New ARENA as part of entertainment District - Page 3

skyvue · 09-06-2023, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickZepp

We've probably only averaged around 5-6k per season since the Kelvin era. We show up for the big games but that's about it. And we've had less of those the last couple years because we've stunk.

Haven't we sold more than 8k in in full and partial season ticket plans? I could have that wrong, but it seems like it's been said often here on this board that OU wouldn't have have converted to a smaller capacity if the LNC had been remodeled because OU sells the tickets, even if the fans don't show up often enough.

MsProudSooner · 09-06-2023, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyvue

Haven't we sold more than 8k in in full and partial season ticket plans? I could have that wrong, but it seems like it's been said often here on this board that OU wouldn't have have converted to a smaller capacity if the LNC had been remodeled because OU sells the tickets, even if the fans don't show up often enough.

Historically, a big part of the attendance problem was tickets sold to donors that go unused. And it's part of the crowd noise problem, too. Several years ago, we had an NIT game at home. If I remember correctly, all the tickets were sold on a 'first come first served' basis and they were very reasonably priced. The seats on the east side were filled with enthusiastic fans instead of a few donors and you could really tell the difference in crowd noise.

OklaSooners · 09-06-2023, 03:53 PM

Is a city council vote all that is needed to fully approve the project or do they have to put it to a Norman residence vote?

Darwin · 09-07-2023, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyvue

Haven't we sold more than 8k in in full and partial season ticket plans? I could have that wrong, but it seems like it's been said often here on this board that OU wouldn't have have converted to a smaller capacity if the LNC had been remodeled because OU sells the tickets, even if the fans don't show up often enough.

This is far from a silver bullet but perhaps I'm pessimistic. Hopefully the seating polices and configuration of seats makes for a better TV presentation. By extension, the presentation will assist in filling the arena going forward. Its going to happen for better or worse. I'm confident it's good for Norman, just not at all sure about OU hoops.

BoulderSooner · 09-07-2023, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OklaSooners

Is a city council vote all that is needed to fully approve the project or do they have to put it to a Norman residence vote?

i don't believe there needs to be any public vote

BoulderSooner · 09-07-2023, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyvue

Haven't we sold more than 8k in in full and partial season ticket plans? I could have that wrong, but it seems like it's been said often here on this board that OU wouldn't have have converted to a smaller capacity if the LNC had been remodeled because OU sells the tickets, even if the fans don't show up often enough.

yes we had 9 and 10k season ticket holders for most of the last 20 years

sooner333 · 09-07-2023, 07:52 AM

Best case scenario is that the season ticket holders are either more likely to come because it is closer or are more able to find people use the tickets.

I'd be interested to know what percentage of non-student ticket holders are from Norman vs. other locations.

BoulderSooner · 09-07-2023, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sooner333

Best case scenario is that the season ticket holders are either more likely to come because it is closer or are more able to find people use the tickets.

I'd be interested to know what percentage of non-student ticket holders are from Norman vs. other locations.

the majority are from north of norman .. not sure the exact percentage

AnotherSoonerInTX · 09-08-2023, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcsooner

I know we've struggled to fill the LNC, but 8,000 seats for the new arena seems way too slight. No reason a new arena should be any less than at least 9,000 as you have to imagine a new facility (with restaurants and shops) will be a draw along with the closer distance to the metro and the move to the SEC. We'll most likely see a good boost in attendance for a good while. Smaller facility limits its uses and is short sighted.

8,000 is fine. Arena capacities are shrinking as schools are drawing fewer fans yet looking to improve the fan experience. In the SEC, Auburn and Ole Miss both have recently built arenas seating around 8,000. Texas moved from a 16,000 seat arena to a new one that seats 10,000. Give the fans a great experience and they'll come, even if you jack up the prices.

I'm not sure what the options for suites will be in this arena. It would be a way OU could generate revenue, but OU is renting the arena from the city of Norman.

Soonercuda · 09-09-2023, 08:27 AM

The survey they sent out there was an emphasis on asking about demand for premium suite, club and loge type seating..so they definitely want to significantly increase revenue per ticket by providing extra food and experience amenities

BanjoCharley · 09-09-2023, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soonercuda

… they definitely want to significantly increase revenue per ticket …

Don’t need no stinkin survey to tell me that.

deejay1 · 09-09-2023, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnotherSoonerInTX

8,000 is fine. Arena capacities are shrinking as schools are drawing fewer fans yet looking to improve the fan experience. In the SEC, Auburn and Ole Miss both have recently built arenas seating around 8,000. Texas moved from a 16,000 seat arena to a new one that seats 10,000. Give the fans a great experience and they'll come, even if you jack up the prices.

I'm not sure what the options for suites will be in this arena. It would be a way OU could generate revenue, but OU is renting the arena from the city of Norman.

Current plans have around 20% of capacity in premium seating through suites, loge boxes, club seats, etc.

mikeareese · 09-12-2023, 04:47 AM

I love the idea. It should help the coaches recruit better players. I wonder what would happen to the Lloyd Noble Center. Would it just be a practice center or be torn down? I also could see more exciting concerts being booked into the new arena.

pnkranger · 09-13-2023, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeareese

I love the idea. It should help the coaches recruit better players. I wonder what would happen to the Lloyd Noble Center. Would it just be a practice center or be torn down? I also could see more exciting concerts being booked into the new arena.

I would expect Lloyd Noble to continue as an events space until it's knocked down for new Research Campus or Athletics buildings.

61sooner · 09-13-2023, 11:34 AM

Make the shuttle a "beer bus." That might entice students.

mict085 · 09-19-2023, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 61sooner

Make the shuttle a "beer bus." That might entice students.

Now you’re talking!

Soonerguy06 · 09-20-2023, 07:53 AM

I think this is a great idea, and it will more likely help with recruiting, than it'll hurt it. I think with it being north of town somewhat it'll just attract more people from OKC metro area, and if we bring in better recruits then the results will come, right?

If you build it, they will come!

SoonerDutch · 10-01-2023, 07:32 PM

Not a Norman taxpayer so really hope this gets done. I think the 30 minute round-trip time savings will be huge for the marginal fan commuting from north of Norman to the games.

OU will need massive capex to catch-up facilities wise at first in the SEC so from a University-first mindset, would be great to see.

okcsooner83 · 10-04-2023, 07:39 PM

What’s next for the arena, does the City Council have to approve it?

ouboomer · 10-04-2023, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okcsooner83

What’s next for the arena, does the City Council have to approve it?

i believe sometime in the spring the Norman city council is supposed to put it to a vote, what happens exactly after that i do not know but read that if approved it would be between 3-4 years when the arena would be ready, but nothing is official as of now.