'99) were always fully expecting that if a major league team there would be a tax money needed for the upgrade.
Now, to settle a debate that will likely happen in 2020-2025 ... yes, city leaders know at this point that there will be a push for a new arena when the current one hits 20 years old.
So then, leadership at the time wasn't being exactly truthful?

Just curious, but why do you think it will be at the 20 year mark, when Mayor Cornett talked about replacing the Arena after about 5 years? Even if the improved Arena is "like a brand new building" (or whatever phrase the Mayor used), seems that is only going to buy us about another 5 years or so. About the same time as the teams first opt out clause. Stern stated that cities shouldn't expect arenas to last more than about 10 years or so. Based on all of that, I think there will be talk of a replacement arena sooner rather than later. Maybe as long as a year or so out from when MAPS 3 tax ends and MAPS 4 is in the works. Then there is the sticky problem with the lease itself, where the City is obligated to keep making upgrades or replacing the arena for the term of the lease (15 to 30 years). Yet with no significant funding source mechanism to do so.