OKC Adventures into the future...

Oklahoma City's future looks bright!

Let me start of by saying that I love my city. Oklahoma City is like no other city in the world. And for a long time, the world has seen Oklahoma City as a "non-player" on the national scene. Outside of the heart and soul of that shone so brightly in Oklahoma in 1995, no one really knows much else about Oklahoma City.

But, is OKC in the Major Leagues? Some of the charm of my city is the small town feel that has intertwined itself with big city life, here in America's heartland. But, I really do have to hand it to city council and leaders (including those of the Shawnee tribe) for bringing this capitol city of a one hundred year old state to the precipice of the future. OKC's centennial slogan was capitol city of the next century. And though OKC is not going to pass up any time soon the likes of L.A., Chicago, New York City, or other major players, it definitely is not going to sit on its laurels and fade into the background like other cities.

This brings me to the Shawnee Tribe that has announced plans for a major resort in the Adventure District in North Oklahoma City. I know how some feel about Casinos and gambling in Oklahoma, and outsiders see us as a little behind the times....I mean we were the 50th State in the Union to legalize Tattooing. I'm not going to argue gambling here. This isn't just a new Casino...Oklahoma has plenty, so gambling is already a part of the culture, like it or not. This is a resort, with shopping (see retail), a bowling alley, a proposed cinema, a theater, and an 18 story hotel with conference spaces and a spa. Oklahoma City would benefit tremendously from all of these things, and if a casino is a part of the deal, then so be it. This won't be the last Casino. This area along with the steadily growing Bricktown area and the future Core to Shore and I-40 relocation projects, OKC is definitely shaping itself into a tourism based city for the next Century, while at the same time opening up entertainment and revenue for its residents.

If that weren't enough to propel us a few notches up the progressive cities of the US ladder, than the addition of a possible NBA Franchise is definitely icing on the cake. Now, me being a sooner and all, I know that Oklahoma Football is king, but having a home team major league sports franchise is something that many cities can only dream about. NBA Commissioner Daniel Stern said this week that there is an "inevitability" for a move for the Seattle Supersonics. But what Oklahoma City Residents need to know that a vote in the March 4th sales tax vote is key. Without voting yes to improve the Ford Center to NBA standards, the Sonics could move elsewhere. One thing to understand that this vote would not raise the sales tax in OKC, but only extend an expiring tax. I say vote yes!

Who doesn't like the sound of the OKLAHOMA CITY SUPERSONICS, besides those who live in the Emerald City?? Watch out Seattle, Oklahoma City is becoming more of a destination, and not only because we stole your ball.