Looks like the council will be considering a non-binding special election on August 27th for the TIF district https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=NORMANOK&me=10f8ba70d76149ea8c760d0473f9fe18&ip=True

that is already done but they couldn't get it off the agenda ..

now they want this which is the next item listed on the agenda ..


After discussing the potential legal issues with an “advisory” special election with Councilmember Schueler, the request was changed to a resolution directing the City Manager to hire a qualified firm, like Amber Integrated or a similarly qualified firm, to conduct a scientific survey of the community as a way to gauge community knowledge and sentiment on the proposed project and tax increment financing as a funding mechanism for the public contributions to the project. The estimate for this survey work is $15,000. Funds sufficient to cover this cost are proposed to be appropriated from General Fund balance (Account 10-29001) and allocated to Consultant-Management/Research (Account 10110101-44001).

and this is a resolution from
Councilmembers Schueler, Nash, and Foreman so it is not close to a sure thing to happen

Council votes 6-3 in favor of a voter advisory election on the TIF.
Election in August or November. A victory for citizen involvement.

Who is this you claim represents Norman? Norman isn't an entity with opinions. And the citizens of Norman don't hate OU. There may be some who think they represent everyone else and are glad to tilt with the windmills, but most know what the soul and economic engine of Norman is. Are some jealous? Sure. Are some anti intellectual and anti universities because of their politics? Of course. But Normanites as a rule embrace OU and the lifestyle it contributes too.

BTW, there are outliers in Stillwater that feel the same way ... they resent OSU. It's just silly. And, if your name suggests you are in or in love with Boulder, the same is true with CU and Boulder.

I assume he is talking about the people against the new arena ( I hope I got the he right)

I am voting yes for it

What a waste of time and money to keep delaying this over a non-binding vote. Essentially a poll.

I hope Moore comes in and blows Norman away and gets this, in the end. Norman doesn't deserve it.

My understanding is that the special election could mean nothing and get challenged by pro-arena interests in court.

I don’t think the election is going to mean anything given that it’s being advertised as non-binding, but it is very obvious that the Norman Council is looking for any reason not to pass this. Compare and contrast the past six months in Norman to the six months leading up to the OKC arena election last year.

Yes. It seems clear it is just a way to engage the public so they have a voice. If it is a Yes then the council moves on and points to that being the reason. If it is a No they can wash their hands.

1891818919

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All meaningless, as Norman, in their never-ending attempt to get in their own way, are wanting to have that prime property stay empty, as the citizens will vote no. I hope OU builds 2 miles north in Moore, just to spite Norman.

All meaningless, as Norman, in their never-ending attempt to get in their own way, are wanting to have that prime property stay empty, as the citizens will vote no. I hope OU builds 2 miles north in Moore, just to spite Norman.

The vote is non-binding... so it doesn't matter if they vote no. the city council could approve it even before the vote if they choose

The vote is non-binding... so it doesn't matter if they vote no. the city council could approve it even before the vote if they choose

Why would they do that, especially if they ever want to be re-elected? And it opens them up for being sued for breach of fiduciary duty. It just seems like they never really wanted to approve it, and them seeing a no vote will make it a lot easier to tell OU off.

Why would they do that, especially if they ever want to be re-elected? And it opens them up for being sued for breach of fiduciary duty. It just seems like they never really wanted to approve it, and them seeing a no vote will make it a lot easier to tell OU off.

Yet OU has no issue spending $175M on a Football Operations Facility and potentially another $200M on stadium upgrades (west side upper deck/suites). If they can't get a deal done with Norman OU will find the money for a new arena, and it will be on-campus. They already have the worst arena of all SEC programs.

Yet OU has no issue spending $175M on a Football Operations Facility and potentially another $200M on stadium upgrades (west side upper deck/suites). If they can't get a deal done with Norman OU will find the money for a new arena, and it will be on-campus. They already have the worst arena of all SEC programs.

the football ops facility is currently stalled .. because of money ... and we will see if the stadium upgrades happen .. (they have been stalled for years now)

the football ops facility is currently stalled .. because of money ... and we will see if the stadium upgrades happen .. (they have been stalled for years now)

I was surprised to see Pete say it’s still on. I think NIL and uncertainty is killing the capital projects for OU Athletics.

All meaningless, as Norman, in their never-ending attempt to get in their own way, are wanting to have that prime property stay empty, as the citizens will vote no. I hope OU builds 2 miles north in Moore, just to spite Norman.

Doubtful it goes anywhere but in UNP or they just keep playing in Lloyd Noble for the future. In the last presser even Harroz walked back his commented on putting it in Moore or OKC.

Additional renderings:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou061524a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou061524b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou061524c.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou061524d.jpg

This is likely completely not viable, but why not have OU take over the current Paycom Center? With the potential for rail transit between downtown and Norman you could get Students to and from the Arena relatively easily. The value of the land seems like the biggest potential hurdle.

This is likely completely not viable, but why not have OU take over the current Paycom Center? With the potential for rail transit between downtown and Norman you could get Students to and from the Arena relatively easily. The value of the land seems like the biggest potential hurdle.

People are freaking out about the new basketball arena being in Norman, but not at the OU campus. I can't imagine what they would say about it being 20 miles away.

People are freaking out about the new basketball arena being in Norman, but not at the OU campus. I can't imagine what they would say about it being 20 miles away.

And the Paycom center land is much too valuable to have the arena used for a few OU games per year. The finances are just not doable for either OU or for OKC.

And the Paycom center land is much too valuable to have the arena used for a few OU games per year. The finances are just not doable for either OU or for OKC.

lets also not forget that LNC and this new arena will be used for more than just mens and womens basketball. Womens gymnastics will be there, as well as several other events that the university uses it for.

It is obviously time for them to reconsider the plan for UNP. They really should negotiate a plan with GGP, who owns Sooner Mall, to construct the lifestyle portion of UNP and relocate all the stores from Sooner. Then I would go through there and tear down Sooner Mall and redevelop it as a commercial business park - something we don't have much of here. One that would fill up, I would look at the area south of Main Street and start expanding through there and even relocate the strip mall stores (not the restaurants) to UNP.

When I say business park, I'm thinking something on the scale of: http://www.arrowheadpark.org/APA%20Web%20Site/docs/map-arrowheadpark-2010.pdf

Probably highly unrealistic, but concentrating the bulk of the retail/shopping in one dense location would help the project overall. Then you have the ability to redevelop land as a high density business park that would increase the commercial population of the city and assist with tax revenue (and probably values) even more.

I think sooner mall might want to look at possibly renovating to have a second floor then Macy's may be more likely to show up only issue. Not sure if it has the demand they might be better off relocating to another part of norman like unp as mentioned

There is barely enough room on OU main Campus there is nowhere else to put it

I am voting yes for it. I think it will help norman in the long run (even if norman goes into a little debt)

What a waste of time and money to keep delaying this over a non-binding vote. Essentially a poll.

I hope Moore comes in and blows Norman away and gets this, in the end. Norman doesn't deserve it.

I doubt they will move arenas to Moore

There is barely enough room on OU main Campus there is nowhere else to put it

They could certainly get it on the LNC parking lot if they wanted to. It wouldn't be in the center of the lot any longer, but it would definitely fit. Butt that puppy right up to the wall of LNC like the new fairgrounds arena. But they don't have the funding. Remember, this is all temporary to give OU time to fundraise for a new campus arena. That's why they aren't putting any money from the university into it, just the foundation. Temporary can be a long time though.

That LNC lot is valuable parking for so many events too, it would impact other things. Softball/baseball/soccer/football/students daily/etc.

I still think the whole thing is super dumb and the place is going to be empty most of the time before it folds like the one in Bixby did. SpiritArena or something...its a church now.

Why would they do that, especially if they ever want to be re-elected? And it opens them up for being sued for breach of fiduciary duty. It just seems like they never really wanted to approve it, and them seeing a no vote will make it a lot easier to tell OU off.

lol because it will be a different council ... and second no it doesn't ..

I still think the whole thing is super dumb and the place is going to be empty most of the time before it folds like the one in Bixby did. SpiritArena or something...its a church now.

I don't think it will be like Bixby because it will have a better tenant than the Bixby arena (which had the G-League team as its major tenant) and because it will be nicer. But, I'm a little skeptical about what kind of musical acts would go there. It seems kind of an in-between venue when most acts around here seem to play big shows or get their act subsidized by the casinos.

There is barely enough room on OU main Campus there is nowhere else to put it

Wrong. There is plenty of room next to existing athletic and parking facilities on-campus. UNP is a horrible place for the arena.
https://i.ibb.co/KF5xPmy/OU-arena.jpg

Wrong. There is plenty of room next to existing athletic and parking facilities on-campus. UNP is a horrible place for the arena.
https://i.ibb.co/KF5xPmy/OU-arena.jpg

lol

Wrong. There is plenty of room next to existing athletic and parking facilities on-campus. UNP is a horrible place for the arena.
https://i.ibb.co/KF5xPmy/OU-arena.jpg

From an operational stand point this seems to make sense. Parking, media infrastructure, campus offices, and the ability to use the arena for on-campus gatherings that are both academic and extra curricular in nature. It may not be the exact location, but in the general area near the football stadium makes more sense to me than UNP.

Other SEC Schools are consistent with the arena location...
Arkansas - Bud Walton Arena - On Campus
Alabama - Coleman Coliseum - On Campus
Aubrun - Neville Arena - On Campus
Florida - O'Connell Center - On Campus
Georgia - Stegeman Coliseum - On Campus
Kentucky - Rupp Arena - Off Campus by a few blocks
LSU - Maravich Center - On Campus
MSU - Humphrey Coliseum - On Campus
Mizzou - Mizzou Arena - On Campus
Ole Miss - Black Pavilion - On Campus
South Carolina - Colonial Life Arena - On Campus
Tennessee - Thompson–Boling Arena- On Campus
Texas A&M - Reed Arena - On Campus
Vanderbilt - Memorial Gymnasium - On Campus

From an operational stand point this seems to make sense. Parking, media infrastructure, campus offices, and the ability to use the arena for on-campus gatherings that are both academic and extra curricular in nature. If not be the exact location, but in the general area.

Other SEC Schools are consistent with the arena location...
Arkansas - Bud Walton Arena - On Campus
Alabama - Coleman Coliseum - On Campus
Aubrun - Neville Arena - On Campus
Florida - O'Connell Center - On Campus
Georgia - Stegeman Coliseum - On Campus
Kentucky - Rupp Arena - Off Campus by a few blocks
LSU - Maravich Center - On Campus
MSU - Humphrey Coliseum - On Campus
Mizzou - Mizzou Arena - On Campus
Ole Miss - Black Pavilion - On Campus
South Carolina - Colonial Life Arena - On Campus
Tennessee - Thompson–Boling Arena- On Campus
Texas A&M - Reed Arena - On Campus
Vanderbilt - Memorial Gymnasium - On Campus

Then get someone to pay for an on-campus arena.

Then get someone to pay for an on-campus arena.

exactly... it's really easy... if any of these people want to get a group together and come up with a few hundred million, then they can get it built on campus exactly where they want it.

exactly... it's really easy... if any of these people want to get a group together and come up with a few hundred million, then they can get it built on campus exactly where they want it.

Oklahoma State did this 25 years ago with essentially a grass roots campaign when they raised $50 million in 1999-2000 for expanding/renovating Gallagher-Iba Arena. At the time it was an easy sell to donors and alums as OSU Basketball was a hot ticket, won consistently, coming off of the 1995 Final Four Team...and there was no Thunder to compete for basketball dollars and OSU Football was average at best before the Les Miles/Mike Gundy era.

I don't think OU Basketball is in the same position right now to go on a fundraising campaign to the level they need for a new facility?

Oklahoma State did this 25 years ago with essentially a grass roots campaign when they raised $50 million in 1999-2000 for expanding/renovating Gallagher-Iba Arena. At the time it was an easy sell to donors and alums as OSU Basketball was a hot ticket, won consistently, coming off of the 1995 Final Four Team...and there was no Thunder to compete for basketball dollars and OSU Football was average at best before the Les Miles/Mike Gundy era.

I don't think OU Basketball is in the same position right now to go on a fundraising campaign to the level they need for a new facility?

exactly. which is why we are where we are now... with the only option being the one on the table or playing in LNC for the next 15-20 years... that is what we keep saying... but everyone talks about how they want an on campus arena, and that is why i just say they have to pony up the money to do so. that is what it would take, and they just seem to think that they can wish that option into existence.

Oklahoma State did this 25 years ago with essentially a grass roots campaign when they raised $50 million in 1999-2000 for expanding/renovating Gallagher-Iba Arena. At the time it was an easy sell to donors and alums as OSU Basketball was a hot ticket, won consistently, coming off of the 1995 Final Four Team...and there was no Thunder to compete for basketball dollars and OSU Football was average at best before the Les Miles/Mike Gundy era.

I don't think OU Basketball is in the same position right now to go on a fundraising campaign to the level they need for a new facility?
Where else were they going to put it in Stillwater? There wasn’t and still is not anything comparable to move it to there. It’s an inane comparison.

Where else were they going to put it in Stillwater? There wasn’t and still is not anything comparable to move it to there. It’s an inane comparison.

I always wished OU could’ve done the same thing to McCasland Fieldhouse. Gallagher-Iba is still one of the best arenas in college basketball.

exactly. which is why we are where we are now... with the only option being the one on the table or playing in LNC for the next 15-20 years... that is what we keep saying... but everyone talks about how they want an on campus arena, and that is why i just say they have to pony up the money to do so. that is what it would take, and they just seem to think that they can wish that option into existence.

There is an another option - use TIF to fund infrastructure for the on-campus arena and have OU retain ownership, instead of renting from Norman. I’d rather wait 5-10 years than rush into building an arena next to a bunch of chain restaurants by the interstate.

Where else were they going to put it in Stillwater? There wasn’t and still is not anything comparable to move it to there. It’s an inane comparison.

In the 90's when OSU Basketball in Stillwater was king and Gallagher-Iba was 60 years old, there were talks of building an off-campus arena in west Stillwater. Gary Sparks, an OSU alum, and architect heard plans of this and was able to meet with eventual athletic director Terry Don Phillips to propose the renovation of the current space given the building's history. Hindsight, OSU probably wishes they didn't double the size of the arena, as it is hard to fill up in 2024 and average attendance is right around the original arena capacity of 6300. However, all of the adjacent facilities that were built under that roof really elevated OSU's Athletic Program and started the eventual push for Lewis Field to be upgraded.

https://www.ocolly.com/big12sports/the-modern-complexity-of-osus-gallagher-iba-arena-and-the-change-of-its-attendance/article_7020fb36-d0ea-11ee-bddf-bbb11e48f635.html

As for OU and Lloyd Noble, the way it was constructed really prevents any meaningful renovation.

Foster Pavillon at Baylor was $212 million and funded about 50% by one donor. While on the other side of I-35, it is still walkable from Baylor's campus. for the same reason McClane Stadium replaced Floyd Casey Stadium which was about 3 miles south of their campus.

There is an another option - use TIF to fund infrastructure for the on-campus arena and have OU retain ownership, instead of renting from Norman. I’d rather wait 5-10 years than rush into building an arena next to a bunch of chain restaurants by the interstate.

So you think the city should pay for it, but not own it? that would never happen. if the City is going to be involved, then they would have to have some ownership or ROI.

and that's fine that you would rather wait 5-10 years. but then dont' complain with we keep losing recruits to schools with better facilities.

I personally don't want to wait, and say that the only option on the table is better than doing nothing.

So you think the city should pay for it, but not own it? that would never happen. if the City is going to be involved, then they would have to have some ownership or ROI.

and that's fine that you would rather wait 5-10 years. but then dont' complain with we keep losing recruits to schools with better facilities.

I personally don't want to wait, and say that the only option on the table is better than doing nothing.

Use TIF for infrastructure related to the new arena i.e. rebuilding Brooks for better access, new sidewalks, lighting, etc. There are also city costs involved with the future OU rail station at Brooks as part of the RTA rail line from Edmond-Norman - another benefit of the OU campus site vs. UNP.
https://nondoc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/RTA-Projects-map.jpg

https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/men-s-basketball/new-renderings-updates-on-norman-s-proposed-entertainment-district-and-oklahoma-arena-01hzmsrv7dxx

Ownership of the arena is still a pending subject; While the University of Oklahoma Foundation currently owns the land, "it is not exactly clear yet who will own and operate the arena once constructed," said Guy Patton, CEO of the Foundation.

Great deal for a university that mismanages assets. Norman takes the risk on providing the funds while OU and the developers take the profits.

This TIF deal will be unlike the ones in OKC. These captures sales taxes and property taxes, not just property taxes. Sales taxes are what pays for local services. So this proposed district will benefit from all the services of fire, police, infrastructure without paying a cent, for 25 years. Sounds fair and smart

Use TIF for infrastructure related to the new arena i.e. rebuilding Brooks for better access, new sidewalks, lighting, etc. There are also city costs involved with the future OU rail station at Brooks as part of the RTA rail line from Edmond-Norman - another benefit of the OU campus site vs. UNP.
https://nondoc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/RTA-Projects-map.jpg

first, the city of norman isn't going to do a TIF for something that is regional when they would only get a small benefit... secondly, i'm not exactly sure you understand what a TIF district is, because there would have to be things that generate that tax in the area where they are looking at using that money.

and third... the university has no plans to build there... it's not an option on their mind. so they aren't just going to change their mind and do so now.... you are not talking about a reality that isn't possible for decades.

https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/men-s-basketball/new-renderings-updates-on-norman-s-proposed-entertainment-district-and-oklahoma-arena-01hzmsrv7dxx

Ownership of the arena is still a pending subject; While the University of Oklahoma Foundation currently owns the land, "it is not exactly clear yet who will own and operate the arena once constructed," said Guy Patton, CEO of the Foundation.

Great deal for a university that mismanages assets. Norman takes the risk on providing the funds while OU and the developers take the profits.

This TIF deal will be unlike the ones in OKC. These captures sales taxes and property taxes, not just property taxes. Sales taxes are what pays for local services. So this proposed district will benefit from all the services of fire, police, infrastructure without paying a cent, for 25 years. Sounds fair and smart

But this still works out for the City of Norman, because the project isn't just the arena, so even if OU gets all the profits from the arena itself (a win for them) the city will still get all the sales tax still from things purchased at the arena, as well as the surround developments that happen because of this plan, and the property tax of those buildings as well.

But this still works out for the City of Norman, because the project isn't just the arena, so even if OU gets all the profits from the arena itself (a win for them) the city will still get all the sales tax still from things purchased at the arena, as well as the surround developments that happen because of this plan, and the property tax of those buildings as well.

But for 25 years Norman gets no sales taxes yet still provides city services tax free. In 2008 the city faced huge cuts when taxes decreased yet had to service the TIF there at the time. So in 25 years when taxes are collected what is the break even point for the city? Don't forget Norman gets sales tax fom the LNC now. So that goes bye bye
Also property taxes won't go to Norman. That is a county revenue source.

But for 25 years Norman gets no sales taxes yet still provides city services tax free. In 2008 the city faced huge cuts when taxes decreased yet had to service the TIF there at the time. So in 25 years when taxes are collected what is the break even point for the city?
Also property taxes won't go to Norman. That is a county revenue source.

But this is already land that isn't collecting any Sales tax. it's vacant land owned by the university. The city is already providing some services for this land and already getting no revenue from it, it terms of fire, police, etc.

But for 25 years Norman gets no sales taxes yet still provides city services tax free. In 2008 the city faced huge cuts when taxes decreased yet had to service the TIF there at the time. So in 25 years when taxes are collected what is the break even point for the city? Don't forget Norman gets sales tax fom the LNC now. So that goes bye bye
Also property taxes won't go to Norman. That is a county revenue source.

Well, right now, it's an empty area...

And are you sure it's 100% of all taxes on that area for 25 years?

But this is already land that isn't collecting any Sales tax. it's vacant land owned by the university. The city is already providing some services for this land and already getting no revenue from it, it terms of fire, police, etc.

Nor is the city on the hook for a $600M note right now. To say the area would not grow organically is speculation

first, the city of norman isn't going to do a TIF for something that is regional when they would only get a small benefit... secondly, i'm not exactly sure you understand what a TIF district is, because there would have to be things that generate that tax in the area where they are looking at using that money.

and third... the university has no plans to build there... it's not an option on their mind. so they aren't just going to change their mind and do so now.... you are not talking about a reality that isn't possible for decades.

There is a Campus Corner TIF district which could be extended toward the east side of the OU campus. There will likely be some large student housing projects built in the area east of Trout and north of Brooks to the RR tracks within the next 5 years (I know of at least one project that will be 7 stories and 400 beds).

This is part of a larger Transit-Oriented Development around the future OU rail station - downtown Norman is the other TOD. This would fund infrastructure improvements in this area which combined with the student housing area south of Lindsey will be home to 5000+ students, all within a 5-10 min walk of the arena.

Nor is the city on the hook for a $600M note right now. To say the area would not grow organically is speculation

Based upon how long the land has been available and how slowly development has occurred, it is even more speculative to think that it will be developed anytime in the next 15 years, it hasn't in the previous 15.

There is a Campus Corner TIF district which could be extended toward the east side of the OU campus. There will likely be some large student housing projects built in the area east of Trout and north of Brooks to the RR tracks within the next 5 years (I know of at least one project that will be 7 stories and 400 beds).

This is part of a larger Transit-Oriented Development around the future OU rail station - downtown Norman is the other TOD. This would fund infrastructure improvements in this area which combined with the student housing area south of Lindsey will be home to 5000+ students, all within a 5-10 min walk of the arena.

the Campus Corner TIF already has it's money allocated for projects for quite some time, so now you just want to divert the funds from that and not go through with those promised projects? lets also not forget that the regional transit authority is still in it's early stages, there is no guarantee when, or even still if it will ever come to fruition. so you are basing all of your opinions on the hopes of what might come. And once again lastly... the University doesn't seem to have any interest in putting it there unless outside money comes in for a donation specific to that. Once again, your suggestion is all based upon a pipe-dream that isn't real in the current world. the only two options on the table, unless a group of investors want to come together with hundreds of millions of dollars to donate for your project, are UNP or stay in the LNC. so unless you are sitting on a massive amount of money, your dream just isn't going to happen, accept it.

Nor is the city on the hook for a $600M note right now. To say the area would not grow organically is speculation

We have almost 20 years of it sitting empty as proof.

There is a Campus Corner TIF district which could be extended toward the east side of the OU campus. There will likely be some large student housing projects built in the area east of Trout and north of Brooks to the RR tracks within the next 5 years (I know of at least one project that will be 7 stories and 400 beds).

This is part of a larger Transit-Oriented Development around the future OU rail station - downtown Norman is the other TOD. This would fund infrastructure improvements in this area which combined with the student housing area south of Lindsey will be home to 5000+ students, all within a 5-10 min walk of the arena.

the Campus Corner TIF already has it's money allocated for projects for quite some time, so now you just want to divert the funds from that and not go through with those promised projects? lets also not forget that the regional transit authority is still in it's early stages, there is no guarantee when, or even still if it will ever come to fruition. so you are basing all of your opinions on the hopes of what might come. And once again lastly... the University doesn't seem to have any interest in putting it there unless outside money comes in for a donation specific to that. Once again, your suggestion is all based upon a pipe-dream that isn't real in the current world. the only two options on the table, unless a group of investors want to come together with hundreds of millions of dollars to donate for your project, are UNP or stay in the LNC. so unless you are sitting on a massive amount of money, your dream just isn't going to happen, accept it.

Well, right now, it's an empty area...

And are you sure it's 100% of all taxes on that area for 25 years?

Yes. Everything within the large TIF area will have all new property taxes and sales taxes go towards the arena costs for 25 years. The current UNP is getting close to filling in and development will naturally come north to this TIF area, with or without an arena. If this passes all the property taxes and sales taxes from this natural development will be paying for the arena rather than going to the local school district, city of Norman, public safety. etc.

Of course it has mostly remained empty as the areas closer to main roads (with exits of I35) are developed. If there is no arena you will still see this area develop over the next decade.

Yes. Everything within the large TIF area will have all new property taxes and sales taxes go towards the arena costs for 25 years. The current UNP is getting close to filling in and development will naturally come north to this TIF area, with or without an arena. If this passes all the property taxes and sales taxes from this natural development will be paying for the arena rather than going to the local school district, city of Norman, public safety. etc.

And even though there is some cop, fire fighter, and other city services the increased density will require the hiring of more cops and firefighters. But this area won't be paying for this for 25 years. Also being mentioned is more residences. This means more schools, but no property tax collections means a raise in taxes for those not exempt.

the Campus Corner TIF already has it's money allocated for projects for quite some time, so now you just want to divert the funds from that and not go through with those promised projects? lets also not forget that the regional transit authority is still in it's early stages, there is no guarantee when, or even still if it will ever come to fruition. so you are basing all of your opinions on the hopes of what might come. And once again lastly... the University doesn't seem to have any interest in putting it there unless outside money comes in for a donation specific to that. Once again, your suggestion is all based upon a pipe-dream that isn't real in the current world. the only two options on the table, unless a group of investors want to come together with hundreds of millions of dollars to donate for your project, are UNP or stay in the LNC. so unless you are sitting on a massive amount of money, your dream just isn't going to happen, accept it.

If the UNP deal falls apart OU will look at an on-campus alternate to renovating LNC. The Duck Pond site has been discussed as a potential arena location going back to the early 2000's.

If the UNP deal falls apart OU will look at an on-campus alternate to renovating LNC. The Duck Pond site has been discussed as a potential arena location going back to the early 2000's.

No, they just won't spend any money on the basketball facility. It still sells tickets, but gives the team no advantages. The AD has really never cared about basketball, and the fans don't, because they dont donate to renovate or build a new arena.

If the UNP deal falls apart OU will look at an on-campus alternate to renovating LNC. The Duck Pond site has been discussed as a potential arena location going back to the early 2000's.

much more likely they get moore to build this or Mcclain county

much more likely they get moore to build this or Mcclain county

ROFLMAO, McClain County! REALLY!
The arguement of not using the LNC site is it is 10 minutes from UNP and just too far from the OKC fans. Purcell is closer than LNC? Nor does either have OU owned land. Harroz already walked back that foolishness.