New ARENA as part of entertainment District

[MFDChief]

Come on, you guys act like the students are homeless with no means of transportation. Most Sooner fans would love to drive five minutes to watch a game.

[NickZepp]

80% privately funded.

[NickZepp]

George Stoia has some of the details on his twitter.

It'll be off I-35 and Tecumseh

[NickZepp]

https://twitter.com/GeorgeStoia

At the Team Norman meeting this morning to hear about the new proposed entertainment district.

According to this, the new district would be off I-35 and Tecumseh.

Approximately 80% of the plan’s $1 billion cost would be paid through private investment. The remaining 20% would be paid through public sources, per the release. None of the funds would come from the city or county general funds.


OU President Joe Harroz says that OU will serve as a tenant of the arena, renting it from the city.

Rayford Young, father of Trae Young, is speaking now at the Team Norman event. He says that this needs to happen because OU basketball’s facilities are not ready for the SEC. Says he’s going to do all he can to make sure this new entertainment district passes.

The new performance center that would be home to OU basketball would be an 8,000-seat arena.

[BoulderSooner]

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[BoulderSooner]

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[BoulderSooner]

Originally Posted by deejay1

As recently as April, the plan was for a capacity of 8,000.

Also, the funds are anticipated to be 80% private investment.

And regarding a shuttle, there has been a shuttle available from the dorms to LNC that close to zero students use.

good call on the size .

[BoulderSooner]

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[NickZepp]

I guess it's a bit closer than the LNC is, but it seems like it's made more for people from the city to get to it a little easier.

[BoulderSooner]

Originally Posted by NickZepp

I guess it's a bit closer than the LNC is, but it seems like it's made more for people from the city to get to it a little easier.

almost 15 min each way closer .. plus before and after dining and drinking options ..

[BoulderSooner]

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[SoonerBounce13]

Reminds me of the Atlanta Braves battery area. Its a really cool development and I actually think it will attract more students if done right. Having a place to hang out before and after games is pretty cool and something that is lacking at LNC

[sooner333]

So sounds like a $200 million arena and $800 million in entertainment and housing construction from private sources?

[BoulderSooner]

Originally Posted by sooner333

So sounds like a $200 million arena and $800 million in entertainment and housing construction from private sources?

i doubt they can build the arena for 200 mil ..

will be interested to see that budget projection

[NickZepp]

okctalk has an article up already although they are still using the 2017 plans. Not sure it's gonna be the exact same thing as that.

https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?...ion-devlopment


link to some of the presentation docs

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.p...83#post1242783

[BoulderSooner]

PRESS RELEASE

Team Norman Lays Out Billion-Dollar Plan for New Entertainment District

NORMAN – Sept. 6, 2023 – A broad and diverse coalition of Norman leaders have unveiled plans for a billion-dollar development that includes a venue for major entertainment and sporting events as well as retail shops, restaurants, bars, offices, a hotel and housing for thousands.

The Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) has joined with the University of Oklahoma, the City of Norman, Cleveland County, the Norman Chamber, VisitNorman and the Norman business community to create a proposal that could transform the city. The coalition will work on this proposal in a collaborative fashion with local governmental leaders through the normal approval process.

“It is rare to have such a collaborative effort to produce a master plan, combining resources and assets to create a unique mixed-use development unlike any in Oklahoma – or the nation, for that matter,” said NEDC President Lawrence McKinney. “Once developed, this entertainment district will be a focal point for all of Central Oklahoma.”

In today’s announcement, officials outlined the comprehensive development that is planned at Rock Creek Road and 24th Ave. NW. McKinney was joined by University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr., Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila, Cleveland County Commissioner Rod Cleveland, Norman Chamber President Scott Martin, and VisitNorman President Dan Schemm.

The proposed development will include a multi-purpose performance venue designed to host many different types of events from concerts and shows to OU basketball games and women’s gymnastics competitions. Adjacent to the performance venue will be an outdoor plaza and a burgeoning, job-creating entertainment district with everything necessary to ensure a premium entertainment experience.

Harroz said the district is exactly what Norman has needed for a long time, and it is exciting for the university to be the district’s first anchor tenant.

“OU is proud to be a part of this broad coalition of leaders who are coming together to help grow the Norman economy and provide new opportunities for local residents,” said Harroz. “This new district will be the perfect complement to Campus Corner and historic Downtown Norman. These enhancements will elevate our community’s unique entertainment options and improve the quality of life for residents of Norman and the broader region.”

To ensure a successful mixed-use development, the plan features a strong focus on density, diversity and walkability through multi-family and single-family housing, allowing thousands of residents to live within walking distance of shopping, entertainment, social gatherings and jobs.

Norman Mayor Heikkila called the entertainment district a pivotal development in Norman’s continuing effort toward economic growth and quality of life.

“Our citizens have made it clear that quality of life is important to them, and in fact, quality of life is essential for any healthy community, so we are delighted at the prospect of creating a new district that will build on the great assets we already have in Norman,” he said.

With respect to Norman’s role as the world leader in weather research and prediction, the proposed development plan also includes the potential development of a weather museum experience, bringing the exciting world of weather to thousands of visitors annually. In addition, the proposal includes potential airport access from the west side of Max Westheimer Airport, pending the outcome of an ongoing feasibility study.

Approximately 80% of the plan’s $1 billion cost would be paid through private investment. The remaining 20% would be paid through public sources. None of the funds would come from the city or county general funds.

Cleveland County Commissioner Rod Cleveland called the project a positive step forward for Norman.

“I am incredibly excited about the proposed entertainment district. The collaboration and commitment between the private and public sectors is unprecedented and is the catalyst for our future,” Cleveland said.

Norman is well known for innovation and bold ideas, and this development is another recipe for success, said Norman Chamber President Martin.
“This mixed-use entertainment district will be one of a kind in Oklahoma, and it will further elevate our reputation as the place to live, work, and play,” he said. “The proposed development is also located next to the state’s most visited shopping district and will further enhance economic development and job creation in Norman.”

This proposed development is an opportunity for Norman to continue its long legacy as home to the University of Oklahoma and a showpiece for our state, said VisitNorman President Schemm.

“As OU enters the Southeastern Conference, VisitNorman is committed to ensuring that the welcome mat is out for visiting teams and their fans,” he said. “This is a top-notch development offering all the ingredients for a fun and inviting experience our guests will remember for years to come.”

[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.

[SoonerBounce13]

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.

I'm sure they are hoping a limited supply and increase of demand will allow them to jack up prices.

[NickZepp]

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.

8k is about right for basketball now a days. Texas Irwin Center used to fit around 15-16k. Their new arena only seats about 10-11k for basketball.

[BoulderSooner]

i think it should be 10k .. but not a huge issue either way ..

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[hoopsaustin]

Originally Posted by SoonerBounce13

I'm sure they are hoping a limited supply and increase of demand will allow them to jack up prices.

Yay lol

[mict085]

In one of the many discussions on this topic, I seem to remember something about cost and 8,000 seat capacity. Once you go over 8,000 seats the cost goes up exorbitantly, so it’s more economical to build 8,000 seat arena vs 10,000. Maybe I’m misremembering but I think it’s something like that.

I was hoping for 10,000 but I really want a better experience and a full and loud crowd for OU basketball.

[AdaSooner]

Originally Posted by mict085

In one of the many discussions on this topic, I seem to remember something about cost and 8,000 seat capacity. Once you go over 8,000 seats the cost goes up exorbitantly, so it’s more economical to build 8,000 seat arena vs 10,000. Maybe I’m misremembering but I think it’s something like that.

I was hoping for 10,000 but I really want a better experience and a full and loud crowd for OU basketball.

If you’re right about the costs, I understand why the plan might call for 8,000 seats.

Like you, I would rather see the new arena filled to capacity than to deal with empty seats. Standing room only or adding folding chairs to the floor level is not a bad look.

[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.

[NickZepp]

https://www.on3.com/teams/oklahoma-s...l-be-approved/

Paid content but the only additions are that there's confidence that this can be passed.

“I’m confident that we have an open-minded city council,” said Lawrence McKinney, the CEO and President of the Norman Economic Development Coalition. “They’ve been listening to us. We’ve been providing them a lot of information. They’ve been asking a lot of questions. They’ve met with out developers. And they’ve seen some of our layouts.”

“I think it’s just going to be a different environment. We’ve got a different model of what we’re presenting. There are a lot of reasons it should go forward.”