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.
In the aftermath, celebrations ensued on social media by Thunder fans. The weight of the news caused notable figures like Thunder owner Clay Bennett to release a statement in support of the election’s result.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement as OKC guaranteed to keep the Thunder for the long haul.
“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.”
Such big news garnered an official statement from Silver, as the Thunder will remain in OKC beyond its current three-year lease. The Thunder originally relocated from Seattle in 2008.
