413 E. California
sq. feet= 24,500 + warehouse
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/eventwiki1.jpg
Information & Latest News
1/28/14: $1.8 million building permit to add mezzanine and remodel (http://www.okc.gov/Access/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Permits&TabName=Permits&capID1=14BRE&capID2=00000&capID3=01112&agencyCode=OKC&IsToShowInspection=)
Links
Official Site (http://www.brewerentertainment.com/index.php?bricktown-events-center)
County Assessor Record (http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/AN-R.asp?ACCOUNTNO=R020028675)
Gallery

$1.8 million building permit application today to add 5,645 mezzanine level and for a general remodel.

That's a lot of money so we should see some significant improvements here.

Maybe proceeds from the Sante Fe sale ?

Man, it needs it! I've seen so many concerts that weren't great due to the blandness of that place. Now if they can only get rid of the beer tickets....

Now if they can only get rid of the beer tickets....

I don't even understand why they do this. Is there some weird Okie law that's making them do it that way?

It needs every penny of this and then some.

Construction is underway for a major $1.8 million renovation of the Bricktown Events Center.

They are adding a second level in the rear of the space (east, opposite the stage) and a large raised seating area underneath. The 2nd level will be 5,645 square feet.

Also to be added are new stairways and restrooms and a bar upstairs.



Image showing the rear of the space looking towards the stage:
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6467d1391018312-bricktown-events-center-gallery0418a.jpg




Existing floorplan:
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7336d1397057857-bricktown-events-center-btevents1.jpg




New 1st Level Plan:
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7337d1397057859-bricktown-events-center-btevents2.jpg





New 2nd Level Plan:
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7338d1397057859-bricktown-events-center-btevents3.jpg





Building Cross-Section:
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7339d1397057860-bricktown-events-center-btevents4.jpg

This is LONG overdue. Glad to finally see some movement on this!

Think this will help bring in some concerts that would normally go to the Diamond Ballroom? What is the square footage of the two compared?

Think this will help bring in some concerts that would normally go to the Diamond Ballroom? What is the square footage of the two compared?

Even before this addition, the BT Events Center was about 24,000 square feet versus Diamond's 21,000.

The 2nd level will add another 5,645 SF.


The issue has always been about promotion, not size. Hopefully, this big investment signals the start of a more aggressive promotion strategy.

If anyone was curious about the size comparison, Cain's ballroom is only 12,267 and the Brady Theatre is 26,774. So, this will be a little smaller than the Brady, obviously with a different layout.

But, like Pete said, the issue has always been about promotion, not size.

I don't think Burt McAnally has any interest in making the Farmer's Market a concert venue since wedding parties are typically more tame and still bring in a lot of money. I hope this place can do well and bring in a lot of concerts that have been lost to the Diamond Ballroom way out in east OKC.

Should have mentioned my numbers were based on building size, not necessarily the size of the event space.

I've always like the BT Events Center -- organized a huge class reunion there -- and have never understood why it isn't better utilized. Hopefully, this will soon change.

I miss the Coca-Cola sign. Anybody know what was done with it?

Just adding the dedicated bars should help promoters. The current system is way too inefficient. They could do a lot more volume with this set up. And hopefully this means the end of the ticket system. They may even be able to make one of those elevated areas a 21 and over VIP section for even more revenue.

While I've never thought highly of this place aesthetically (that change is welcome), I would still go more often if there were more cool shows there. Hard to beat a good concert in walking distance.

The big issue for people is going to be parking eventhough there is a huge parking lot right in front of the building. If there are events going on, will that only be open to be going to the concerts/events? I know some Redhawks season ticket holders can park there but I am not sure who else has the lot reserved and when.

A large parking garage needs to be built and the other parking lots turned into a development.

Parking is free except for when the Redhawks are home, when there is a slight charge. About 500 spaces in that lot.

And of course, there is a massive amount of parking just across Reno in front of Bass Pro and beyond.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/btevents5.jpg

On busy nice days, people would complain about parking because the Okie way is to park right in front of your destination. I like the idea of a structured parking garage here as long as there is some sort of street level interaction. I remember the Brewer's had a plan for this area 5-10 years ago but I think that was more of a ploy to get TIF funds. Please correct me if I am wrong. I would love to see a Branson Landing type of development here with 5-7 levels of parking in the center with residential on the top floors and retail on the bottom.

A big development is brewing for the "Joe Carter Lot" just south of the events center.

I'm sure this is what Steve has been hinting about with the "will make Dallas & KC envious" comments.

Would be a large mixed-use project with an entertainment venue and structured parking and other elements.

Nothing finalized but this is well along in negotiations with the City, which owns that property.


Should have more details soon.

A big development is brewing for the "Joe Carter Lot" just south of the events center.

I'm sure this is what Steve has been hinting about with the "will make Dallas & KC envious" comments.

Would be a large mixed-use project with an entertainment venue and structured parking and other elements.

Nothing finalized but this is well along in negotiations with the City, which owns that property.


Should have more details soon.

There it is! I thought this might have been in reference to the Chisholm Creek area. I guess I was wrong.

A big development is brewing for the "Joe Carter Lot" just south of the events center.

I'm sure this is what Steve has been hinting about with the "will make Dallas & KC envious" comments.

Would be a large mixed-use project with an entertainment venue and structured parking and other elements.

Nothing finalized but this is well along in negotiations with the City, which owns that property.


Should have more details soon.

If you can say or know, what would make KC and Dallas "envious" of a development like this? It's fantastic for OKC and I'm looking forward to it happening, yet I cant think of any reason those two cities would be "envious" of anything like this?

If you can say or know, what would make KC and Dallas "envious" of a development like this? It's fantastic for OKC and I'm looking forward to it happening, yet I cant think of any reason those two cities would be "envious" of anything like this?

Those weren't my words so I don't fully understand the reference.

I just know it would be big and elaborate.


I'll create a new thread on this because there is more and more smoke that is hopefully leading to something solid soon.

Those weren't my words so I don't fully understand the reference.

I just know it would be big and elaborate.


I'll create a new thread on this because there is more and more smoke that is hopefully leading to something solid soon.

Do you have any idea who is doing this project? Someone we already are familiar with or someone new to the area? Do they have a history with this kind of development?

There it is! I thought this might have been in reference to the Chisholm Creek area. I guess I was wrong.

That is doubtful. The Chisolm Creek development, if done to its potential, will be the kind of retail center than have been built in places like Dallas and Kansas City for several years now. It's nothing that would make them jealous because they already have everything OKC will gain from the development even under a best-case scenario.


If you can say or know, what would make KC and Dallas "envious" of a development like this? It's fantastic for OKC and I'm looking forward to it happening, yet I cant think of any reason those two cities would be "envious" of anything like this?

Sometimes Steve over-hypes in his chats but we will have to wait to see what this actually turns out to be before passing judgment. If it's anything like KC's Power and Light district, which Steve says it is better, then this will be a major game changer for downtown OKC entertainment.

The Power and Light district hasn't exactly been an unqualified success. A success yes, but with some associated problems.

That is doubtful. The Chisolm Creek development, if done to its potential, will be the kind of retail center than have been built in places like Dallas and Kansas City for several years now. It's nothing that would make them jealous because they already have everything OKC will gain from the development even under a best-case scenario.


I don't know a great way to say this without sounding like a complete d-bag so I apologize if it comes off like that. I have some insider info on a particular part of this project that I might get fired if I share. I have told Pete and he knows what I am talking about. Once the entertainment venue part becomes public knowledge, you will know what I am talking about. Sorry to sound all metro, but I didn't know of a better way to say it.

Regarding the Bricktown Events Center (subject of this thread), the owner actually has a very good relationship with several promoters, including DCF, who owns the Diamond. Through the years DCF has booked many of the shows in Tulsa that people WISH came to OKC. DCF and Brewer (owner of event center) have been working hard to build OKC market, as they have seen evidence that it is maturing to the point where it doesn't have to be an also-ran music city in this state. Part of that strategy has been the recent aggressive booking of smaller shows at Bricktown Music Hall (Brewer is the landlord).

I have had a number of conversations with Brent about this, and he wants very much for the event center to emerge as a venue that gets the same types of shows that now go to the Brady, with BMH serving almost as a baby Cain's, along the lines of what you see at the side hall there. He is very passionate about building the music scene in OKC and specifically in Bricktown, and I really think you are going to see great shows land in this building.

There's room for multiple venues in this market, including Diamond and the Chevy Bricktown Events Center peacefully coexisting. We just need more bookings, and they will definitely happen in this building with these renovations, which have been planned for a couple of years now.

^

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing.

I hate seeing shows there. It sucks. Not sold on DCF either.

The seating and the acoustics is what will always separate the Brady from all the others.

I hate seeing shows there. It sucks. Not sold on DCF either.

Well, if you look at the plans, it will basically be a new room, so I would encourage you to give it a shot. Regarding DCF, they book great shows...but historically have booked most of the best ones in Tulsa. If you look at it purely from a business perspective that makes the most sense. Tulsa has historically been a better live music town, plus OKC folks think nothing of driving to T-town for shows while Tulsa folks often wouldn't "lower themselves" to coming to OKC for shows. I know that when I go to shows in Tulsa (often) I usually run into MANY OKC folks. My personal theory is that Tulsa shows often draw 25% or more of their sales from the 405, which means that we are unintentionally bolstering their already-great reputation.

Plus, T-town people (rightfully, usually) think instead of going to OKC they can just wait for that band to swing back through Tulsa (which they probably will). So the smart money usually books in Tulsa.

What has changed is that DCF now has some more competition for bookings in Tulsa, AND is starting to believe that Oklahoma could become a two-show sate for a lot of bands, even if the shows are in separate tour legs. An example recently was back-to-back Local Natives shows at Cain's and Diamond, both very well attended (Cain's a sellout). So I can see why someone might not think DCF is a great promoter for OKC shows, but I believe those opinions are going to change for a lot of people in the near future. Thus building will help.

The seating and the acoustics is what will always separate the Brady from all the others.

I don't disagree that the Brady is a great building (though I have been in better; the Uptown Theater in KC comes to mind), but that is no reason to throw up our hands and give up. And I don't think anyone can fairly pass judgment on this reconfigured building until the see a show when it reopens after renovations.

Well, if you look at the plans, it will basically be a new room, so I would encourage you to give it a shot. Regarding DCF, they book great shows...but historically have booked most of the best ones in Tulsa. If you look at it purely from a business perspective that makes the most sense. Tulsa has historically been a better live music town, plus OKC folks think nothing of driving to T-town for shows while Tulsa folks often wouldn't "lower themselves" to coming to OKC for shows. I know that when I go to shows in Tulsa (often) I usually run into MANY OKC folks. My personal theory is that Tulsa shows often draw 25% or more of their sales from the 405, which means that we are unintentionally bolstering their already-great reputation.

Plus, T-town people (rightfully, usually) think instead of going to OKC they can just wait for that band to swing back through Tulsa (which they probably will). So the smart money usually books in Tulsa.

What has changed is that DCF now has some more competition for bookings in Tulsa, AND is starting to believe that Oklahoma could become a two-show sate for a lot of bands, even if the shows are in separate tour legs. An example recently was back-to-back Local Natives shows at Cain's and Diamond, both very well attended (Cain's a sellout). So I can see why someone might not think DCF is a great promoter for OKC shows, but I believe those opinions are going to change for a lot of people in the near future. Thus building will help.

I understand the dynamics of the business DCF is running, I've just never been impressed. OKC has nearly a quarter million more people than the Tulsa metro. Anything that works there would work here. And, I might add, Tulsa has not always been such a great live music town. The family who saved Cain's and starting booking everything under the sun have made Tulsa a music town, not DCF.

I'm sure they took their lumps at first but now Tulsans are in the habit of seeing great touring acts -- and many of the visitors at their shows are from OKC, as you note.

People hate the Diamond Ballroom even more, which is why they choose to visit Tulsa to see the same artists.

I'm just saying things are changing. Believe it or don't believe it.

The fact they are sinking almost $2 million into this structure tells me they have ambitious plans to create a lot more revenue.

Look forward to the changes!

Me & wife would be much more likely to go downtown to a concert than we would to go the Diamond, which is never.

I think this is outstanding news

I don't want to seem like Debbie Downer, but I've not been impressed with DCF. I get that they're in biz to make money, but they pass on most acts, which bypass OKC for Tulsa. I really wish they weren't the only game in town, because OKC is bypassed by most touring artists.

As for the Bricktown Events Center improvements, I will withhold judgment for now, but it has been a really $hitty venue to see live concerts. Hopefully that will change.

Well, at least you're open-minded.

A big development is brewing for the "Joe Carter Lot" just south of the events center.

I'm sure this is what Steve has been hinting about with the "will make Dallas & KC envious" comments.

Would be a large mixed-use project with an entertainment venue and structured parking and other elements.

Nothing finalized but this is well along in negotiations with the City, which owns that property.


Should have more details soon.

Pete, any idea on the type of entertainment venue?

I'd like to see the Opolis guys get into doing some bigger shows in the city. Everyone complains that bands bypass OKC, but that's really more bands of a certain size. The Opolis brings in a lot of very cool bands, but they're often of the "you haven't heard of them, YET" variety. DCF brings better known bands to Cain's and the Diamond, but, honestly, the Opolis is really a better source to discover new music.

But I do think this could be a good room and these improvements are definitively a step towards putting it on par with other venues on the large ballroom circuit. It's already bigger than cain's, and these additions should put it right in the sweet spot between cain's and the Brady. It just needs acoustic and amenity improvements, and this seems to be a step towards that. It really is a great size and location. If it gets paired with good promoters (other than DCF), it could be a premier venue.

A big development is brewing for the "Joe Carter Lot" just south of the events center.

I'm sure this is what Steve has been hinting about with the "will make Dallas & KC envious" comments.

Would be a large mixed-use project with an entertainment venue and structured parking and other elements.

Nothing finalized but this is well along in negotiations with the City, which owns that property.


Should have more details soon.

Pete, what type of entertainment venue ( theatre / live music / etc ) ? thanks.

I'd like to see the Opolis guys get into doing some bigger shows in the city. Everyone complains that bands bypass OKC, but that's really more bands of a certain size. The Opolis brings in a lot of very cool bands, but they're often of the "you haven't heard of them, YET" variety. DCF brings better known bands to Cain's and the Diamond, but, honestly, the Opolis is really a better source to discover new music...

I've tried to get the Bricktown Music Hall guys together with Andy and Marian - and I think there is a willingness on both ends - but they just haven't made a connection yet. I agree that Opolis routinely brings the best indie shows to the metro by far (owing to the Nunez' connections in the industry) and they often get shows that really have no business being in that tiny room, which of course just makes it that much cooler.

But I do think they could put some of those "larger than should be in the Opolis" shows into a bigger room (which they do from time to time at places like the union at OU). So I would love to see them start booking a few in OKC (which they have done in the past).

Brent (owner of the Chevy Bricktown Event Center) also has a good relationship with The Opolis folks so I think you could also see them putting some show into that reconfigured room in the future, though I don't know how much appetite they have for "big" shows and the risk that comes along with them.

Pete, what type of entertainment venue ( theatre / live music / etc ) ? thanks.No one has anything solid or able to report as such yet. Pete said he'll have more details soon, so we'll see.

No one has anything solid or able to report as such yet. Pete said he'll have more details soon, so we'll see.

Thanks Panda.

i would like to see them also pay some attention to the acoustics with this remodel. i'm sure it will be addressed since the upper level will obviously affect how the room sounds. but the sound in the center has been spotty at best at the concerts i've attended there over the years.

Thanks Panda.np.... very excited for this, Lumber Yard, and Chilshom Creek development... these will be game changers and truly transform the city if lived up to the hype

I've tried to get the Bricktown Music Hall guys together with Andy and Marian - and I think there is a willingness on both ends - but they just haven't made a connection yet. I agree that Opolis routinely brings the best indie shows to the metro by far (owing to the Nunez' connections in the industry) and they often get shows that really have no business being in that tiny room, which of course just makes it that much cooler.

But I do think they could put some of those "larger than should be in the Opolis" shows into a bigger room (which they do from time to time at places like the union at OU). So I would love to see them start booking a few in OKC (which they have done in the past).

Brent (owner of the Chevy Bricktown Event Center) also has a good relationship with The Opolis folks so I think you could also see them putting some show into that reconfigured room in the future, though I don't know how much appetite they have for "big" shows and the risk that comes along with them.

That's good to hear. I'd love to see some of those Opolis shows downtown. You're right, though, bigger shows equal bigger headaches, but I doubt BMH would be that tough. Of course, the BEC is a totally different animal.

Yeah, Opolis Productions could book shows into BMH tomorrow if they wanted to. I'm sure they have shows that they could access but can't take on because of their current venue size, and this would be the perfect fit for that. BEC though, is a quantum leap. Over there you are talking about bands that routinely command $10K and up per show.

An update by Steve with depictions of what the renovated space will look like.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/4569156?embargo=1

... any word on the the "type" of entertainment facility that will be placed in the south parking lot ?

An update by Steve with depictions of what the renovated space will look like.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/4569156?embargo=1

Mobile link: Chevy Bricktown Events Center to undergo renovation aimed at attracting performers | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/chevy-bricktown-events-center-to-undergo-renovation-aimed-at-attracting-performers/article/4569156)

The elevated seating and balcony are in line with what you see in many tier one mid size venues these days. It also seems to have a nice modern design aesthetic. If this update includes some sound treatments, it will be the best venue in Oklahoma City for sure. The renderings look like they include some curtain treatments and maybe some new ceiling treatments that will help control the room. This looks very promising to me.

I think it kind of mitigates the Tower Theater and Uptown venue issues, too. If this is as good as it looks, then I think the Tower should definitely focus on an Alamo Ale House type venue.

The Chevy Events Center has a ring to it that I'm sure the Farmers Market and Tower Theatre can't match

The Power and Light district hasn't exactly been an unqualified success. A success yes, but with some associated problems.

I hope you don't mean the Cordish dress code; I'm embarrassed to even be associated w urbanists who attack a decency dress code.

The Chevy Events Center has a ring to it that I'm sure the Farmers Market and Tower Theatre can't match

Yeah, name sucks, but if it weren't for the naming rights, the venue would continue to suck as well. I'll just call it the BEC and make up a rap song about it.

Mobile link: Chevy Bricktown Events Center to undergo renovation aimed at attracting performers | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/chevy-bricktown-events-center-to-undergo-renovation-aimed-at-attracting-performers/article/4569156)


I think it kind of mitigates the Tower Theater and Uptown venue issues, too. If this is as good as it looks, then I think the Tower should definitely focus on an Alamo Ale House type venue.

That or a cinema with an indie focus a-la Circle Cinema.

That or a cinema with an indie focus a-la Circle Cinema.

I'd be fine with that, but we do sort of have OKCMOA for some of that. I like their program, but the times aren't always convenient. And we do have the Paramount, too. Different experience, but you can drink and it's a cool setting.

Like I tell my son, maybe we just need to play with the toys we have more than always asking for more. : )

They have started on this project (from https://twitter.com/BricktownOKC):

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BntVziOIMAE62CZ.jpg

Holy heck (from: https://twitter.com/BricktownOKC)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpZGgW1IgAAmvC3.jpg:large

At least we know they're serious