EXCLUSIVE: OKC NASL group planning to build riverfront 9K to 14K seat soccer-specific stadium - Eastword News - Midwest City, OK (http://eastwordnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=178&ArticleID=4071)

My first though is there is no way that land should be in the price range they would actually build 10 fields and a stadium just outside of downtown (arguably still in it) with their own money, the area needed is approaching half the area between i40 and the river which is not either already a city park or will be a city park, it would be shocking they would even try to acquire the property without the city on board enough to give the treat of eminent domain. Which does not even count space for any parking they may be considering. That is if they are buying the land held by private owners, the area they would need is also conveniently close to the size of Wheeler park.

If I had to guess, the "sources" that Eastward News is referring to is OKC Talk.

Does OKC Talk "speak to" Eastward News under condition of anonymity?

I'm behind the bid to bring NASL more than I am USL Pro, but if that means a huge complex of stadia near downtown, then no way. A premier stadium in the core plus a field of others elsewhere is fine. Beyond that, hell no.

So you're okay with a stadium downtown, but no additional fields?

The practice facility and others should be elsewhere, like out by the horse track. I know in Houston, the stadium is in a wonderful downtown setting, but the practice complex and youth academy (Houston Amateur Sports Park) is in the Houston equivalent of somewhere between Kilpatrick and the 44/35/40 loop.

That would work here well.

Agree that we can't put everything on the river or in the downtown setting. Fair Park has utilities in place and plenty of parking; the river area would be ideal for any of these models; however the cost of utilities and parking would factor into inflated costs.

You would think these groups (USL-Pro, NASL) would work together with the city and come up with one big master plan which would include a complex (stadium/fields) to address all their needs. The City could work with private development to achieve the ultimate goals. Again, everthing doesn't have to be built on 1 site; could Core-to-Shore's park be used in this plan? We already have the renovated Myriad Gardens, the Core-to-Shore central park doesn't need the full 70 acres.

They need to build a youth soccer complex like the one in Overland Park, with an MLS-class stadium to go along with it:

About the Soccer Complex ? City of Overland Park (http://www.opkansas.org/things-to-see-and-do/soccer-complex/about-the-soccer-complex/)

OKC is in the perfect location to draw teams from all over.

The one in Overland Park is booked just about every weekend of the year.

true, but their MLS stadium (class facility, btw) is no where near that facility in Overland Park

Just like the Thunder has a training facility separate from the arena. This is the norm in professional sports as far as I can tell.

Just like the Thunder has a training facility separate from the arena. This is the norm in professional sports as far as I can tell.
Yes and no, if the stadium or arena is in a suburban location, training facilities are usually adjacent to the stadium. In an urban area, they tend to be remote. Here in Denver the Broncos facility is in the far south Denver metro area, the Nuggets actually at their facility adjacent to the Pepsi Center but then Kronke owns the arena and it is one of the few who can practice the arena they play in. The Avalanche training facility is in the South Suburban Sports Complex by Centennial Airport (not far from the Broncos facility). The Rapids (MLS) have a large facility in Commerce City, fairly close to downtown (in comparison to the Broncos and Avs) but it is suburban in nature and has oil/chemical refineries nearby.

Perhaps it will be on the south side of the river, closer to the Hispanic community but also where there is plenty of land for adjacent practice fields?

South of the river? Something to be considered...

What about the old 'Downtown Air Park' site? Kirk Humphreys bought that for around $7.5 million.

The OKC Police Helicopter Port is the only thing there--plently of land for development. Grant Humphreys will probably put his Ferris Wheel he purchased from Santa Monica, CA there. There are rumors of building an amphitheater on that site to replace the Zoo Amphitheater (animals got tired of all that noise).

South of the river? Something to be considered...

What about the old 'Downtown Air Park' site? Kirk Humphreys bought that for around $7.5 million.

The OKC Police Helicopter Port is the only thing there--plently of land for development. Grant Humphreys will probably put his Ferris Wheel he purchased from Santa Monica, CA there. There are rumors of building an amphitheater on that site to replace the Zoo Amphitheater (animals got tired of all that noise).

The Waterfront development the Humphreys were working on has stalled, but from my understanding that is just because it is such a long-term development, and they are working on other projects right now (i.e. resort at Lake Eufala), but the development is NOT dead by any means... remember, this is basically a WHOLE NEW DISTRICT being built from the ground up. I doubt that Humphreys would scrap the project and sell to either Lund OR Funk (though such a thing is not impossible)

As far as the "amphitheater" you are refering to, it isn't so much an amphitheater as simply a stage and some tents to be used as an outdoor concert venue, and it is up and running, in fact there was a well publicized event last week. Sublime with Rome, Pennywise and Twizted were there to break in the venue on Thursday. I was kinda bummed that I had to work that night, because I was a big Pennywise fan in the 90s... the band not the clown... the clown kinda freaks me out a bit. "Ohh yes... They Float Georgie... They Float... and when your down here, with me... YOU'LL FLOAT TOO!" *shutters*

Yeah that clown is creepy.

As far as the "amphitheater" you are refering to, it isn't so much an amphitheater as simply a stage and some tents to be used as an outdoor concert venue, and it is up and running, in fact there was a well publicized event last week. Sublime with Rome, Pennywise and Twizted were there to break in the venue on Thursday. I was kinda bummed that I had to work that night, because I was a big Pennywise fan in the 90s... the band not the clown... the clown kinda freaks me out a bit. "Ohh yes... They Float Georgie... They Float... and when your down here, with me... YOU'LL FLOAT TOO!" *shutters*

Well aware of the temporary make-shift 'amphitheater' and tents that are being planned for that area. I have heard about a potentially more fixed facility more comparable to 'Starplex' in Dallas with seating in excess of 10,000...

Major League Soccer to expand to 24 teams by 2020 season, says Commissioner Don Garber | MLSsoccer.com (http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/07/31/major-league-soccer-expand-24-teams-2020-season-says-commissioner-don-garber?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=News&utm_campaign=Unpaid)

Is it possible OKC will be ready? This silly feud between the owners needs to be resolved ASAP.

Would also be nice if the facility could also be used for football (American that is) :wink:

Would also be nice if the facility could also be used for football (American that is) :wink:

If it were solely up to me it wouldn't, but that really isn't practical especially in OK. I hate seeing the outlines of all the stripes that are left behind after they play non-football on a football pitch. But I am a purist.... :D

If it were solely up to me it wouldn't, but that really isn't practical especially in OK. I hate seeing the outlines of all the stripes that are left behind after they play non-football on a football pitch. But I am a purist.... :D

I just see that if it could also be used for football, then it would be in use many more nights of the year and be that much more successful. (Add in concerts, too!)

My perfect site would still be the south side of the fairgrounds, re-routing Reno however is necessary while also incorporating all the land south of Reno to the river. Then, the river, the lake and canals could be worked in with the stadium and the fairgrounds...................we can all dream....

As a practical matter I think any future MLS appropriate stadium will host American football games occasionally. I am hopeful at least one of the new OKC teams will be successful enough to be a serious contender for an MLS franchise and maybe we will get a stadium. There have been a lot of good ideas for a stadium location - we just need a team now!

We could have quite an I35 rivalry is San Antonio joins MLS too - KC, OKC, FC Dallas, Houston, and SA. Not all exactly on I35 but that is a pretty strong regional rivalry.

I'd love for it to happen here, but OKC does not seem to be on the radar for the short list based on the list of factors given by the MLS commissioner. But to address that, here's what would have to happen between now and 2018:

1) One of the two ownership groups needs to have a stadium in place;
2) That ownership group needs to have crowds of at least 7,500 / gm (preferably higher than 8,000)
3) TV ratings for USMNT games needs to remain strong
4) That ownership group needs both the money to finance an MLS team and a strong, comprehensive plan for starting one

Even if these things fall into place, the market size is the one factor that can't change, and that's really one of the biggest disadvantages OKC has compared to the other contenders (Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, San Antonio, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Sacramento). MLS has to consider OKC a Tier 2 or 3 soccer city right now. That can change, but only if a stadium gets built and people really show up and catch the league's attention.

I think you are probably right on all points btr. OKC was close to getting MLS a few years ago but that window shut when no local owner stepped up. Ironically, Bob Funk was considered most likely (or hoped) to be interested and probably could have done it. That was back when Lund still worked at Express Sports IIRC. Strange how this OKC soccer drama revolves around a couple people.

Maybe the USL or NASL team will succeed beyond expectations and OKC can jump ahead of a few of the current frontrunners.

Possibilities of an MLS franchise in Oklahoma City as 2020 nears:

Looks more and more like a stadium of some magnitude is going to have to be a part of the MAPS IV projects to be put before the voters. The great thing about this, the marketing strategy will be 'no new taxes' because we will be 'continuing the momentum..."

You're talking about something in the neighborhood of $250 million. This is what we spent on the original Indoor Sports Arena (Peake)/MAPS for HOOPS renovation and the practice facility combined.

Question: If we are going to build a facility, we need to conduct a feasibility study to determine our needs (assessment) and how best we can utilitize such a facility. Soccer specific stadiums can be used for american football.

Could we have three ownership groups perched at our door? What a great situation to have chartering our city's future?

We're slightly larger than Salt Lake City and they support both the NBA and MLS.

What are your thoughts?

I'd love to see something like this as part of MAPS IV:
4236

OKC MLS team and Barons taken care of for a long time (and would permit the entire Cox CC/Myriad Arena to be redeveloped).

I'd love to see something like this as part of MAPS IV:
4236

OKC MLS team and Barons taken care of for a long time (and would permit the entire Cox CC/Myriad Arena to be redeveloped).

I really like this idea a lot. In my myopic opinion, I'd like to see the Cox CC/Myriad continue as long as there's hockey, but that's impractical and unsound financially. I'm ready to embrace the suck and let the Myriad go as long as we generate something suitable to replace it with for hockey.
(that egocentric opinion I just stated reminded me of Steve Martin in the original Muppet Movie after Kermit tells him he may pour the wine: "Oh, May I?")

What price tag are we talking about? This complex could eclipse $500 - $600 million...

I'd love to see something like this as part of MAPS IV:
4236

OKC MLS team and Barons taken care of for a long time (and would permit the entire Cox CC/Myriad Arena to be redeveloped).

That would be one awesome stadium. Do you have a location in mind?

That would be one awesome stadium. Do you have a location in mind?


What price tag are we talking about? This complex could eclipse $500 - $600 million...

No doubt it would be more expensive than a 20,000 seat soccer only stadium. But the tradeoff is the entire Cox CC block could then be redeveloped.

I think the Coop site would work for a facility this large. Fairgrounds, Airpark, and Pull A Part might work too, but I like Coop best.

No doubt it would be more expensive than a 20,000 seat soccer only stadium. But the tradeoff is the entire Cox CC block could then be redeveloped.

I think the Coop site would work for a facility this large. Fairgrounds, Airpark, and Pull A Part might work too, but I like Coop best.

Who owns the land where the Cox CC sits? I wonder what it would cost to develop this at the Co-Op site if you factor in the sale of the Cox CC land.

Who owns the land where the Cox CC sits? I wonder what it would cost to develop this at the Co-Op site if you factor in the sale of the Cox CC land.

the city owns that land ..

If it were solely up to me it wouldn't, but that really isn't practical especially in OK. I hate seeing the outlines of all the stripes that are left behind after they play non-football on a football pitch. But I am a purist.... :D

There's nothing worst than watching a soccer game with football lines all over the field. Ever watch a NE Revolution match once the Patriots have started? It's a horrible viewing experience (not to mention the stadium is way too big for an MLS team).

Who owns the land where the Cox CC sits? I wonder what it would cost to develop this at the Co-Op site if you factor in the sale of the Cox CC land.


the city owns that land ..

Sounds like a possible win-win situation.

The old COOP site needs to be redeveloped.

It gives Oklahoma City that tin-barn/tin can look which doesn't impress upon tourists. Glad the rock climbing structure is getting some prime-time paint.

A stadium complex just might spruce up this setting. The Oklahoma Riverfront Development seems to be coming along and something in the COOP site would certainly
improve upon the area's building oversight.

Is the COOP site no longer in use? I recall they bought other property, but I thought their move was still way off on the horizon.

Of course, I've been wrong before on other things.

It's still in use.

The old COOP site needs to be redeveloped.

It gives Oklahoma City that tin-barn/tin can look which doesn't impress upon tourists. Glad the rock climbing structure is getting some prime-time paint.

A stadium complex just might spruce up this setting. The Oklahoma Riverfront Development seems to be coming along and something in the COOP site would certainly
improve upon the area's building oversight.

If I am not mistaken, they still operate but they are planning on moving operations to the former Dayton Tire Plant in a year or so. It would be nice when they move, every time they spool up the plant it makes the southern half of DT smell like burnt fried chicken.

I heard they are selling the land for some outrageous price (as in eight figures).

If I am not mistaken, they still operate but they are planning on moving operations to the former Dayton Tire Plant in a year or so. It would be nice when they move, every time they spool up the plant it makes the southern half of DT smell like burnt fried chicken.

I heard they are selling the land for some outrageous price (as in eight figures).

I've heard they are asking an outrageous price but I haven't heard that they have any takers yet.

i don't know much about land values in downtown, but 8 figures to me doesn't sound that crazy, that's a big chunk of land in a prime spot

i don't know much about land values in downtown, but 8 figures to me doesn't sound that crazy, that's a big chunk of land in a prime spot

I can tell you that land values have skyrocketed since the original MAPS in 1993. We paid $16 million for all the land that houses the ballpark, arena, library, bricktown canal etc., which was a separate issue on the original MAPS I we passed.
If they are asking for an 8-figure cost ($10,000,000 or more) for the COOP site; then we will pay well over half for that parcel of property than what we spent on all of the MAPS I parcels combined.

I can tell you that land values have skyrocketed since the original MAPS in 1993. We paid $16 million for all the land that houses the ballpark, arena, library, bricktown canal etc., which was a separate issue on the original MAPS I we passed.
If they are asking for an 8-figure cost ($10,000,000 or more) for the COOP site; then we will pay well over half for that parcel of property than what we spent on all of the MAPS I parcels combined.

Isn't the mill site at least double (possibly triple) the size of area of the ballpark property though, what reason is there to believe it should be going for dramatically less per acre

Isn't the mill site at least double (possibly triple) the size of area of the ballpark property though, what reason is there to believe it should be going for dramatically less per acre

Just stated that we paid $16 million for all of the land in the MAPS I projects.

I don't know what the COOP site encompasses. As you mentioned Snowman, it might be three times that of the ballpark. I do remember Continental Baking Company on the site were the arena sits now. Was it disclosed what they received because they packed up and merged their operations with the Tulsa and Dallas bakeries?

The old bakery site didn't entail a whole lot of land; the price of land in and around the downtown area has skyrocketed as a result of our recent developments. Mayor Hump paid in excess of $7 million for the old downtown airpark. You bet he's going to make a killing when the time is ripe.

Is it worth $10 - $12 million? I'm sure the City will find a way to acquire it if they need it. We use to live in the Oak Park area near Old Douglass High School at 5th & High and Urban Renewal took and acquired our land at a cheap price.

IIRC when it was first listed it was for a 9-figure number in the range of $127m.

IIRC when it was first listed it was for a 9-figure number in the range of $127m.

Yes, that outrageous sum was based on downtown land sales in Dallas and Nashville before the Great Recession, not in the actual world we live in of Oklahoma real estate. To make a good local comp, we could look at the recent sale of the Stage Center site. If we assumed a similar price per acre as the Stage Center site, we'd have:

[Cost of the Stage Center Site] / [Total Acres of SC Site] = SC site Cost Per Acre
[SC Cost Per Acre] * [Total Acres of the COOP Site] = quick and dirty local comp

Now we plug and chug...

[$4,275,000] / [3.15 acres] = $1,357,142.86 per acre
[$1,357,142.86 per acre] * [37.75 acres] = $51,232,143

That's still a pretty penny, but man they are not even close if they are still thinking they can get $100 million plus for this land.

No doubt it would be more expensive than a 20,000 seat soccer only stadium. But the tradeoff is the entire Cox CC block could then be redeveloped.

I think the Coop site would work for a facility this large. Fairgrounds, Airpark, and Pull A Part might work too, but I like Coop best.
Houston Dynamo just opened their new 20K seat stadium last year. Here were the costs:

$95 million Cost to build BBVA Compass Stadium
$60 million on construction,
$20 million on infrastructure,
$15 million on land

As a practical matter I think any future MLS appropriate stadium will host American football games occasionally. I am hopeful at least one of the new OKC teams will be successful enough to be a serious contender for an MLS franchise and maybe we will get a stadium. There have been a lot of good ideas for a stadium location - we just need a team now!

We could have quite an I35 rivalry is San Antonio joins MLS too - KC, OKC, FC Dallas, Houston, and SA. Not all exactly on I35 but that is a pretty strong regional rivalry.

The long-term goal of Prodigal (Funks' group) is to test the waters. If he has any success with an Oklahoma City USL-Pro franchise; he is definitely going to go for it. Get the stadium erected and apply for an MLS franchise. Why? Because this has become personal between the Funks and Lund.

Funk had a chance to get an MLS franchise for Edmond (Wantland Stadium); it would have cost $10 million. He took that $10 million and purchased the PCL AAA Redhawks. Now it's $125 million to get an MLS expansion franchise.

Lund's group, Sold Out Strategies (SOS) are taking it step by step. If they can build a successful NASL franchise; this is where Oklahoma City will probably stay and who knows,[/B ]there could eventually be a [B]merger between the NASL and the MLS.

Meanwhile, Taft Stadium has begun its renovation process to temporarily house an NASL franchise. It may be cheaper for Lund's group to continue using Taft and eventually expand it to 20,000-seats.

This stadium race is going to be interesting:

1. Could we have SOS build a 9,000 to 14,000-seat stadium with plans to expand to 22,000.
2. Prodigal erecting an 8,000-seat facility with plans to expand to 20,000
3. What about the City(?); MAPS IV (2017) could partner with any of these groups to build a facility.

It's going to be interesting to see how OKC develops the stadia plans being proposed for the future.

Fact Check:

The Oklahoma City NASL team is owned by Tim McLaughlin, not by Sold Out Strategies. Taft Stadium's renovation began yesterday with McLaughlin a part of it.
More info: NASL Board of Governors Unanimously Approves Expansion To Jacksonville And Oklahoma City | North American Soccer League (http://www.nasl.com/index.php?id=3&newsid=5055)
More info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/OKC-NASL/193509307484853

The NASL Minnesota United has an awesome sports complex.

What are your thoughts on their 8,500-seat soccer/football stadium(?): https://www.google.com/search?q=national+sports+center+blaine+mn&rlz=1T4NDKB_enUS540US548&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=90gyUsX7EKKrjALUl4CoDA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=474&dpr=1

The stadium looks as though the field could be configured for softball, soccer and american football.