Following the approval to host a Dec. 12 election for the continuation of a one-cent tax, OKC Mayor David Holt hosted a kickoff campaign event downtown to support the passing of a new arena proposal.
If passed, a new OKC arena will become the long-term home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently signed to a short-term lease with Paycom Center that expires in 2026.
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During the event, Holt spoke about the importance of building a new arena that is more suited to host an NBA team. The $900 million-plus investment will include a $50 million donation by Thunder ownership.
Let’s look at some of the best photos of the event.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt speaks at a gathering with representatives of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt speaks at a gathering with representatives of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt speaks at a gathering with representatives of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt speaks at a gathering with representatives of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt (right) talks Paycom Center general manager Chris Semrau (center) and OG&E CEO Sean Trauschke (left) at a gathering with representatives of the Greater OKC Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt talks Paycom Center general manager Chris Semrau and OG&E CEO Sean Trauschke at a gathering with representatives of the Greater OKC Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt speaks at a gathering with representatives of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt attends a gathering with representatives of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt speaks at a gathering with representatives of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt takes photos with attendees at a gathering with representatives of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to help announce the official campaign for a new arena in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK