Imaginary Conversations

Much has been made of the success of the Oklahoma City MAPS program which has revitalized downtown OKC and attracted the NBA Hornets basketball team to the city. MAPS for Kids was touted as an extension of that successful building project. However, in the case of John Marshall High School the students, teachers and staff have been asked to move into a half-finished building and are being asked to do so again in regards to Centennial High School. We have been “challenged” to deal with the problems created by utilizing inadequate space in a “professional” manner. Imagine, however, if this same challenge had been given to the professional sports teams using two of the Crown Jewels of the downtown MAPS programs: the Bricktown Ballpark and the Ford Center.

I think the conversation would go something like this between Mayor Kirk Humphries and the Redhawks owners, and between Mayor Mick Cornett and the Hornets owner.

Humphries: I just wanted to get with you about the Bricktown Ballpark. As you know, you are expected to play in Bricktown the next season. All Sports Stadium is /going to be torn down.

Redhawks: Well, I’ve been to the ballpark, and quite frankly Mayor Humphries, the park isn’t finished yet. Only about a quarter of the stands have been completed and the concessions area is a mess.

Humphries: Yes, but I know that a professional team like your can “work around that.” We’ve promised the public that the ballpark will be open and we can’t go back on our word.

Redhawks: Where is everyone going to sit?

Humphries: We’ll put some folding chairs in the areas where we aren’t working at the time. That way when the construction workers need to get into that part of the park, the fans can just pick up their chairs, and move out of their way.

Redhawks: There is going to be construction going on during the games?!!!

Humphries: Of course, we’ve got to keep on schedule!

Redhawks: That’s going to disrupt the game. We can’t ask the players to put up with that!

Humphries: I thought you were a professional team. Surely, professionals can put up with a little disruption.

Redhawks: Obviously, you know nothing about playing baseball. And what about concessions? How will people get food and drink.

Humphries: We will set up some carts in the foul areas. You don’t really need those anyway.

Redhawks: No way. You get that stadium completed and then we move in. Until then we will stay at All Sports Stadium. It may be old, but at least it’s functional.

Humphries: Sorry, we made a deal with the folks who oversaw the building of that stadium and we’re going to keep it.

Now imagine the conversation between Mayor Cornett and George Shinn, owner of the Hornets:

Cornett: George, I’d like to talk to you about bringing the New Orleans Hornets to OKC for your next NBA season since the Superdome won’t be available. As you know, we have this new arena we call The Ford Center just waiting for an occupant.

Shinn: Thank you, Mr. Cornett, I’d like to see what you have for us.

Cornett: I think I need to tell you in advance that you’ll have a few “modifications” you’ll need to make to use it.

Shinn: What do you mean?

Cornett: It’s mostly about the court itself. We have a first class basketball court, but it’s only half finished.

Shinn: You expect us to play on a half-finished court!

Cornett: I’ve seen half-court games played by the kids in our park. If they can do it, surely a bunch of “professional” players can adjust their game just as well or better!

Shinn: Why do you think that a professional team would be interested in a half-finished product? You do things right over there in OKC or no one will be impressed with what you have. I’m shocked that you would ask any group of professionals to accommodate your schedule.

Well, you get the idea. If we wouldn’t expect professional teams to deal with half finished facilities, why do we get the idea that professional educators should do the same?