Is Oklahoma ready to be a "Big League City"?
Here in Oklahoma, we go to the polls on Tuesday, March 5, 2008, to vote for an extension to our currently in existence one penny temporary sales tax increase. That tax is due to expire in January of 2009, unless voters approve the proposal to extend the tax for an additional 12 months with a 3 month extension if we do, in fact, get the contract with an NBA team by June 1, 2009. That additional three months will allow us to build an NBA practice facility should we have a team coming to our great city.
The initial monies collected during the first 12 months of the tax would be used to make needed improvements to the Ford Center to include the addition of more restaurants, clubs, concession areas, suites and sky boxes, rooftop gardens, a warm-up basketball court, team offices, and a 12,000 sf family fun zone. Each of these improvements would not only help us to attract an NBA team but would allow increase our desirability as a venue for top name concerts, conventions, and other special events.
The economic impact should we have an NBA team that calls Oklahoma City its home is huge! During the short time that the Hornets called Oklahoma City their home, they added more than $229 million to our economy and 229 jobs. Having an NBA team would also add notariety to our town and would give us a competitive advantage for adding other events like collegiate and professional sporting events.
Am I an NBA fan, or even a basketball fan? No. But I still see the tremendous value laying our welcome mat out for an NBA team to come to our state. By voting yes, we are saying that we welcome this opportunity not only for an NBA team but also for other exciting events to come to our town. We are opening up the doors for many economic opportunities and for showing the world what a great place Oklahoma is to live it. By creating new jobs and stimulating our economy, we are also providing a better future for the citizens of Oklahoma--Okies!
From a real estate stand point, the creation of new jobs also means that more people will be moving to Oklahoma looking for homes to live in, which would be a great benefit to our housing market as well. There are just so many positive changes that we could see by this proposal being passed. But, even more important is that everyone's voice be heard on this important issue. So whether you support the proposal or oppose it, make sure you vote this Tuesday. You know I will be at the polls!
Other sites where you can find more information about this proposal:
http://www.bigleaguecity.com
http://www.okcchamber.com
http://www.okctalk.com/hornets-sonics/11887-big-league-city.html