NBA arenas' built since 1990 all possess the amenities to maintain an NBA franchise for a very long time. OKC funded the shell of its arena with hopes to lure an NHL franchise (expansion/relocation) in 1993 with the MAPS initiative that budgeted $89 million for construction.
Chesapeake Energy Arena (2002)
Like the New Orleans Arena, the new facility in Oklahoma City would have to wait several seasons for an NBA franchise to come fill it, although how it came to lure the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008 was one of the great ironies in NBA arena history. Like Oklahoma City, New Orleans had its arena built and opened years before an NBA team would come play there. But after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the New Orleans Hornets were displaced, and turned to Oklahoma City to be a temporary home for two seasons. The Hornets were an enormous success at Chesapeake Energy Arena, so much so that Oklahoma City leapt to the forefront of potential landing spots for an expansion or relocating franchise. That came to pass when the Sonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008.--NBA Arenas, Oldest to Newest: https://arenadigest.com/2017/10/12/n...oldest-newest/
Chesapeake Energy Arena (Expansion, Upgrades & Renovations):
2009:
Upgraded lighting and finishes on the upper-level concourse (aka “LoudCity”)
New Terrace Suites and Lounges on the club level
New telescopic (retractable) and upgraded seating in the lower bowl
State-of-the-art scoreboard and production facilities
Locker room renovations
Additions & improvements that were made during this final phase include:
The new grand entry with a multi-story atrium.
A new 75’ wide x 21’ tall exterior video display on the north face of the facility.
New restaurants and lounges. (View renderings of additions to the Cox Club Level)
A family fun zone.
Team offices and expanded locker rooms.
Upcoming repairs & renovation:
$8.9 million for repairs & renovation of Chesapeake Energy Arena--approved by voters in September 12, 2017 general obligation bond election.
Sources:
Chesapeake Energy Arena Improvements: https://www.chesapeakearena.com/abou...a/improvements
The Official Site of the Oklahoma City Thunder: Arena & Facilities: https://www.nba.com/thunder/10/arena
Oklahoma City voters approve bond, sales tax measures: https://newsok.com/article/5563872/v...s-tax-measures
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