City Council authorizes negotiations with AHL Hockey Club, LLC

(July 7, 2009) - Oklahoma City Council approved a letter of intent today with AHL Hockey Club, LLC authorizing negotiations for an American Hockey League (AHL) team to play at the Cox Convention Center beginning with the 2010-2011 hockey season. 

The AHL is a feeder league for the National Hockey League.

Pending negotiations of the Arena Use License Agreement, the City will enter into a five-year contract with AHL Hockey Club, LLC.  At the end of the five years, the team has the option of extending their contract for two additional three-year leases.  The agreement may be terminated if the average paid attendance falls below 4,000 per game.

The team will pay the City $7,500 per game.  In return, the City will negotiate renovations to the Cox Convention Center that could include:

• Renovations to the Cox Center’s ice-making system
• Addition of loge boxes, a VIP club and party deck
• A season ticket holder’s club on the upper deck
• Improvements to meeting rooms
• Professional signage, moving lights and projection lighting
• Interactive advertising panels
• Upgrades to locker rooms

AHL Hockey Club, LLC is affiliated with Express Sports, who have owned the Oklahoma City Blazers since 2000.  The agreement with the Blazers lapsed with the 2008-2009 season and, as a result, will no longer play in Oklahoma City.

The letter of intent is on the City’s Web site at www.okc.gov.