The Oklahoma Sports Commission yesterday officially applied
for an NHL expansion franchise when it mailed an initial
application and a $100,000 deposit to the league. The team would
be located in Oklahoma City and play at a proposed 17,500-seat
downtown arena. In '93, Oklahoma City approved a five-year, 1
cent sales tax to fund eight major projects, including an indoor
sports facility. Commission President Clayton Bennett: "We are
forming a strong ownership group, developing a debt-free indoor
sports arena and cultivating outstanding community support." OK
Gov. Frank Keating pledged his support to make the expansion
effort a "resounding success" (Oklahoma Sports Commission).
THE PLAYERS: Ownership would come from a group of
individuals and businesses led by The Oklahoma Publishing Co.,
publisher of The Daily Oklahoman. A statewide marketing campaign
is scheduled to begin with a rally September 20 (AP/TORONTO SUN,
9/12). In Fort Worth, Mike Heika writes the "strengths" that
Oklahoma City can boast are an already strong hockey fan base for
the Central Hockey League Blazers, who "routinely" draw 11,000
fans, and an "open market where no other professional sports team
has gained a foothold in the state." Stars President Jim Lites:
"I don't think it's as far-fetched as people think." Lites sees
no conflict from an OK franchise: "Anything that's going to
expand hockey in the Southwest is good for everyone concerned
with the sport" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 9/12).
