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PRESS RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

December 17, 2009



RENOVATIONS APPROVED TO ENHANCE FAN EXPERIENCE,
BRING HOCKEY BACK TO THE COX CONVENTION CENTER



OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. (December 15, 2009) – The city council of Oklahoma City unanimously approved renovations to the Cox Convention Center and a lease agreement with Prodigal Hockey LLC aimed to enhance fan experience and to bring professional hockey back to Oklahoma City.

The recently approved renovation agreement focuses on upgrading the SMG managed Cox Convention Center to support a professional level of hockey and to make the facility more attractive and functional for concerts, large meetings and other sporting events. The project list, which was defined in the renovation agreement, includes the following enhancements that are scheduled to occur at the facility:

• New Ice Plant and Mechanical Room
• Upgrades to the Home Locker Room
• Building and Replacement of the Ancillary Space
• New Dasher Boards
• New Back-Lit Signage
• Install Loge Boxes
• Construct a Premium Food Service Kitchen
• Construct a Lower Level VIP Club
• New Team Store
• New Presentation Lighting
• Construct an Arena Bowl Party Deck

Although most of the projects are not expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2010-11 hockey season, reasonable efforts will be made to install new dasher boards, upgrade the home locker room and install the new ice plant.

Following the approval of the renovation agreement, the city council approved a lease agreement with Prodigal Hockey LLC. The approval of the lease agreement now paves the way for Prodigal Hockey LLC to operate a hockey franchise in Oklahoma City for the 2010-11 season and beyond. Prodigal Hockey LLC is currently in negotiations to bring the highest level of professional hockey available to Oklahoma City.

“This is a positive step for hockey to return to Oklahoma City," said Prodigal Hockey LLC president Bob Funk Jr. "I thank the city council and SMG for their cooperation in the process. We will now focus our energy on negotiations to bring world class hockey to Oklahoma City and the Cox Center for the 2010-11 season."


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About SMG – Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to over 218 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, and convention, congress and exhibition centers. With facilities across the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, SMG manages more than 11 million square feet (1.1 million square meters) of exhibition space, and over 1.5 million entertainment seats worldwide. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides construction and design consulting, pre-opening services, venue management, sales, marketing, event booking, and programming.

About Prodigal Hockey LLC – Prodigal Hockey LLC is a division of Prodigal LLC, owned exclusively by Bob Funk Jr. In addition to its interest in a hockey franchise in Oklahoma City, Prodigal LLC will assist with marketing and organizing Professional Bull Riding (PBR) events in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. For more information, visit prodigalhockey.com or call (405) 232-4625.


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