OK everyone.

I know we've done this before but now there seems to be several names that are front runners. Based on the article from DM of the D'OK and a few other's we've seen prominent on this forum - please vote!

Oklahoma City Ballers
Oklahoma City Barons
Oklahoma City Bolts
Oklahoma City Bulldogs
Oklahoma City Cougars
Oklahoma City Energy
Oklahoma City Mustangs
Oklahoma City Outlaws
Oklahoma City Pride
Oklahoma City Slickers
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunderbirds
Oklahoma City Thunderbolts
Oklahoma City Vipers

Then, after voting - please explain why you chose and/or what you don't like about those you didn't chose. You could also rank your choices in your post if you like more than one, but for the poll - please select your top choice.

Have fun :boxing2:

I vote for Barons only because I didn't see anything else that excited me. This whole thing has gone on so long, I'm worn slick.

I liked the Thunderbirds, but its to long and I don't like T-Birds, my junior high was Monroney Thunderbirds, MWC, so thats out.

We used Outlaws with the USFL team, you cant go back.

Liked Thunder, dont like buffalo.

After read from the experts, it needs to be shot and easy to say and spell. Barons seems to fit the prototype for a good name, just have problem with mascot.

T-Birds

Barons and Thunder are the only two that I have ever heard that I liked. I voted for Thunder.

This......

http://www.jasonzimdars.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/toby.gif

http://www.jasonzimdars.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/okc_nba.jpg

Outlaws or Vipers.
Can we get the option of "anything but Barons"?

ok guys, now that a few votes are in: I thought I'd give my take on the names.

Ballers: Pros - HUGE NBA appeal (both the game and the Hip Hop scene), its short and memorable. Easily rolls off the tounge. Cons - well, might have a negative connotation "balla".

Barons: Pros - it's short, memorable, and easy to spell. It fits OKC [Oil Baron]. Cons - can be turned into "Barren" or "Robber Baron", further cementing OKC's negative perception.

Bolts: Pros - it's short and has very huge NBA marketing appeal (bolt down the court, a lightning bolt, a bolt used in construction/mfg, so on). It also flows off the tounge nicely with OKC. Has Huge marketing potential IMO. Fits OKC (as in stormy/lightning bolts). Cons - I can't really think of any.

Bulldogs: Pros - has huge NBA appeal, is a tough animal, pretty easy to market. Cons: doens't really fit OKC though, might conflict with the U or Georgia

Cougars: Pros - its an animal and NO OTHER pro team uses it. Would be quite unique to OKC. Cons: a little corny and not quite powerful enough for me.

Energy: Pros - appeal to OKC and has OKC fit. Nice for LOCAL marketing. Cons - not nice for NBA marketing, doesn't end in s, a bit corny

Mustangs: Pros - OKC appeal, pretty easy to market. Cons - may be sort of hickish, doesn't really fall of the tounge as easily but could over time

Outlaws: Pros - has huge OKC appeal/history, would be easy to market. Cons - negative to the NBA, Tulsa might get mad since they called it OK Outlaws

Pride: Pros - Lion Pride has HUGE appeal, easy to market. Cons - No offense to anyone, but you know what would be people's first thought, doesn't end in s, a bit hard to relate to for the 'common fan'

Slickers: Pros - rolls off the tounge the best, fairly easy to market, would be a HUGE boost to OKC being a big city (since nobody else with City in their name uses it). Cons - Pac NW fans will surely eat this up

Thunder: Pros - huge appeal to OKC, very easy to market during games. Cons - doesn't end in s, hard to market outside of OKC region, a little minor league sounding

Thunderbirds: Pros - appeal to OKC, unique. Cons - very CORNY. T-birds sounds very trailer-trash to me, sorry.

Thunderbolts: Pros - easy to market and has OKC appeal. Can be shortened to Bolts, ala Supersonics/Sonics. Cons - a bit long when combined with Oklahoma City. A little minor league sounding (which could be countered using the common name bolts, ala sonics)

Vipers: Pros - animal, power, NBA appeal. Fairly easy to market. Easy for common fan to remember/relate. Cons - doesn't really fit OKC though

Con for Bolts- the San Diego Chargers also go by the Bolts sometimes...not much of a con, really...

Hey where is an 89ers option? United? HOw is energy corny but not mustangs, bolts, boomers, etc.? It's all a matter of opinion really.

Vipers. Snakes fit Oklahoma. I run from them all the time in my backyard. Maybe not a Viper but a snake with fangs. So, I say it fits OK. lol

It's not on the list, but my favorite probably can't be used. Roughnecks. Tulsa had a soccer team when I was growing up called that though, so I'm not sure we could/would use it.

Man oh man I hope it isn't the Vipers! I'm scared to death of the buggers, and I'd hate to have to see their icon all the time. Yeah, I'm irrational, but they freaking hurt when they bite you! Copperhead got me when I was a teenager, and they've freaked me out ever since.


Out of this list, I pick Outlaws.

Outlaws, Barons, Aviators, United.

I heard 'Pioneers' thrown around. I still haven't heard a name I really like though.
Think of a name that would fit in or be unique to the current team's names.

ESPN - NBA Basketball Teams, NBA Teams, Basketball Teams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/teams)

Metro, and others.

Sorry I missed some of your favourites. I chose these teams because I thought they were either front runners, desired consideration, or would be something Bennett would probably pick (meaning, end in s). No offense was intended ot anyone, and you have a right to write-in your team name (I suppose I should have had a selection for *write-in: see post).

Anyways, Below I explain why I didn't use a few names in the poll:

89ers - I didn't list them because I doubt we'd be able to use it and it is so heavily rich with baseball. In fact, we should change the Redhawks BACK to the 89ers if you ask me.

United - heard of DC United? Plus, it doesn't end in s and really doesn't fit OKC IMO.

Boomers - Boomer Sooner? Way too close to me.

Bombers - No way they would go for this, Oklahoma City Bombers..... Oh brother.

Aviators - has a nice ring to it but is OKC really known for this?

Pilots - same thing as Aviators

Pioneers - hm, I didn't consider this but thinking about it now - it has a heritage feel to it that to me doesn't fit the Modern Oklahoma City Renaissance we've been seeing. It almost seems like a step backwards - so I still wouldn't list it.

I agree this is all subjective - and I wanted to try to narrow things down to those who didn't sound hickish or anti-OKC Renaissance. Aviators/Pilots is debatable, but I just don't see the connection to OKC (lots of big cities have air force bases and airlines/faa oriented stuff moreso than OKC IMO although the more I think about it Wiley Post and Will Rogers does fit and connect OKC, so... hmm.).

Periodically, Ill tally the votes at milestone points. For those of you who don't like the 14 names, go ahead and list your TOP favourite in your post - Ill tally those as well.

Or Metro (or another mod), is there a way I can reopen the poll with a selection for write-in?). I suppose this might not be ethical tho since people have already voted from the polls existing options.

I like Wildcatters and Aviators

I heard about that TBK Joke this morning on the radio. They were talking about the OKC Toby Keith's or OKC I Love This Bar and Basketball Team.

^ Lol!!

:tiphat:

89ers - I didn't list them because I doubt we'd be able to use it and it is so heavily rich with baseball. In fact, we should change the Redhawks BACK to the 89ers if you ask me.

I completely agree. The name of "89ers" should be returned to the diamond to reestablish some history with the organization.

I am in the camp which finds the "Outlaws" and "Marshals" appealing. I feel each could (and would) be marketed well. In conjunction with the rebirth of the "OKC 89ers" I think a theme could be set throughout OKC's (and Oklahoma) athletics which echos our state's heritage without becoming cheesy, cliche' or just a joke.

Wildcatters or Bolts. Maybe Flyboys.

The Oklahoma City Wrath

It's short, strong, it's something you don't want to mess with and it has meaning.

The Wrath of Oklahoma City

What's the deal with it having to end with an 's'? Did I miss something?

If it must end with an 's' that rules out Thunder.

I guess it rules me out. lol

I hate the Barons name. It doesn't sound good at all. Barons wouldn't be popular with the prices of oil and gas on the high.

I don't really see any names that I like. If I won the naming right to the team name, I would name it OKC Bunnies. lol

What about OKC Trekers? To boldly go where no one had gone before.

I can't think of anything...

Here's some from the DOK list that I like:

Explorers
Centurions
Guardians
Knights
Navigators
Rattlers

Knights has a very nice ring to it,

I saw that one and meant to include it in the poll but forgot.

Oklahoma City Knights, completely marketable and memorable - camelot theme and all. Does it fit OKC, probably not - but it is unique in a sense that nobody else has it.

Ya.. but you can't checkmate a king with just knights.

Even pawns are better than knights when you are up against just the king :P

Knights is too close to the Kings. Plus, we'd have to serve them. No thanks.

I'm still a huge proponent of the OKC Thunder (with a buffalo logo/mascot and lightning-looking wordmark). I voted for that.

I know Thunderbirds has been used on the minor league level and that, locally at least, it's most associated with that casino in Norman, but there is so much history (both militarily and Indian-wise) that it should be a legit player.

I believe HotRod wondered why "Aviators" would be a good name for us. Well, we might not be known for aviation, but we played a BIG part in its growth. From Wiley Post's exploits to all of the astronauts we've produced, it's fitting for us. Also, the FAA has a big presence here and then there's the whole Tinker AFB angle. I'm starting to think Aviators might be a really good one. In terms of marketing, I think Thunder and Aviators would be the easiest/best/most flexible to push.

Barons is still a horrible, horrible name to go with. The name is too easy to mis-pronounced, make fun of or just wonder what the hell it is. No thanks.

Yeah I like Aviators.

But I think Knights is a great one as well. I don't think it's too close to Kings. No more so than Barons. Just different royalty names just like you have different animal names.

And many sports team names have nothing to do with local history or industry. Ours doesn't HAVE to.

Here's my 4 cents:
Ballers- Definitely not
Barons- ehhh, maybe but could be something better. I always think of the Birmingham Baron's where Michael Jordan once tried to play.
Bolts-Kinda weak
Bulldogs-There are a lot of Bulldog teams out there already. Kinda like Redhawks.
Cougars-Same as Bulldogs but probably a better choice of the two.
Energy-I like it. Even it doesn't have the whole "-s" ending I think it would be fitting considering that amount of energy this state makes and kinda a little irony in this whole energy crisis we are in right now.
Mustangs-No. Over Done.
Outlaws-Also used in a lot of HS and Minor Leagues around the US. Mascot might be hard to come up with. Trying to find something cheesy yet not offense.
Pride-It's ok, but a mascot might be an issue....
Slickers-nah
Thunder-A decent choice yet very unoriginal.
Thunderbirds-No. Casino!! Why don't we call them the Riverwinds.......
Thunderbolts-I know it's a term used, but I have never seen one before. I have seen a lighting bolt though.....
Vipers-unoriginal

Cornett said on the radio the other day that no matter what they pick, its going to be hated an ridiculed like most names are. That the people understood it and it will need to sink in. Very good point.

There is a very good chance that the name will be something simple and very unoriginal. I have lived here 7 years and its still hard to find something that is purely original to Oklahoma. I would hate them to pick a name that is "Oklahoma" and it is done bigger and better somewhere else.
Oklahoma also has a very bad rep outside of Oklahoma. We all know of the stories of people thinking we are a backwards culture here. The last thing we need to do is add a stereotype to it. Even if it isn't a stereotype to our eyes, it will be to others.
Just like the state quarter. The first choice they got from there committee was of a lady and her baby with a peace pipe behind them. Unless you are aware of Indian culture, which a vast majority of the US isn't, this brings a weird symbolism to the state and not in a good way. Or maybe the costumes of the Oklahoma Centennial Marching band that performed at all of the parades in those great uniforms that the announcers mocked. Compared to the others, we stood out, but not in the good way either.

I call Oklahoma my home now and will probably for a long time coming. We just need to step it up. Be Original.

Hey where is an 89ers option? United? HOw is energy corny but not mustangs, bolts, boomers, etc.? It's all a matter of opinion really.
Yep, "89ers" is my 1st choice, too. My 2nd is "Rustlers." So I didn't vote, neither being listed.

Yep, "89ers" is my 1st choice, too. My 2nd is "Rustlers." So I didn't vote, neither being listed.

I'm against the 89ers simply for the fact that the NBA already has the 76ers.

BTW, I voted for Thunder :)

I'm against the 89ers simply for the fact that the NBA already has the 76ers.

BTW, I voted for Thunder :)

Same here.

For those who haven't voted yet, please select the TOP CHOICE from the poll list.

Treat this like a presidential election, where you may not get YOUR BEST CHOICE but you need to still chose the BEST from what's available.

Keep in mind, you do have a right to say what you want in the Reply, but please VOTE based on the choices in the poll. What sounds the best from the given list?

I like OKC Ballers. But I think we should drop the "c"and make it the Oklahoma Ballers. Then it would represent the entire state, not just Oklahoma City. We could also pass out food stamps for a promotion. Kind of like cap night or mini baseball bat night at the minor league games.

It already does represent the entire state, being named Oklahoma City. I mean, Oklahoma City does have Oklahoma in it, right?

Can we please drop that crap? The team will be named Oklahoma City because OKC residents took almost all of the risk (say 99%) to get a team for their city!

I appreciate constructive opinions but Im really getting sick and tired of people (no doubt not from OKC or OKC metro) who keep coming on forums whining about the team using the city's name. Whining is not constructive and really makes Tulsan's look like sore losers, from Seattle.

Enough of that Oklahoma __ crap. Save that for the OU Sooners - Oklahoma!

Oklahoma City's NBA team IS Oklahoma's team.

double post

I don't love Thunder, but it's still better than half the NBA teams in existence. Just leave Thor out of it, please. I'd like it best with a buffalo as the logo/mascot.

Buffalo or Bison? I got the two confused until I found the sign with the name that says Bison. I saw, I think two, at the OKC zoo. I posted the picture on here.

How about the Oklahoma-North Texas Ballerz? Then we could compete in AAU events.

It already does represent the entire state, being named Oklahoma City. I mean, Oklahoma City does have Oklahoma in it, right?

Can we please drop that crap? The team will be named Oklahoma City because OKC residents took almost all of the risk (say 99%) to get a team for their city!

I appreciate constructive opinions but Im really getting sick and tired of people (no doubt not from OKC or OKC metro) who keep coming on forums whining about the team using the city's name. Whining is not constructive and really makes Tulsan's look like sore losers, from Seattle.

Enough of that Oklahoma __ crap. Save that for the OU Sooners - Oklahoma!

Oklahoma City's NBA team IS Oklahoma's team.

THANK YOU. This whole "represent the entire state" thing is stupid! The team is based in Oklahoma City. Now, if the team were based out in a field by Hinton, then Oklahoma would make better sense.

I'm sorry Tulsa sucks and other parts of the state are jealous of OKC, but the name will be OKC whatevers.

Thor, a god of Thunder. If they choose the name, Thunder, they better not pick Thor as mascot. I think many reglious people would be offended and not support the team, because of 'idol' god.

OK, guys, Let's close this thread.

Ive created another poll that has the top 4 names Clay apparently is considering. Please go there and voice your opinion. http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-area-talk/13578-top-4-choices-how-would-you-vote.html

Keep in mind, these are reportedly the top 4 choices - so vote based on what you feel represents OKC, is marketable locally and nationwide, and presents OKC in a favorable light.

Keep in mind also, that the NBA has wide appeal but we want some 'street' credit as well - so nothing Hokie Okie pokie. We need to lose that hick image anyways!

:tiphat:

Mods, please close this thread!

Best reason not to pick Thor: Lots of minor league teams use Thor, Vikings can be corny, hideous mascot would ensue.

Thunder + Buffalo mascot = GREATNESS