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Bixby - The Tulsa 66er's are on the move again. NewsChannel 8 has learned the minor league basketball team is leaving the Spirit Bank Event Center over a money dispute.
The new event center, located near 105th and Memorial in Bixby, is part of a multi-million dollar retail and entertainment project. Design to stimulate economic growth in southern Tulsa County.
So what about the businesses left behind? Frank Savastano retired from Amoco but now has a second career selling pizza. "We opened our first store in 2003 January and it was a 54 seat location."
But Savastano quickly outgrew that first location and eventually opened a bigger and better restaurant right across from the new Spirit Bank Event Center. It's been great for business especially when there's an event. "People everywhere full bar people deep great business."
Lots of others had the same idea and figured the opening near the event center would mean more customers for them.
But there is now controversy the 66's are moving out and they've even filed a lawsuit.
What's more the 66's are seeking 200-thousand dollars in compensatory damages. Saying the events center hasn't paid them a thing. And that the move is a business decision.
The event center meanwhile is not offering comment.
But what about the businesses banking on the traffic to help boost their bottom line?
Savastano says he's not too worried, "I don't think it's going to hurt us we've got a great landlord and they have plenty of events and concerts for the rest of the year I don't think it will hurt us at all.
As far as where the 66er's will end up.
No word exactly on a new location. Two possible locations are the Tulsa Convention Center or last years home, Expo Square.
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