OU should try and work with the Thunder to host the Blue at any new facility they make. Norman is close enough to OKC to not put travel stress on the players and I think the Blue might draw a better viewership in a smaller facility in the metro. Between having a second team and potentially concerts, shows, etc. the facility could be active quite a bit throughout the year.

there isn't a will... that's what people are saying. people are not putting up money to the foundation for a basketball arena. the only way this gets done anytime soon, is if they can make a deal to put it somewhere else with money from either the city of norman, or the county. otherwise it's literally not getting done, because the donors don't have the will to get it done.
That is the problem then. Small town mentality.

no the argument is, do we want a new basketball facility now, or in 20 years? because there isn't an option for a new one now on campus.

OU should wait and do this the right way by building on-campus. The perfect location is currently a parking lot east of the stadium. Get Norman to pitch in funds since they will be benefitting from this just as much as OU. Similar to how a future MAPS will fund a new Thunder arena even though the team itself could fund it themselves.

Campus Corner could definitely use the boost from 30+ bball games annually within walking distance. And could help pull new redevelopment there east on Boyd toward Jenkins. Lots of new student apartments and townhomes have also been built along Jenkins and to the east and that will continue. Additionally, OU is going to rebuild all of the existing dorm towers and redevelop Cate Center into student housing so you’ll have one of the highest residential densities in the state a short walk from the arena/stadium complex.

OU should wait and do this the right way by building on-campus. The perfect location is currently a parking lot east of the stadium. Get Norman to pitch in funds since they will be benefitting from this just as much as OU. Similar to how a future MAPS will fund a new Thunder arena even though the team itself could fund it themselves.

Campus Corner could definitely use the boost from 30+ bball games annually within walking distance. And could help pull new redevelopment there east on Boyd toward Jenkins. Lots of new student apartments and townhomes have also been built along Jenkins and to the east and that will continue. Additionally, OU is going to rebuild all of the existing dorm towers and redevelop Cate Center into student housing so you’ll have one of the highest residential densities in the state a short walk from the arena/stadium complex.


the new 175 mil football facility and new practice fields are going just east of the stadium

and how long should OU wait .... the current wait is now over 17 years ..

Like the football facilities the basketball facilities are the face of OU on national tv. This should be reason enough to prioritze over baseball or other unnamed projects.
OU will be getting a significant revenue bump when they join the SEC. This could go to a new basketball facility.
The word among more than 1 campus corner merchant is OU is looking to acquire campuz corner which is why Pinocchio's deceided not to locate there. Hideaway is also prepared for that. If OU has the funds for that kind of purchase, 100 M is nothing.

Like the football facilities the basketball facilities are the face of OU on national tv. This should be reason enoug8h to prioritze over baseball or other unnamed projects.
OU will be getting a significant revenue bump when they join the SEC. This could go to a new basketball facility.
The word among more than 1 campus corner merchant is OU is looking to acquire campuz corner which is why Pinocchio's deceided not to locate there. Hideaway is also prepared for that. If OU has the funds for that kind of purchase, 100 M is nothing.

this is not reality

this is not reality

Care to expand on that as it is not much of a reply

Care to expand on that as it is not much of a reply

a new basketball arena is behind about 500 mil in other projects in time and funding .. if the OU AD just had the money OU baseball wouldn't be waiting on a 20+ mil project that is already part funded ..

Care to expand on that as it is not much of a reply

Maybe he's reflecting that the inside views of the basketball arena do not drive much public perception... not nearly like the overall shots of the football stadium. What hurts the basketball perception is all the empty seats. That can be rectified by the fans now without expansion, remodeling, etc. On TV the current arena looks fine when and if ever near full.

the new 175 mil football facility and new practice fields are going just east of the stadium

and how long should OU wait .... the current wait is now over 17 years ..

There haven't been any plans released showing their location but they are expected to go at the NE corner of Lindsay & Jenkins. You could fit that and practice fields north of it and still have room for the arena. Superimposing Auburn's arena at the same scale it would fit in between the practice fields and Brooks St. with 2,200+ parking stalls still available in what's left of the Duck Pond lot. Additional parking would be available in the existing Asp Ave (5 min walk) and Jenkins Ave (10 min walk) parking garages which combined have nearly 2,000 stalls. Not to mention most students would be able to walk to games and this leaves open the possibility of having a commuter rail station a quarter mile to the east on the future Norman-OKC-Edmond line.

See below for a rough outline of what this would look like
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Us2DZq4kKekAJPSR8hslUskFSi0-PrfznNrI4pZpgeUI_O5UpIHXv405cXJyaIO0l66eaMPf5IeUkk 85wJxnTHIYZcUMdlP49VmIVpTK7k6zGuoi8awuFqRL1g7fNK_h 53P-4t0Jk3NQHmdvzUTOBp4Ia7KX-ogSmDPPam1U1_DTlVvd_Fsme1CiMdf8VoRnYbMUHHmSa6tDYF8 SDtGlbPziiZe193kl67sDRV2x6asPHFVYjJdnBXHH2uEWQQw2v 5v5EUVlll928D6ZqfdO1sU4b54_sUcR5fdOXOee3zt_uT3XF0w d4Df8gFYsvKmA-36WkUEoySWzDNJ46Xbzxs7UaRzCqpyaEmWtJTtefE9LcpfVgRP iL_6vV6b1gXyyUZPzX2WlLznrLCF_DPDl3aov6-DYvu3q7rEOBfvcnUWlkzlo3mGo00EKtGozV5LqnYNVnX4fpEKn p3Bm4gKaw6Y4X1Yvw8N1C3Y4vkpbi7K3HJCpxXRC4IoG75jmqs 9WdvtdGZBRrA3fWXwq6pTpcrikvkPMOZB1uygzDn89RXu3VhPk TDLzVKTTPXr1GEFB949CqWQjQtJlHxhF7d8zBlZrwal-xn9h8Owd4atLD7ItPpZja0R6hbkooRqvGf0nKMbsiGeDJhS_Mu-uhVdjR63SMYoDdJK09AQc92Yh9F-mOgVCohIzV0htmqqJZUBygZvE9jdxlM8Kxxc92Q0VeKRoYmJ3O O-MWIHPEjSrpglqGo0kiyuDXBYK1uafGlkoAK9iqiyXQFG-firsf49hwg6qj4WhhfK1GWOoYbEql9DvebxTz-21cTdsbOcBSAqckuPPMaeSqTA50BtZZxnTXoYWs_d7fOSuHTuH 5TCoo7kQGDGyFP46yNoIzeA_fm0obItvoWCerfpz6GVRKbdSNN vLrNrkj7YWg3mAD-b65I_E=w1286-h936-no?authuser=0

There haven't been any plans released showing their location but they are expected to go at the NE corner of Lindsay & Jenkins. You could fit that and practice fields north of it and still have room for the arena. Superimposing Auburn's arena at the same scale it would fit in between the practice fields and Brooks with 2,200+ parking stalls still available what's left of the Duck Pond lot. Additional parking would be available in the existing Asp Ave and Jenkins Ave parking garage which combined have nearly 2,000 stalls.

See attached rough outline of what this would look like
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Us2DZq4kKekAJPSR8hslUskFSi0-PrfznNrI4pZpgeUI_O5UpIHXv405cXJyaIO0l66eaMPf5IeUkk 85wJxnTHIYZcUMdlP49VmIVpTK7k6zGuoi8awuFqRL1g7fNK_h 53P-4t0Jk3NQHmdvzUTOBp4Ia7KX-ogSmDPPam1U1_DTlVvd_Fsme1CiMdf8VoRnYbMUHHmSa6tDYF8 SDtGlbPziiZe193kl67sDRV2x6asPHFVYjJdnBXHH2uEWQQw2v 5v5EUVlll928D6ZqfdO1sU4b54_sUcR5fdOXOee3zt_uT3XF0w d4Df8gFYsvKmA-36WkUEoySWzDNJ46Xbzxs7UaRzCqpyaEmWtJTtefE9LcpfVgRP iL_6vV6b1gXyyUZPzX2WlLznrLCF_DPDl3aov6-DYvu3q7rEOBfvcnUWlkzlo3mGo00EKtGozV5LqnYNVnX4fpEKn p3Bm4gKaw6Y4X1Yvw8N1C3Y4vkpbi7K3HJCpxXRC4IoG75jmqs 9WdvtdGZBRrA3fWXwq6pTpcrikvkPMOZB1uygzDn89RXu3VhPk TDLzVKTTPXr1GEFB949CqWQjQtJlHxhF7d8zBlZrwal-xn9h8Owd4atLD7ItPpZja0R6hbkooRqvGf0nKMbsiGeDJhS_Mu-uhVdjR63SMYoDdJK09AQc92Yh9F-mOgVCohIzV0htmqqJZUBygZvE9jdxlM8Kxxc92Q0VeKRoYmJ3O O-MWIHPEjSrpglqGo0kiyuDXBYK1uafGlkoAK9iqiyXQFG-firsf49hwg6qj4WhhfK1GWOoYbEql9DvebxTz-21cTdsbOcBSAqckuPPMaeSqTA50BtZZxnTXoYWs_d7fOSuHTuH 5TCoo7kQGDGyFP46yNoIzeA_fm0obItvoWCerfpz6GVRKbdSNN vLrNrkj7YWg3mAD-b65I_E=w1286-h936-no?authuser=0

practice facility is going directly east of the stadium not on the corner ..

practice facility is going directly east of the stadium not on the corner ..

also you didn't include the necessary parking that is required for basketball .. (far far different requirement then football parking )

plus basketball training facilities, etc. or would they still practice down just south of LNC like they do now? having those facilities there make sense, if the new arena is built off campus, but it makes no sense to not include having the training facilities right next to the arena on campus, which is why i think somewhere near the existing LNC is the only place one would be built on campus. and thus the same problems people already talk about. unless you are also able to find a space that allows for the basketball training facilities to be either included in the arena, or close by

also you didn't include the necessary parking that is required for basketball .. (far far different requirement then football parking )

The original UNP proposal included a 10,000 seat arena with a 2,600 space garage. Utilizing the remaining Duck Pond surface lot and the two existing garages you would have over 4,000 spaces within a short walk of an on-campus arena. Also distributing the parking among three different locations is ideal compared to one single lot or garage. Not to mention the fans that would park in and around Campus Corner before games and students that wouldn't be driving.


A 36.4 acre entertainment district located on the southwest quarter of the property, bordered by Rock Creek Road, I-35 and 24th Avenue NW. This would include the new arena, which would cover about 14 acres. It would hold 10,000 spectators and offer club, boxed and suite seating. It would be supported by 2,600 parking spaces in a garage. The entertainment district also would include the new hotel, an events plaza, a festival street and other sites set aside for office, entertainment and restaurant use.

The original UNP proposal included a 10,000 seat arena with a 2,600 space garage. Utilizing the remaining Duck Pond surface lot and the two existing garages you would have over 4,000 spaces within a short walk of an on-campus arena, many more than the UNP proposal. Also distributing the parking among three different locations is ideal compared to one single lot or garage. Not to mention the fans that would park in and around Campus Corner before games and students that wouldn't be driving.

those garages are used during the school day .. OU has lots of games that start at 6 pm weekdays .. and most students would be driving ..

I would think a new arena could go up in a close enough proximity to the LNC in order to still continue using the Griffin center that was partially funded by Blake. Upon completion of the new facility demolish LNC.

I would think a new arena could go up in a close enough proximity to the LNC in order to still continue using the Griffin center that was partially funded by Blake. Upon completion of the new facility demolish LNC.

oh it absolutely could be. but that doesn't resolve the "walkability" issue that many others have, and there just isn't support from donors for that idea. So again, we are back to it's either build it in UNP or wait for at least a decade and a half for OU to get it on the list of projects

I would think a new arena could go up in a close enough proximity to the LNC in order to still continue using the Griffin center that was partially funded by Blake. Upon completion of the new facility demolish LNC.

The Griffin center would still be used. It is just the actual games would be moved to the new arena. For the student athletes it wouldn't really make a difference.

Having the arena off of I-35 would make going to a Tuesday 6pm game from OKC way more feasible. Getting to LNC at that time is a pain!

those garages are used during the school day .. OU has lots of games that start at 6 pm weekdays .. and most students would be driving ..
Sure, Give all students free parking from 2 hours before game time til 2 hours after. They could shop, eat/drink, go to game, and then eat again. Validate with game ticket or proof of attendance. And have free shuttle/party buses from the campus dorm area.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: OU should invite mixed use projects on the giant parking desert that surrounds LNC. You could get a lot of students and alumni living right next to the arena with restaurants and other venues to do things before/after games. This development could activate this area which already includes baseball, will include softball, and is near research park. I know LNC isn't a great arena, but maybe if the exterior wasn't depressing, more people would be interested in attending games.

If they don't want to do that then build on campus. Lloyd Noble is isolated and away from the main campus. It's hard to know how many students would attend an on campus arena, but if OU is moving, it should be on campus. I absolutely hate the idea of a stadium by I-35.

An arena near I-35 makes sense in 1982 or 1995 at the latest. Just build it on campus and there's really no reason why the city or county should pitch in. Plenty of donors could pony up the money to get it done. And redeveloping the area near lloyd noble to make it more walkable should be done as well. The only money Norman or the county should put in could be some type of money for better public transportation. Maybe even some type of BRT or streetcar that serves multiple areas of the city.

Question, would funding for the UNP stadium need to be approved by the voters, or is it dependent on the city council? And if it’s the latter, are we really thinking there are enough council votes to get this done, because it seems to me like it would possibly be 6-3 against.

Plenty of donors could pony up the money to get it done.

except that they aren't. which is why we are where we are. there is no current option to build on campus. none. the only two options are UNP or not building one till all the other projects in the pipeline are taken care of... so 15-20 years.

Question, would funding for the UNP stadium need to be approved by the voters, or is it dependent on the city council? And if it’s the latter, are we really thinking there are enough council votes to get this done, because it seems to me like it would possibly be 6-3 against.

i think norman city has jumped on board because they realized this was going to happen with or without them pushed by the county ..

i think norman city has jumped on board because they realized this was going to happen with or without them pushed by the county ..

So to be clear, you are claiming that Cleveland County will be funding it along with OU/State Goverment? While Norman is circulating citizen interest, Norman has not indicated resident desires.

I would be interested in the exact mechanism by which Cleveland County can supersede Norman and fund the arena. I’m sure it’s possible, it’s just not a process that I can recall being used for any major projects in the OKC Metro.

I could be wrong but I do not see approval for that kind of expense at the Council or ballot box, especially if the survey does not indicate big support.
UNP and the original TIF was sold to the community with concepts and promises that went unfilled. Good luck selling this.
Maybe Stitt was seeking $ from Qatar for this. Qatar has recent expierience in venue construction.

They had a plan way back in 2017 to do the same thing, not sure how this is different?

https://kfor.com/news/ou-foundation-pulls-plan-for-new-arena/

Money isn't the issue, OU has the money, and so does Norman. The issue is that Norman residents are Nimby, and they need to sway residents for the support. I am all for it, sometimes you need to take a chance and be different.

They had a plan way back in 2017 to do the same thing, not sure how this is different?

https://kfor.com/news/ou-foundation-pulls-plan-for-new-arena/

the county kept the plan alive it has been worked behind the scenes for a while now .. and the city is now onboard ..

They had a plan way back in 2017 to do the same thing, not sure how this is different?

https://kfor.com/news/ou-foundation-pulls-plan-for-new-arena/
The people sitting on the city council changed. The current mayor had been an insider with the County Commisioners, having served on related boards including the Industrial Authority.
The last go round had a freedom of information issue with the OU BoR. The foundation pulled the request before info was released.
The survey that the developers are circulating ask as to what ward you live in. My hunch is this will be a campaign issue and the developers want to know where to spend to sway voters to support pro arena candidates.

I keep thinking Lloyd Noble isn't that old and it can be a great place to watch bb, but then l realize l saw Billy Ball games there over 40 years ago.

I keep thinking Lloyd Noble isn't that old and it can be a great place to watch bb, but then l realize l saw Billy Ball games there over 40 years ago.

And I saw Prince in concert there around 40 years ago. But it still holds more people than Gallagher-Iba at OSU, so don't see much need to replace it with a new one.

so don't see much need to replace it with a new one.

when is the last time you were in the LNC??

I believe GIA holds about 2500 more than LNC

I believe GIA holds about 2500 more than LNC

after ADA improvements the LNC official capacity went down from 12k to just under 11k ... GIA is 13,611 ..

LNC has standing room area for another 1k +

Gallegher Iba holds 13,611 while LNC holds 10,967 per the Wiki's

Money isn't the issue, OU has the money, and so does Norman. The issue is that Norman residents are Nimby, and they need to sway residents for the support. I am all for it, sometimes you need to take a chance and be different.

Isn’t the entire UNP proposal based on OU not having the money for a basketball arena? If money wasn’t the issue it seems OU wouldn’t have to entertain the idea of playing home games next to a petsmart off the interstate.

Isn’t the entire UNP proposal based on OU not having the money for a basketball arena? If money wasn’t the issue it seems OU wouldn’t have to entertain the idea of playing home games next to a petsmart off the interstate.

Ouch!

Isn’t the entire UNP proposal based on OU not having the money for a basketball arena? If money wasn’t the issue it seems OU wouldn’t have to entertain the idea of playing home games next to a petsmart off the interstate.

this is correct ...

Isn’t the entire UNP proposal based on OU not having the money for a basketball arena? If money wasn’t the issue it seems OU wouldn’t have to entertain the idea of playing home games next to a petsmart off the interstate.

yes. this is the correct statement. OU has tried now for a decade to get donors on board and they are willing to give to pretty much everything except an LNC replacement. So if OU wants to do it alone, it will have to get on the long term planning after all projects current in the pipeline, so it wouldn't even start for about another 17 years. that is why i keep getting confused with the people saying they should just ask the donors. they have. the only two options are UNP or wait 20 years

Let this matter be deceided after OU gets the first SEC tv revenue check and they open the books to see what the University has as far as resources. Trust but verify.

Let this matter be deceided after OU gets the first SEC tv revenue check and they open the books to see what the University has as far as resources. Trust but verify.

ou won't make that much more in the first couple of years in the SEC the big money comes later in the decade ..

ou won't make that much more in the first couple of years in the SEC the big money comes later in the decade ..

Then build the new on-campus arena once the money rolls in. In the meantime start planning for it and make the other improvements east of the stadium compatible so it’s easier to build when the time is right. Also hopefully by then there will be some movement on the commuter rail line of which there will be an adjacent station.

The athletic department needs to open the books showing what each sport generates in revenue(television, radio, donors, ticket sales) and what the expenses are for each sport.
They need to make a case with documentation why they have not planned for arena replacement until the last 5 years.

when is the last time you were in the LNC??

LOL. Around 1983 back when OSU's arena could only hold around 7500. So, I must say, after reading previous posts, it does actually seem OU needs to finally keep up and get ahead of OSU by building a new LNC, so it will hold more people than Gallagher-Iba, like by at least 15,000. Surely, a fabulously wealthy OU alumni could finance much of it. After all, that is how every major new academic building or stadium is financed at OSU. Long gone are the days when the state of Oklahoma would finance any new building there.

A new 15,000 seat LNC arena in Norman could be well justified if it can draw more people than Gallagher-Iba arena can from Stillwater, Tulsa, and OKC metro, though it would depend on how well OU basketball and wrestling are doing at beating opponents.

Have to remember, a new arena would greatly benefit Norman from a concert perspective, as well. Right now? They get diddly squat, basically. New arena always get shows, especially if this were in that 10-12,000 seat range, something not present in Oklahoma, aside from the college arenas, which aren't built for modern concerts. That would draw people to Norman restaurants and hotel rooms. Having it be easily accessible on I-35 might not be ideal for students but for visitors, it's highly ideal. Just my perspective. It benefits the city and county more in UNP.

LOL. Around 1983 back when OSU's arena could only hold around 7500. So, I must say, after reading previous posts, it does actually seem OU needs to finally keep up and get ahead of OSU by building a new LNC, so it will hold more people than Gallagher-Iba, like by at least 15,000. Surely, a fabulously wealthy OU alumni could finance much of it. After all, that is how every major new academic building or stadium is financed at OSU. Long gone are the days when the state of Oklahoma would finance any new building there.

A new 15,000 seat LNC arena in Norman could be well justified if it can draw more people than Gallagher-Iba arena can from Stillwater, Tulsa, and OKC metro, though it would depend on how well OU basketball and wrestling are doing at beating opponents.

osu until 2 years ago had state tax payer dollars going to fund the athletic dept each and every year .. .something OU has not done .. osu also funds the AD with student fees

Have to remember, a new arena would greatly benefit Norman from a concert perspective, as well. Right now? They get diddly squat, basically. New arena always get shows, especially if this were in that 10-12,000 seat range, something not present in Oklahoma, aside from the college arenas, which aren't built for modern concerts. That would draw people to Norman restaurants and hotel rooms. Having it be easily accessible on I-35 might not be ideal for students but for visitors, it's highly ideal. Just my perspective. It benefits the city and county more in UNP.
Not a large amount but seems that there is a solid amount of shows at Riverwind.

There has been sporadic shows in Norman. Ive been to a concert at LNC, U2 in the football stadium and White Stripes in McCasland.

There has been sporadic shows in Norman. Ive been to a concert at LNC, U2 in the football stadium and White Stripes in McCasland.
I have wondered how aggresive OU has been in attempting to book concerts. I moved here in 1978 and the first in state concert I went to was Springsteen in Dec. of 78. I saw many more shows there throughout the 80's. Then things dried up. Was it a new administration? IDK.
Memorial Stadium hosted Rocklahoma, the Stones, and U2.
How aggresive OU has been in trying to book shows also needs to be answered before a new arena is looking for local funds. What is OU currently doing as well as what have they done in the last 15 years to maximize revenue from their existing venues?

The athletic department needs to open the books showing what each sport generates in revenue(television, radio, donors, ticket sales) and what the expenses are for each sport.
They need to make a case with documentation why they have not planned for arena replacement until the last 5 years.

make a case to whom??

make a case to whom??

Well if they are looking for funding outside of the University, those who money they are asking for. Pretty simple

Well if they are looking for funding outside of the University, those who money they are asking for. Pretty simple

That would not require the university to open their books to anyone. If they are looking for outside funding to build the arena, the agreement/plan in place would be to play all Men's and Women's games there for a period of time (probably 10-15 years) along with some other events. It would also mean the developer could secure other events such as HS tournaments, concerts as well as many other things. None of which requires OU to say well we have tried to do x over x number of years and have not been able to raise enough yet.

Well if they are looking for funding outside of the University, those who money they are asking for. Pretty simple

Maybe to you.

My understanding of the arrangement/relationship is not one where the University is looking for “outside funding”, as I believe you are implying. Therefore, no one needs to open the books for anyone. They aren’t looking for a subsidy. OU is chiefly trying to gauge fan support for patronizing a new arena in a radically different location, with a variety of ticket packages for a variety of sports, versus significantly remodeling the LNC. The plan would be a long-term lease between the city, or whomever the legal owners are, and OU. OU wouldn’t own the arena, partial or completely. So what they are truly trying to gauge is whether they should enter into a long-term lease, or not.

As for the city and county, they want to know if OU will be a lessee. If they won’t be, the project is likely not feasible. Got to have that anchor tenant, so to speak.

Announced attendance of 4,758 tonight for OU basketball at home against a Top 25 opponent. I was at the LNC and frankly that number seems somewhat generous. OU may or may not manage to get a new off-campus arena built, but I just don’t see how it’s going to fix this level of fan apathy.

https://twitter.com/RandyPete/status/1610789540008194054?s=20&t=jGO0s-FpmSKsGJy5bUzKCw

Almost like a game when students are not in session shouldn't be packed with students...

Announced attendance of 4,758 tonight for OU basketball at home against a Top 25 opponent. I was at the LNC and frankly that number seems somewhat generous. OU may or may not manage to get a new off-campus arena built, but I just don’t see how it’s going to fix this level of fan apathy.

I started going to OU games in 1980 when Lester Pace and "Juice" Whitley were starters.
I agree with your statement on apathy but I feel that the AD is also apathetic.
Mens hoops is in addition to football a revenue generator. Yet the investment the AD has made is minimal. Why are there no statues of Wayman, or other notable players. Why is the court not blessed with the Tubbs name? There is more recognition of Coale than Tubbs yet she did not impact the sport as much as Billy.
Bottom line though is you need talent on the floor to put asses in seats. With the revolving door of players fans don't know who is playing from year to year. Fans want more than Red Panda at the half.
Talent needs to be playing on a regular basis before a new arena is sought
Alums in the NBA need to kick some NIL money to put NBA talent on the roster.