Its an entertainment district to be built around the development. This type of development has been going on for years around stadiums and arenas. See (on a much larger scale) the development around the American Airlines Center in Dallas and the new baseball stadium in Arlington.

Pro arenas and stadiums are on another level than college, when it comes to commercial development around these venues. 20 or less home games with crowds at most of them being just a few thousand versus, for example, the NBA with 41 home games and 10,000-18,000 person crowds.

I'm skeptical this arena will be the catalyst for much development. Theyre just adding things in there that they were either going to do regardless or pie in the sky restaurant and entertainment developments that have no guarantee of happening. A whole lot of lip service, creative math and ambitious plans it what it appears to me.

But I get it, if I was an OU fan and someone was paying for it I'd probably want a new arena too.

But I get it, if I was an OU fan and someone was paying for it I'd probably want a new arena too.

i mean, i'll be honest... i want it because i go to a lot of men's and women's basketball games, and haven't missed a gymnastics event in 5 years.... and this new arena will be walking distance for me. so i want it. but i get it that i'm not the common use case

future taxes on this development ..

Two birds in the bush. No reason for Norman to bail out OU.and this is exactly what it is.

Pro arenas and stadiums are on another level than college, when it comes to commercial development around these venues. 20 or less home games with crowds at most of them being just a few thousand versus, for example, the NBA with 41 home games and 10,000-18,000 person crowds.

Between men's and women's hoops plus gymnastics, it would be 50 events each year.

Attendance would go up in a new facility, plus concerts and other things. That would be a lot of people looking to eat and drink before and after the events.

Pro arenas and stadiums are on another level than college, when it comes to commercial development around these venues. 20 or less home games with crowds at most of them being just a few thousand versus, for example, the NBA with 41 home games and 10,000-18,000 person crowds.

I'm skeptical this arena will be the catalyst for much development. Theyre just adding things in there that they were either going to do regardless or pie in the sky restaurant and entertainment developments that have no guarantee of happening. A whole lot of lip service, creative math and ambitious plans it what it appears to me.

But I get it, if I was an OU fan and someone was paying for it I'd probably want a new arena too.

But that’s the thing. The “someone” who is paying for the arena is mostly taxpayers. This arena is just a free gift to development speculators to attempt to increase the value of the surrounding property. They want the arena as the cornerstone of their plans but don’t want to pay for it. If so much of the arena is going to be built with public funds, build it near the public university it serves.

The entire point of this project was to get an arena built at UNP with private money because OU couldn’t afford to do it themselves. Now the private money is barely seen for the arena itself and it’s back to Taxpayer money and a chip in from OU to fund the majority of the arena. It doesn’t add up.

Two birds in the bush. No reason for Norman to bail out OU.and this is exactly what it is.

Negativity just for negativity's sake.

...

But that’s the thing. The “someone” who is paying for the arena is mostly taxpayers. This arena is just a free gift to development speculators to attempt to increase the value of the surrounding property. They want the arena as the cornerstone of their plans but don’t want to pay for it. If so much of the arena is going to be built with public funds, build it near the public university it serves.

The entire point of this project was to get an arena built at UNP with private money because OU couldn’t afford to do it themselves. Now the private money is barely seen for the arena itself and it’s back to Taxpayer money and a chip in from OU to fund the majority of the arena. It doesn’t add up.

it's not happening on campus... just accept that. Joe C has said that isn't a possibility in the next 15 years.

and it's being build with city of norman and cleveland county taxpayer money, but state money. so the city of norman should get something out of it. what they are getting is more development and business. more in property tax revenue, and sales tax. why build it on the OU campus, where there is no other development to come with it that would benefit the city? I would be even more opposed to this if that were the case, because then the money should be 100% from OU, and nothing from Norman.

But that’s the thing. The “someone” who is paying for the arena is mostly taxpayers. This arena is just a free gift to development speculators to attempt to increase the value of the surrounding property. They want the arena as the cornerstone of their plans but don’t want to pay for it. If so much of the arena is going to be built with public funds, build it near the public university it serves.

The entire point of this project was to get an arena built at UNP with private money because OU couldn’t afford to do it themselves. Now the private money is barely seen for the arena itself and it’s back to Taxpayer money and a chip in from OU to fund the majority of the arena. It doesn’t add up.

this is completely wrong ..


but with you that should not be surprising ..

this is completely wrong ..


but with you that should not be surprising ..

Great context as usual..

A disguised OSU fan registering with a second account to obsess over OU.

I would appreciate you not attacking me while I simply discuss the topic of a thread.

I would appreciate you not attacking me while I simply discuss the topic of a thread.

Discussing the project is one thing. But you aren't doing that. You are attacking OU for something that isn't true. Hence Pete calling you out.

Discussing the project is one thing. But you aren't doing that. You are attacking OU for something that isn't true. Hence Pete calling you out.

Attacking OU? I haven't posted a single negative comment about OU in this thread. What are you talking about?

Pete didn't call me out in context to anything I said, instead he just went for personal attacks. This is why I politely asked him to stop.

I noticed that the Stones are undertaking an 18 dates US stadium tour this summer. The closest they will perform to Norman is Houston and Denver. Another lost opportunity for OU to generate some money for the University and Norman merchants.

I would appreciate you not attacking me while I simply discuss the topic of a thread.

You are in violation of site policy by creating a second account to circumvent a previous banning.

All you are here for is to bad-mouth OU.


I have let you continue to post so other people will recognize you for what you are.

I noticed that the Stones are undertaking an 18 dates US stadium tour this summer. The closest they will perform to Norman is Houston and Denver. Another lost opportunity for OU to generate some money for the University and Norman merchants.

Yes, too bad one of the most popular musical groups in the history of the world did not select a town of 100,000 among its 18 cities to tour, choosing instead to play in billion dollar NFL facilities in the largest markets in the country. Shame on OU for missing out...

While we're at it, why didn't OU do more to attract the Taylor Swift Eras Tour??? She, of course, did not play in any college football facilities, but we should still hold OU responsible for missing out on this opportunity.

(sarcasm)

Yes, too bad one of the most popular musical groups in the history of the world did not select a town of 100,000 among its 18 cities to tour, choosing instead to play in billion dollar NFL facilities in the largest markets in the country. Shame on OU for missing out...

While we're at it, why didn't OU do more to attract the Taylor Swift Eras Tour??? She, of course, did not play in any college football facilities, but we should still hold OU responsible for missing out on this opportunity.

(sarcasm)

Except the Stones previously have selected “the town of 100,000” and played in Norman at Memorial Stadium, arguably at the peak of their popularity, so it’s not some outlandish idea.

Except the Stones previously have selected “the town of 100,000” and played in Norman at Memorial Stadium, arguably at the peak of their popularity, so it’s not some outlandish idea.

the Bridges to Babylon Tour in '97 was 47 stops in North America, with 42 stops in the US... this is 18 stops in North America with 16 in the US . it's not a comparable tour at all.

I'd imagine there are a number of groups who prefer to play in college towns and in venues about this size. It would be attractive since it is right off I-35 and not far from I-40 or I-44, plus it has good lodging just across the street. Also, some bands just prefer to play in smaller venues, but not places so small that tickets are hundreds of dollars apiece.

I'd imagine there are a number of groups who prefer to play in college towns and in venues about this size. It would be attractive since it is right off I-35 and not far from I-40 or I-44, plus it has good lodging just across the street. Also, some bands just prefer to play in smaller venues, but not places so small that tickets are hundreds of dollars apiece.

agreed. but it looks like the Rolling Stones in 2024 on their very limited tour, isn't one of them

I noticed that the Stones are undertaking an 18 dates US stadium tour this summer. The closest they will perform to Norman is Houston and Denver. Another lost opportunity for OU to generate some money for the University and Norman merchants.

This is a reach, even for you. Like, come on, man. At least try. I get you are against the arena, and against any taxpayer dollars for any sports facility, but this is a terrible, terrible post.

This is a reach, even for you. Like, come on, man. At least try. I get you are against the arena, and against any taxpayer dollars for any sports facility, but this is a terrible, terrible post.

Still playing defense. Quit being so offended

Still playing defense. Quit being so offended

Oh, an asinine statement like bashing Norman for not getting the Walking Dead, I mean the Rolling Stones, doesn't offend me. What does is that you are usually even-keel, and don't post stupid crap for a reaction. But here we are.

Oh, an asinine statement like bashing Norman for not getting the Walking Dead, I mean the Rolling Stones, doesn't offend me. What does is that you are usually even-keel, and don't post stupid crap for a reaction. But here we are.

You also lack reading comprehension skills.
Nowhere did I bash Norman. I was critical of the university in not getting a major touring act. OU is not part of the Norman government.
Furthermore I am not opposed to public funding of sports venues. What I am opposed to is a municipality being on the hook for paying for added infrastructure, OT for cops, etc. to benefit a state facility. It is the University of Oklahoma not Norman University. A new bb facility should be funded by the state.
Money is there to fight the tribes, money for Canoo/Panasonic among others. Oklahoma needs to quit cutting resources to the University.

Oh, an asinine statement like bashing Norman for not getting the Walking Dead, I mean the Rolling Stones, doesn't offend me. What does is that you are usually even-keel, and don't post stupid crap for a reaction. But here we are.

Which brings me to an interesting realization. How the hell did Keith Richards of all people outlive Jimmy Buffett?!?

Which brings me to an interesting realization. How the hell did Keith Richards of all people outlive Jimmy Buffett?!?

Drugs work in mysterious ways. Lol

I noticed that the Stones are undertaking an 18 dates US stadium tour this summer. The closest they will perform to Norman is Houston and Denver. Another lost opportunity for OU to generate some money for the University and Norman merchants.

You have any knowledge of the selection process and whether OU had ANY opportunity to engage in it?

You also lack reading comprehension skills.
Nowhere did I bash Norman. I was critical of the university in not getting a major touring act. OU is not part of the Norman government.
Furthermore I am not opposed to public funding of sports venues. What I am opposed to is a municipality being on the hook for paying for added infrastructure, OT for cops, etc. to benefit a state facility. It is the University of Oklahoma not Norman University. A new bb facility should be funded by the state.
Money is there to fight the tribes, money for Canoo/Panasonic among others. Oklahoma needs to quit cutting resources to the University.

They are a band led by octogenarians yet you think their extremely limited tour would go to go to Norman ....... riiiiight....

It's a bit off topic at this point, but the Stones are old farts now. They couldn't do a 47 site tour if they wanted to. It's apples and oranges. We're arguing about one band and how that's supposed to determine if something/somewhere is big "enough"? Especially it being a band of old farts. I saw them in OKC back in the early 00's. But that was 20 years ago now. They have aged a LOT in those 20 years. I would suggest finding a new metric to gauge your opinions against,

Watching the OU bball game at a packed Fieldhouse and wishing OU was more committed to renovating this arena and moving more games there. Duke, one of the most storied programs in CBB, uses an arena not much bigger than the Fieldhouse.

Duke's fieldhouse holds about 9500. McCasland holds 5000.

Duke's fieldhouse holds about 9500. McCasland holds 5000.

McCasland holds just over 3,500 now

Watching the OU bball game at a packed Fieldhouse and wishing OU was more committed to renovating this arena and moving more games there. Duke, one of the most storied programs in CBB, uses an arena not much bigger than the Fieldhouse.

if by not much bigger, you mean only about 2.5x the size, you would be correct.

My bad I was thinking Cameron had a smaller capacity. Obviously McCasland would have to be expanded but look no further than OSU to see how to vertically expand an old Fieldhouse. In addition to filling in the bowl around the court there would need to be an upper deck added to get closer to 8k capacity, which is what is proposed for the new arena.

Another article in favor of keeping basketball on campus https://oklahoma.rivals.com/news/why-can-t-mccasland-field-house-host-ou-basketball-permanently-?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADg4bVCeGgVVu8fNfODEv3NDchQv VKUvTXEVARigdUD0yA9NtU7RmlsKf7_JRwgBff496pyfbSpk_Z KVvxzIdukbc4kaQuQzXT-LjWDt1I1Grj24xjCvL6WsLcKlnH-pwVepuZjQggNg-GOApvDcEtQSVE0ikah-iU7p3yXOoFDY

My bad I was thinking Cameron had a smaller capacity. Obviously McCasland would have to be expanded but look no further than OSU to see how to vertically expand an old Fieldhouse. In addition to filling in the bowl around the court there would need to be an upper deck added to get closer to 8k capacity, which is what is proposed for the new arena.

Another article in favor of keeping basketball on campus https://oklahoma.rivals.com/news/why-can-t-mccasland-field-house-host-ou-basketball-permanently-?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADg4bVCeGgVVu8fNfODEv3NDchQv VKUvTXEVARigdUD0yA9NtU7RmlsKf7_JRwgBff496pyfbSpk_Z KVvxzIdukbc4kaQuQzXT-LjWDt1I1Grj24xjCvL6WsLcKlnH-pwVepuZjQggNg-GOApvDcEtQSVE0ikah-iU7p3yXOoFDY

has been studied and is not feasible ..


also OU has had more then 8k season ticket holder for almost all of the last 30 years ..

also GIA is a terrible place to watch a basketball game UNLESS you are in the first 15 rows ..


as for the article ... he is not very smart .. OU has more then 5k season ticket holders CURRENTLY >>

has been studied and is not feasible ..


also OU has had more then 8k season ticket holder for almost all of the last 30 years ..

also GIA is a terrible place to watch a basketball game UNLESS you are in the first 15 rows ..


as for the article ... he is not very smart .. OU has more then 5k season ticket holders CURRENTLY >>

The proposed new arena will only be 8000 capacity with the "potential" for 9500 according to this article. You could expand the Fieldhouse and get to those numbers.


Heikkila said for basketball, the new arena would ideally seat 8,000 fans but the venue could hold up to 9,500.

https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/latest-plans-for-new-ou-arena-revealed-why-norman-leaders-hope-it-will-work-this/article_9f98b3c0-4ce9-11ee-984e-13baa8b6bc32.html

The proposed new arena will only be 8000 capacity with the "potential" for 9500 according to this article. You could expand the Fieldhouse and get to those numbers.



https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/latest-plans-for-new-ou-arena-revealed-why-norman-leaders-hope-it-will-work-this/article_9f98b3c0-4ce9-11ee-984e-13baa8b6bc32.html

no you can't that study was done ..

The proposed new arena will only be 8000 capacity with the "potential" for 9500 according to this article. You could expand the Fieldhouse and get to those numbers.



https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/latest-plans-for-new-ou-arena-revealed-why-norman-leaders-hope-it-will-work-this/article_9f98b3c0-4ce9-11ee-984e-13baa8b6bc32.html

not without completely razing the building and starting over. and even then there were some concerns with the physical plant just to the north. it was determined to not be a feasible site by the university.

https://www.oudaily.com/news/university-north-park-ou-norman-entertainment-district-development-meeting/article_fe9c4e96-8feb-11ee-9c67-97b9b95e11ae.html

https://www.oudaily.com/news/university-north-park-ou-norman-entertainment-district-development-meeting/article_fe9c4e96-8feb-11ee-9c67-97b9b95e11ae.html

site plan is out

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/oudaily.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/97/297d8a98-8fed-11ee-b3bd-dbed27428035/65693e1093933.image.png?resize=1070%2C792

The proposed new arena will only be 8000 capacity with the "potential" for 9500 according to this article. You could expand the Fieldhouse and get to those numbers.



https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/latest-plans-for-new-ou-arena-revealed-why-norman-leaders-hope-it-will-work-this/article_9f98b3c0-4ce9-11ee-984e-13baa8b6bc32.html

This would be like using duct tape to expand a worn out pair of sneakers that blew out. :)

Between this and Sooner Village, Norman might actually be improving drastically. Will the citizenry and council go for both?

I really like the Sooner Village plan. Only issue I see with it is the traffic on Hwy9 can be ridiculous at times.

I def second that. The intimacy and the loudness it provides is second to none, plus it is on campus and makes it so accessible to students.

I really like the Sooner Village plan. Only issue I see with it is the traffic on Hwy9 can be ridiculous at times.

they need to upgrade it to a freeway where possible

The proposed new arena will only be 8000 capacity with the "potential" for 9500 according to this article. You could expand the Fieldhouse and get to those numbers.



https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/latest-plans-for-new-ou-arena-revealed-why-norman-leaders-hope-it-will-work-this/article_9f98b3c0-4ce9-11ee-984e-13baa8b6bc32.html

How many seats will be outside of the luxury boxes? Or are all 8k not in luxury boxes?
CM Holman indicated this going to a vote of the people before the council votes on it. If that is the case the stake holders have some work to do.

Announced attendance at the OU game @ LNC on 1-6-2024 was 11, 333.

Video tour of Baylor's new arena that opened last week. Capcacity is 7,000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNyJMANWRx8

Announced attendance at the OU game @ LNC on 1-6-2024 was 11, 333.

Probably because tickets were $5! But that awesome to see that many fans there!

Kansas game is already sold out. Would expect the Oklahoma State and Houston games to sell out as well.

Texas will also probably be a sell out.
That 8k proposed arena off campus is an inadequate joke.

Texas probably won’t sell out because it’s a 6 p.m. weeknight tip time. But I completely agree with you on the arena proposal, it needs to be around a 10k capacity. It’s sorely obvious that OU can get those crowds for any season where they are in the Top 25. Especially given that part of the supposed reason this arena needs to be built so far off-campus is to make weeknight home games more palatable for people driving down from OKC.

I would bet on every conference home game other than West Virginia and BYU having > 10k attendance this year.

Sure, if only examining these games. What about the last two years?

2021-22 had six home games over 8,000 attendance
2022-23 had five home games over 8,000 attendance

that just isn't the trend for new stadiums. Baylors new one is just 7,500. texas, just over 10k. Alabama's proposed new one (if it happens) will be 10k. smaller is where all seems to be going. i'm more okay with an 8k new arena than still playing in LNC for another 15 years. and those are the only two options on the table.

that just isn't the trend for new stadiums. Baylors new one is just 7,500. texas, just over 10k. Alabama's proposed new one (if it happens) will be 10k. smaller is where all seems to be going. i'm more okay with an 8k new arena than still playing in LNC for another 15 years. and those are the only two options on the table.

I'm okay with an 8k new arena only if it's built on-campus. I'd rather stay at LNC longer until they have the funds to build it next to the new football operations center at Brooks & Jenkins.

I'm okay with an 8k new arena only if it's built on-campus. I'd rather stay at LNC longer until they have the funds to build it next to the new football operations center at Brooks & Jenkins.

that isn't going to happen. it's literally not even an option that has ever been presented. apparently the University doesn't find it as an option. so you can want that all you want, but it's just not going to happen.

How many seats will be outside of the luxury boxes? Or are all 8k not in luxury boxes?
CM Holman indicated this going to a vote of the people before the council votes on it. If that is the case the stake holders have some work to do.

there is no public vote required for this project ..

If it is just a new TIF district then it is just a council vote.

there is no public vote required for this project ..

True. However a vote is not prohibited either. CM Holman has already voiced putting this to a vote prior to Council acting.

The prior deal faced public oposition to the extent the idea was shelved. The citizens here are not oppossed to recall actions on hot button issues. Council would be wise to guage public opinion.