I just went off on Coaches on a thread in Thunder sectoin but realized that if would be better suited over here.

To me Coaches could easily be the best sports bar in the city if they wanted to be with little effort. I went there about a month ago for the first time in forever and watched a couple of NCAA games. Coaches has so many built in advantages. I had forgotten that they have their own brewery, and apparently so did the waitress when I asked her what beers they had on tap. Anyway, the place is huge and needs no fixing up. Being at the ballpark is an awesome atmospehere that no one else can match. Problems. The food sucks. It was not good at all, one can just tell everything is prepackaged and reheated. The tvs were good back in 1994. I mean really is it that hard to have good tvs. It took BWW forever to figure it out and now they are packed all the time (although it was busy before but mainly bc of lack of competition I think). That place could be so much better with a new tv set up and a chef with a new menu. That being said the place was busy when I was in there. They seem to get so much traffic from just being in bricktown that I dont think it really matters if they try and attract the loacl consumer. Too bad, I would love to go there more often but I just wont. The space is huge, they have their own brewery and they are in the ballpark. So many built in advantages, but sucks they screw up the simple things like good tvs and good food. Rant over.

They are in need of an overhaul. Never been much of a Coach's fan anyway, as BBQ goes, but they do seem to have gone downhill even for them. The one in Norman isn't any better IMO, but they do have a following.

How cool would something like Republic be up there...

The first and last time I was in Coach's was back in 2006. I went down there with my family to eat and watch a game. The food and service were terrible.

I think Johnnies or Hideway would do awesome in that location. All Johnnies would have to do is add beer, wine and a few selections of steak and to their menu and they would be a hit for all tastes.

Agree. I dont know if they just get by becuase of their name or because its a nice setting at the ballpark but they have so much more potential. And yes, television technology has come a ways since this place was built.

My nephew got his credit card skimmed there for over $400. Leary of it now.

Tried using the search feature to find info regarding the former Coaches Bricktown location in left field of the ballpark. Any speculation or can someone direct me to a thread?

Stinger: Last I heard, that location is closed...think all of them are closed or morphed into another name???

Coaches Closes in Bricktown, Cow-Calf Comes to Downtown, Services Set for Bill | OKC Central (http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2013/01/02/coaches-closes-in-bricktown-cow-calf-comes-to-downtown-services-set-for-bill/)

but they still have a Facebook page (appears inactive)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coachs-Bricktown/108762371674

Yes, it's closed and all the signage is gone....just trying to figure out if anything is going to happen with that great space. I'd like to see something like Louie's, RePUBlic, etc.

Also, did Hideaway pull out of the ballpark around the same time? Noticed the pizza place doesn't carry the Hideaway name now, although the product is fairly similar.

Also, did Hideaway pull out of the ballpark around the same time? Noticed the pizza place doesn't carry the Hideaway name now, although the product is fairly similar.

I think in another thread someone said that the new owner of the redhawks has control of the food vendors and they didn't renew a deal with Hideaway in favor of their own vendor. Which sucks

If true, and the Redhawks ownership want control of the vendors, then they should build their own ballpark and pay for it themselves. The City should have retained all vendor control of a City facility.

Never really liked Coaches other than it had a great view of the Ballpark. Their beer selection has always been mediocre to say the least. The service has never really been good either.

Coach's sucked. This location, in particular, sucked. Every single aspect sucked the last three times my friends and I went there. However, it has such good potential to be a kickass sports bar. I just don't think we have anyone that has a vision and can/wants to act on it.

Anyone have any updates on what is to become of this location?

Coaches was one of my mom's & her friends favorite places.

Anyone have any updates on what is to become of this location?

Was recently told by a Redhawk employee that they are actively searching for a new tenant. I think he said they have a broker currently marketing it.

And to clear up earlier posts. The Redhawks ownership group leases the entire ballpark from the city. They are resposible for all events (baseball, concerts, tubing) as well as the concessions. They said Hideaway made the decision to not renew their lease.

ballpark and norman location are gone. defunct or still alive?

Norman location is long gone.

ballpark and norman location are gone. defunct or still alive?

All Coaches locations have been closed for awhile now.

All locations have been closed for a while now. Don't think there's any plan to reopen any. It's just kind of a tired concept.

I believe that it was mentioned in Steve's chat today that it's possibly being looked at as a hospitality area for the Dodgers now since it's been vacant so long...

^

I don't understand that at all.

I know of a local, established and successful restaurant group that has been very interested in the property -- and for a concept that would be a perfect fit -- the ownership has not shown any interest in leasing it out.

Something else is going on here and I can't figure out what. That space is awesome and could have been leased out many times over.

^

I don't understand that at all.

I know of a local, established and successful restaurant group that has been very interested in the property -- and for a concept that would be a perfect fit -- the ownership has not shown any interest in leasing it out.

Something else is going on here and I can't figure out what. That space is awesome and could have been leased out many times over.

Does the city of Oklahoma City not own it?

The City owns it but the Dodger ownership group has the right to lease it out.

I suspect with the change in ownership this space has not be a priority but they have hardly been marketing it in any aggressive way.

Anyway, just found out that deal I mentioned may still be a possibility.

The City owns it but the Dodger ownership group has the right to lease it out.

I suspect with the change in ownership this space has not be a priority but they have hardly been marketing it in any aggressive way.

Anyway, just found out that deal I mentioned may still be a possibility.

Hopefully that comes to fruition. It would be a shame to see this used as hospitality for the Dodgers. I thought the Coaches there was always kind of plane and poorly marketed. With the right tenant, that could be one of the coolest spots in Bricktown.

This prime and highly visible spot has been dark and abandoned for 2.5 years now while Bricktown and all of downtown booms around it.

This needs to get resolved and pronto.

How many restaurant/bar concepts attached to stadiums have succeeded? Granted the only two I know of was a place in the centerfield of Enron Field in Houston and then a TGI Friday's in leftfield of Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix. Neither of those were dead set in the middle of a dense entertainment district like Bricktown, but I'm just curious if the bar-attached-to-stadium method really works.

Even without the ballpark, that is a great location and space and 20 restaurants and bars have opened in the area since Coaches closed.

Even without the ballpark, that is a great location and space and 20 restaurants and bars have opened in the area since Coaches closed.

Oh absolutely, not arguing that. Just wondering if there is some stigma or other reason that maybe these type of places haven't had success (or had...that's why I asked the question).

The biggest challenge for that space (besides perhaps a disinterested team ownership, if suggestions above are correct) is the ridiculous setback from Mickey Mantle, across an underwhelming, underutilized plaza. I've said for years that the plaza should be redeveloped and built upon - perhaps with something like a retail arcade - creating a physical/psychological connection to MM and year-round activation. A use like this would lead the eye (and the visitor) to the front door of the restaurant space. Put a sign for the restaurant on the MM street front, and it would also perception to "I'm here" rather than "it's way over there."

The added benefit would be creation of new, purpose-built retail space in perhaps the most high pedestrian count block in the city.

We spend so much time scratching our heads regarding why places don't work, and so little time thinking about the actual PLACE, and how the built environment influences success vs failure. That space will always be challenged until its surroundings are changed, regardless of operator.

Just learned a restaurant and bar has signed a Letter of Intent to lease out the Coaches space at the Bricktown Ballpark.

Can't reveal who it is, but it's a concept that I think most agree would be a great fit.

However, there are still some big hurdles to clear before this could become reality.


Also, the idea the ownership wants to use this location as event space is only as a last resort so the space doesn't continue to sit empty.

They strongly prefer to rent it to a suitable operator.

If the tenant is the one I've been hearing about then I would argue they are maybe the perfect tenant for this space. They have the name recongition/following and unique product to consistenly do well. Hopefully that's who it is.

Sorry for not naming the tenant, but I don't think it's my place.

Please be republic please be republic please be republic please....

Please be republic please be republic please be republic please....

It's funny you say that because when I had discussed this space previously I thought of two establishments that I felt would definitely succeed in this space. Republic was one of them, but it's not the one I've heard rumors about...

It's funny you say that because when I had discussed this space previously I thought of two establishments that I felt would definitely succeed in this space. Republic was one of them, but it's not the one I've heard rumors about...

Republic was my first thought too, but maybe 3 in OKC (once Chisolm Creek location opens) is too much? I think they would be able to support all 3 as they are spread out enough geographically.

If it's not Republic, maybe Pub W?

Mr. Knight, please chime in if you can.

It was my understanding that Republic was wanting the old bus station that was torn down, so they could be considering downtown ?

It's funny you say that because when I had discussed this space previously I thought of two establishments that I felt would definitely succeed in this space. Republic was one of them, but it's not the one I've heard rumors about...

well the other one you mentioned at least once was BWW, but that would surprise me.

I think I know who it might be. Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to say at this time. Crossing my fingers.

Too much knowing and not enough sharing!!!! :-P

Probably a Louies or BWW. those are 100% guesses though

Bww?

Buffalo Wild Wings

Oh thank you. I should have guessed that.

BeeDubs would do well there. Exceedingly so.

I agree, I just don't think that organization is brave enough to break from their mold to use that location. Though I would LOVE to be wrong about that.

If it isn't Republic, who could it be (besides BWW)? I'm trying to come up with a sports bar that would pull it off that isn't already in the area (I don't think Urban Johnnie or the new-model Henry Hudson's would want to go in being so close already).

I agree, I just don't think that organization is brave enough to break from their mold to use that location. Though I would LOVE to be wrong about that.

It wouldn't exactly be breaking the mold for them. They have locations in downtown areas in other cities. For example:

Detroit
http://image.mlive.com/home/mlive-media/width960/img/detroit/photo/2012/12/-c7d38af95de6d562.jpg

Grand Rapids
https://irs2.4sqi.net/img/general/width960/25774220_ZFqEvqPQbIcgYsWzxjijmlBB3rR-zUQvP_n8yKReyEM.jpg

Madison
http://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/elRk5mTHrobzG7kOuuXiDg/o.jpg

It would definitely be awesome if it were them. I'm completely fine with being wrong in my skepticism.

It would definitely be awesome if it were them. I'm completely fine with being wrong in my skepticism.

As long as they don't add any of that gaudy yellow EIFS that's on the building in Detroit.

agreed

Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Museum moving to this space:

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-sports-hall-of-fame-jim-thorpe-museum-moving-to-bricktown/article/5560164

Would have been nice to see a restaurant in that space, but this is a nice alternative and adds a new attraction to BT.

Would have been nice to see a restaurant in that space, but this is a nice alternative and adds a new attraction to BT.

Yes, very disappointing no restaurant will be going in there. Really needed one. Ambivalent about the new tenant.

Yes, very disappointing no restaurant will be going in there. Really needed one. Ambivalent about the new tenant.

Perhaps it has been vacant for a while because it is in a tough location (as far as Bricktown locales go). Coach's whenever I went, was never, never, EVER busy. Maybe a restaurant there just won't work. I like that the Sports HoF is now centrally located!

They tried their best to get a restaurant but that space has been empty for years.

This seems to be the best outcome.

I am actually a big fan of this move as more to do in Bricktown is never a bad thing. But I really, really wanted to see a RePUBlic in this space! Of course, I also really wanted to see a RePUBlic in the old Greyhound Station that was torn down for a garage.

So I guess the moral of the story is that I need to quit wishing for a downtown RePUBlic.

I am actually a big fan of this move as more to do in Bricktown is never a bad thing. But I really, really wanted to see a RePUBlic in this space! Of course, I also really wanted to see a RePUBlic in the old Greyhound Station that was torn down for a garage.

So I guess the moral of the story is that I need to quit wishing for a downtown RePUBlic.

Yes, the expansion went to Chisolm Creek.

I think this move is good, too. It's another activity-type thing for folks to do in Bricktown. Not convinced a restaurant was the best use of the space.

Not sure it will be the best use for the space, but it's a slam dunk for the museum. The foot traffic in bricktown combined with its location in the ballpark should really help attendance. It had to be hard to get people in there when it was out on Lincoln.