RealGM

will the team play in the same arena that the hornets did?

I don't really remember the specifics, but isn't it a smaller arena?

Same arena and it holds around 20k.

When the arena is remodeled, the number of seats will reduce slightly.

Plus, epect a new name. I doubt the Oklahoma City Ford dealers are going to pay the 50 million or so an NBA arena commands.

From the pictures that I've seen it will look pretty nice once renovation is done. I think they are closing it down after the season to do the major renovations next summer.

Hmm...

I made a post earlier, but it looks like it didn't show up.

Anyhow, the Ford Center isn't really small. Heck, the Hornets averaged 18,000/game in attendance while they were here. When the team starts this season, it will probably hold a little over 19,000.

As for the name -- I want to say that Ford's naming rights on the stadium run through 2010, but don't quote me on it.

There was a clause in the Ford contract that if and NBA team came to OKC, a new contract would have to be done. Because having an NBA team playing there would make it worth more.

Can't remember the deal, something like, bids taken for 90 days, then Ford has 180 days to meet the deal or give it up. OKC gets the same amount they got from the previous deal, that way they don't loose money.

Same arena.