From Lifeless to Lively: OKC's Downtown Revival Sparked by Indy's Success Story

The relationship between Oklahoma City (OKC) and Indianapolis dates back before the 2025 NBA Finals. OKC Mayor David Holt explained, "I would expect, but certainly for cities like ours which maybe aren't always on the national and international stage."

Holt's sentiments reflect OKC's journey over the past three decades to achieve sustained growth and recognition.

OKC's resurgence began in the 1990s when it lost a bid to Indianapolis for a United Airlines facility. This prompted local leaders to seek inspiration from Indy.

Holt recounted how then-Mayor Ron Norick took a pivotal trip to Indianapolis, where he saw two major league teams and a vibrant downtown.

"Our downtown was dead. We had one hotel in 1991 in downtown Oklahoma City, and we had no professional sports teams," Holt said.

Since that turning point, OKC has made significant investments, focusing on hosting major events and creating a vibrant urban environment similar to Indy's formula.

"We have the Thunder playing in the NBA Finals. We are hosting the Women's College World Series — we’re certainly also appreciating the formula of using sports to build your city," Holt stated.

As the OKC Thunder face off against the Indiana Pacers, both teams symbolize the cities they represent: smaller markets striving for greatness.

Holt emphasizes the wider implications of this sports narrative.

"It reminds us of the power of sports," he said. "Because they give us platforms to elevate the brand of our city, which ultimately has real-world positive economic consequences for our cities."