Oklahoma City has emerged as a hotbed for professional sports and entertainment during the past few years, but long before the NBA’s Thunder arrived, David Vance brought global publicity and tourism to Oklahoma by building the mecca of the “Sport of Kings,” Remington Park.

Without Vance, Oklahoma City wouldn’t be a “Big League” sports city and scores of casinos and off track betting parlors in the Sooner State owe him a tremendous amount of gratitude for their riches today. He made it all happen back in the 1980’s and took Oklahoma entertainment to an entirely new level. Do a little research and you’ll see the frenzy he created at Remington Park. The hit television show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” came to OKC because he marketed to everyone from the “Average Joe” to billionaires flying to OKC on their private jets… all eagerly wanting see his first-class creation. Vance employed thousands and Oklahoma horse racing people were finally allowed to gallop in their own backyard. He and lovely wife Yenni are two of our favorite Mountain Vista cabin guests.

David Vance’s professional sports and marketing background is beyond impressive. He’s a legendary figure in horse racing and a respected global sports marketing expert. In addition to bringing horse racing to Oklahoma and overseeing racetracks across the country, Vance has served as president of the Thoroughbred Racing Association, member of the Board of Trustees for the New York Racing Association, Vice President of DeBartolo Racing and Chairman of the American Championship Racing Series on ABC Television. His stellar career also featured stops as General Manager of the Kentucky Colonels American Basketball Association team and AAA Oklahoma City baseball organization.

He’s been a great friend and mentor for many years. I was part of his media team at Remington Park and learned more from him than anyone in my career. “Mr. Vance” as we called him (not at his request) has always exemplified dignity, grace and class.  Here’s another tremendous video tribute to my old boss.

David and Yenni, Director of Digital Communications and Social Media for Global Gaming, were thrilled with Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow Lake, Cedar Creek Golf Course and our Mountain Vista Cabin.

“We had been looking for a nice place to take a few days and relax, but we were overwhelmed with what we discovered at Beaver Bend. The drive from OKC was enjoyable, but we were stunned when we arrived and found an absolutely perfect escape from the daily grind. We found a beautiful log home in an incredible setting and a view to die for. I can’t begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our visit; from grilling steaks on an outdoor patio overlooking acres of trees to the refreshing hot tub and a glass of wine in the evenings. The amenities offered all of the comforts of home. We’ve been blessed to have traveled frequently over the years, but our stay at Beaver Bend ranks at the top of the list in terms of memorable getaways,” David said.

David Vance is a member of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame and has been a hero to many marketing executives in sports, media and beyond for decades. His enshrinement in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame is long overdue.

David and Yenni…a great Mountain Vista “Daily Double!”

By Jerry Isbell