I do not for one minute think the SFP management are crooks. I think they have been allowed to operate as "the Gaylord family pet project" for so long that they just don't know why anyone would ask them any questions. Another reminder that in many ways Oklahoma City is still a big small town.

I think it is time for the State Fair Board to engage in a PR campaign and show how honest they are. Actually ask for community input. Tell us where their offices are. Have an area that displays their 5 year, 10 year, 25 year plan and vision. Sell us, not tell us (although I'm not sure if they even care enough to tell us) about what their goal is for their byzantine and arrogant traffic & parking setup. Why their eternal use of temporary, orange plastic and/or concrete traffic walls represent attractive and intelligent traffic management. How they are good neighbors and care about what happens outside of their $50 a line foot black steel fencing.

Having said that, I am totally in favor of the new arena. I think it will be a great benefit to Oklahoma City. And I think the best way to get hockey back in OKC is to badger them into using the brand new arena with ice making ability. That the city wide MAPS money paid for.

Ageee.

I think it’s worth noting that I’m not against an arena period, I am against giving them the money for an arena while knowing nothing about their internal operation and budgets.

Maybe Dr. She did, who is active on other threads, would care to tell readers how the oversight committee is able to operate in secrecy and how to force them public.

It's important to remember that once the new convention center opens, the medium-term plan is for the Myriad/Cox Convention Center to go away.

We actually haven't seen the city sat that yet though. I know a lot of people here want that to happen, but im not going make that assumption until the city says they're going to shutter the place. And i really dont think they're going to do that.

As much as Laramie and others have mentioned hockey in relationship to the new arena, I have seen no mention of it in the promotional materials. They mention horse related events, basketball tournaments and ice shows but any mention of hockey is conspicuously absent...

I can’t help but wonder if it’s because it would create too many scheduling conflicts with horse related events ...

it's because those that wanted to bring hockey here just a few years ago, said they wouldn't be back to even consider us until there was a long term place to play, since the peake is a no, and there is no long term commitment to the Cox... so those people won't even come back (if they ever do decide to come back) until an arena is already in place. i'm not saying that i know of any active plans to bring hockey back. i just know that when the Stars organization was looking here a few years ago, they were told no to the Peake, and they wouldn't do the Cox center since there was no long term commitment from the City of actually having a place to play were the Cox center to be destroyed. And so they left and said they could not consider OKC until there was a long term solution.

again, i'm not saying if we build a location, that hockey will come back, and that is why it isn't mentioned... because there probably currently is no plans for hockey to return to OKC... but without having a facility (since the Thunder won't share) that percentage will continue to stay at 0.0% chance, if we don't have another place that could be available. scheduling for these types of things is rarely ever a true deal breaker... and it shouldn't be with the Peake... the thunder just don't want to share... if San Antonio can share with an AHL, Dallas with an NHL, and Staples center able to work the schedule of 2 NBA, one NHL, and concerts and other events... you can't tell me that we can'd figure out scheduling...

We actually haven't seen the city sat that yet though. I know a lot of people here want that to happen, but im not going make that assumption until the city says they're going to shutter the place. And i really dont think they're going to do that.

but when the Stars were here to look at the possibility of bringing an ECHL team here... they were specifically told by the city that the city could not commit any long term commitment of the Cox center being a place they could play... so while they city hasn't actually said that yet... they aren't denying it either...

and i have second hand knowledge of those conversations, that i have no reason to not believe, because they were in those conversations.

^^^ Or it could be a more palatable than saying "We don't want the Thunder ownership mad at us"

^^^ Or it could be a more palatable than saying "We don't want the Thunder ownership mad at us"

????

why would the DSE (the ownership group for the Stars) care at all about Thunder ownership being mad at them? or are you saying the City didn't want Thunder ownership mad at them? i'm confused by what you are saying

I don't see any reason why the Thunder should share with a minor league hockey team. Yes, I know it's possible to use the Chesapeake for both. But minor league hockey is such a tiny draw compared to the NBA that there's no reason to fight that battle.

I don't see any reason why the Thunder should share with a minor league hockey team. Yes, I know it's possible to use the Chesapeake for both. But minor league hockey is such a tiny draw compared to the NBA that there's no reason to fight that battle.

because it get used and therefore generates additional revenue for another 36 nights a year... people don't want cities to build stadiums for billionaires, but also dont want cities to actually use them to generate revenue when they could... just blows my mind

also, i sort of agree... and it's perfectly okay for a minor league hockey team to play at a smaller venue.. and that is why we would need something like a new state fair arena to do so... for the city to show a long term commitment to another facility besides the Peake

because it get used and therefore generates additional revenue for another 36 nights a year... people don't want cities to build stadiums for billionaires, but also dont want cities to actually use them to generate revenue when they could... just blows my mind

also, i sort of agree... and it's perfectly okay for a minor league hockey team to play at a smaller venue.. and that is why we would need something like a new state fair arena to do so... for the city to show a long term commitment to another facility besides the Peake

the minor league hockey team really cant afford the rent at the peake

the minor league hockey team really cant afford the rent at the peake

shouldn't that be for the owner of said hockey team to determine? and to determine the best course of action? again, i'm not saying the Peake should be where a minor league team should play... i'm saying it's the only option since there isn't a long term plan for the Cox center to still exist. and so if it's the only option, but isn't really an option because the Thunder don't share... then we have no opportunity to get minor league hockey.

hence why i'm in support of a new state fair arena.

And now a press release through their PR firm:

*****************


Study Shows Benefits of Replacing Jim Norick Arena
‘Big House’ has served state’s athletes, international competitions for 54 years

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 8, 2019) – Replacing the famous Jim Norick Arena – known as “The Big House” – at State Fair Park would provide an economic boost to Oklahoma City, according to a new study.

Crossroads Consulting, a nationally recognized expert in large public venue (LPV) consulting, found a new State Fair Park Coliseum would generate more than $230 million a year in direct spending and more than $400 million a year in total economic impact.

“‘The Big House’ has provided lifelong memories for high school athletes from across the state for generations and helped make Oklahoma City the ‘Horse Show Capital of the World,’” said Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. President & CEO Tim O’Toole. “Unfortunately, the building is rapidly approaching the end of its useful life. The Crossroads study shows how much is at risk and how our entire community will benefit from investing in a new coliseum.”

Additionally, Crossroads said a new coliseum would generate 10 percent more direct spending than the existing facility and create an extra 370 total jobs a year.

State Fair Park is an important economic driver and gathering place for Oklahoma City, the report found. Over the last three years, it has averaged a total attendance of more than 2.15 million visitors annually. The park’s visitors generated more economic impact than three other city-owned facilities combined over the last three years – Cox Convention Center, Chesapeake Energy Arena and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“The report shows how important it is to invest in state-of-the-art facilities which will continue to attract people from the metro area, the state and the rest of the world,” O’Toole said.

In January 2017, the City of Oklahoma City, which owns State Fair Park, commissioned an architectural firm to create plans for a modern coliseum with more than 4,700 fixed seats, 2,600 retractable seats and premium amenities such as suites, box seating and club opportunities.

Construction is expected to cost $95 million, and plans call for keeping the Norick Arena open during the process to minimize disruption.

“Building a new facility would have clear benefits for the Oklahoma City community. This need has been acknowledged for several years by the City of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. The expected MAPS program to fund capital improvements presents an exceptional opportunity to secure funding for a project of this magnitude,” O’Toole said. “We look forward to voters continuing to support the world-class facilities at State Fair Park as we fulfill our mission of economic development through tourism.”

About Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.
Oklahoma State Fair, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that serves the people of Oklahoma and is dedicated to continuing the organization’s heritage of education, entertainment and economic development through the operation of State Fair Park and the annual Oklahoma State Fair.

Here is a video that was included in the press release.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Dz3_K95Zo

????

why would the DSE (the ownership group for the Stars) care at all about Thunder ownership being mad at them? or are you saying the City didn't want Thunder ownership mad at them? i'm confused by what you are saying
Sorry i was not clear. I was refering to the legal owners, Oklahoma City.

I don't see any reason why the Thunder should share with a minor league hockey team. Yes, I know it's possible to use the Chesapeake for both. But minor league hockey is such a tiny draw compared to the NBA that there's no reason to fight that battle.

Other than the fact they are tenents and not the owners of said arena. It also appears whether factual or not that the current deference impacts other entertainment options there such as concerts.

Sorry i was not clear. I was refering to the legal owners, Oklahoma City.

ok. yep, it's the city that doesn't want them mad at them, and i just don't understand. it's not like they have any other options

We actually haven't seen the city sat that yet though. I know a lot of people here want that to happen, but im not going make that assumption until the city says they're going to shutter the place. And i really dont think they're going to do that.

There are nearly 1,000 parking spots under the Cox. I doubt they demo until there is a rock solid plan for replacement. In the mean time they should still sell the crap out of the space to keep getting value out of it.

There are nearly 1,000 parking spots under the Cox. I doubt they demo until there is a rock solid plan for replacement. In the mean time they should still sell the crap out of the space to keep getting value out of it.

Yup, until i see someone that says "we're officially going to close the Myriad", then i'll see it as still going to be there. People keep forgetting how many things that it offers and how it will NOT be redundant after the CC opens. It'll be the second class facility, sure. But that's the price market a lot of meetings will go for since the CC is going to be the premium price. It hasn't kept the similar facilities around town from having any trouble with bookings. The SFA is still a "maybe" too. So like said before, the Myriad is the option for anything else that comes in (hockey, g league, whatever) because they certainly aren't going to play at the current SFA.

So like said before, the Myriad is the option for anything else that comes in (hockey, g league, whatever) because they certainly aren't going to play at the current SFA.

well the city disagrees with you... because they wouldn't commit to it being around for any specified time after the new CC is built, to DSE.. they seem to imply that it just isn't a real option unless you are okay with uncertainty in the near future of where you will be able to play... and no owner is going to make a decision that doesn't even have a 5 year plan of a place to play.

so you say it's an option... and the city is currently telling ownership groups that there is no options..

A lot of HS graduations happen at Myriad. Does the school pay the city for this or how does that work? And if it is torn down will these HS graduations move to the new CC? And if they pay Myriad I would wonder how much more the new CC would cost? Plus if actual conventions are booking new CC we would not want HS graduations to lock out dates which could cost us visitors and revenue.

If the new CC is not a viable option I wonder where the graduations will take place? Not a big deal but was curious

If the new CC is not a viable option I wonder where the graduations will take place? Not a big deal but was curious

honestly was a question i hadn't thought of yet. i mean i'm certain they will find a place. some might move back to local gymnasiums, i would assume. but a good question

Graduations at the Cox Center are a relatively newish thing.

At Putnam City, we always used the stadium. And now more schools have their own stadiums: PC North and West, Edmond Memorial, North and SF, etc.

Graduations at the Cox Center are a relatively newish thing.

At Putnam City, we always used the stadium. And now more schools have their own stadiums: PC North and West, Edmond Memorial, North and SF, etc.

My daughter had hers at Myriad/Cox and it was quite a lot of people (PC North). There were session slots that day too from all the other schools. Other kid was at BM and they had it at their private school but only had 164 graduating students.

I’m sure there are other options. But the PCN one had around 5k just in families/friends it was massive.

I'm going to go on the assumption that the fair is going to get a new arena one way or another. Under that assumption, I can pretty much guartee you the cox center will either be shuttered or go into disarray. The city won't care to maintain it anymore because it will be focusing more on the new convention center. The cox center won't attract the big players to pay for its own maintenance except for the parking garage underneath.

There are nearly 1,000 parking spots under the Cox. I doubt they demo until there is a rock solid plan for replacement. In the mean time they should still sell the crap out of the space to keep getting value out of it.


Yup, until i see someone that says "we're officially going to close the Myriad", then i'll see it as still going to be there. People keep forgetting how many things that it offers and how it will NOT be redundant after the CC opens. It'll be the second class facility, sure. But that's the price market a lot of meetings will go for since the CC is going to be the premium price. It hasn't kept the similar facilities around town from having any trouble with bookings. The SFA is still a "maybe" too. So like said before, the Myriad is the option for anything else that comes in (hockey, g league, whatever) because they certainly aren't going to play at the current SFA.

per the agreement with Omni the city must stop booking Conferences ect.. at the cox within 1 year on the Omni opening

https://newsok.com/article/5556353/oklahoma-city-would-pay-85-million-for-omni-hotel-in-proposed-deal

per the agreement with Omni the city must stop booking Conferences ect.. at the cox within 1 year on the Omni opening

https://newsok.com/article/5556353/oklahoma-city-would-pay-85-million-for-omni-hotel-in-proposed-deal

Article says they have to stop booking "larger conferences". I imagine sports would still be okay, as it doesn't create a conflict with the new CC, but I'm just guessing.

Feels like the fix is already in for the State Fair getting their cut of MAPS 4.

Article says they have to stop booking "larger conferences". I imagine sports would still be okay, as it doesn't create a conflict with the new CC, but I'm just guessing.

Article isn't completely clear, but I'm assuming it would just stop OKC from booking larger conferences within a year, but private entities could still book larger conferences? Or do I just not know about how conferences are booked?

But the PCN one had around 5k just in families/friends it was massive.

I'm sure it felt like 5K but they only graduate about 500 and I doubt each and every single student had 10 family members there. They now have less than 1,700 in 4 grades and the senior class is always the smallest of the 4. I bet they aren't even graduating 400 these days.

I graduated with over 1,000 and there was still room in PC stadium for the entire crowd. North can easily fit this in their new stadium.

I'm sure it felt like 5K but they only graduate about 500 and I doubt each and every single student had 10 family members there. They now have less than 1,700 in 4 grades and the senior class is always the smallest of the 4. I bet they aren't even graduating 400 these days.

I graduated with over 1,000 and there was still room in PC stadium for the entire crowd. North can easily fit this in their new stadium.

There was 550 she tells me. Problem with stadium is weather. Lots of out of towners and its a gamble to do outside fir that reason. When we had hers we walked out to tornado sirens going off it was a bad weather day. I know she had 25 family there and it was over half full in stands. I think it holds 10k? Anyways, regardless - there will be a need for alternate venues but its only about a 3 week period every year

When schools use stadiums, they use their auditorium as back-up. We were given 2 rain tickets for the auditorium and then the overflow would watch a simulcast in the gym.

To my knowledge, PC has never needed to go this route in the last 50 years. I have 4 siblings, a brother in law, 2 nieces and countless friends go through graduation at that stadium and it always worked out. And even easier now with artificial turf everywhere.

So, losing the Cox for graduation ceremonies should not be a big deal which is the central point. It wasn't that long ago where almost no schools held graduations there.

Anyone else getting PMs from Green County about the State Fair being a charity and not a city organization and that their federal charity filing is transparency enough?

https://www.okctalk.com/member.php?u=11937

How many other charities have lobbied for a direct cut of past MAPS projects? It might have happened, but I don’t know the details.

When schools use stadiums, they use their auditorium as back-up. We were given 2 rain tickets for the auditorium and then the overflow would watch a simulcast in the gym.

To my knowledge, PC has never needed to go this route in the last 50 years. I have 4 siblings, a brother in law, 2 nieces and countless friends go through graduation at that stadium and it always worked out. And even easier now with artificial turf everywhere.

So, losing the Cox for graduation ceremonies should not be a big deal which is the central point. It wasn't that long ago where almost no schools held graduations there.

My first comment was its not a big deal:

“If the new CC is not a viable option I wonder where the graduations will take place? Not a big deal but was curious”

So it was mainly just conversation about where they would go. Its great to hear 40 years of weather luck especially in high storm season. And your backup plan comments would work too but if out of town would be a bummer to spend all the money and have to watch video feed. Anyways, its a small issue and I’m sure they will survive it.

All of the Moore High schools graduate at the Myriad/Cox center. Only one time did Moore High use the LNC in Norman, and that was due to construction at the Myriad/Cox. Westmoore has never graduated anywhere else and the same with Southmoore. I was there/in charge of the first 28 of those at Westmoore. Each school WHS, MHS, and SHS used to graduate on their own day. The school district pays the Myriad/Cox center for use of the facility. Due the cost of each high school using the facility on a separate day, several years ago it was consolidated into all 3 high schools graduating on the same day. Start times rotate each year. Westmoore is first this year at 9:30 a.m. p.s. As far as attendance goes, it is common for there to be between 8-10K at the Westmoore graduation. I would assume it would be about the same for MHS and SHS.

Anyone else getting PMs from Green County about the State Fair being a charity and not a city organization and that their federal charity filing is transparency enough?

https://www.okctalk.com/member.php?u=11937

How many other charities have lobbied for a direct cut of past MAPS projects? It might have happened, but I don’t know the details.

they are a 501 that operates the fair grounds on behalf of the city ...

if people have issue with them the city council is who to talk to they oversee them

Mid-Del started going back to the Myriad and they used to have them there 20 years ago. Mine was there back in 00 and they had been have them there for like 10 years by that point. So it's not a relatively new thing....been doing it for 30 years. And the spectators definitely number in the thousands for 6A schools.

And for the Omni, that statement about large conferences makes my point. The Myriad will be the tier 2 shop for smaller conferences or even non-conference meetings. Ive been to plenty of single room events there over the years. And remember, the once Renaissance was who booked those and coordinated food/etc. So once the bigger stuff moves, it's just as likely to continue to get the cheaper small stuff.

And if someone comes to town and says, we want to start hockey next season and we the only place that's a good fit is the Myriad....the city is gonna go with it. Again, when we see it posted pubiclly that we're going to doze the place, then i'll believe it. Until then, its business as usual.

Yeah my graduation was over 20 years ago and it was at the Myriad.

I don't think they should bulldoze the Cox Center until they've got a serious development plan in place, with funding and everything ready to go. Right now there's just too much empty land around downtown to believe that anything awesome will spring into being here.

I agree. Once downtown housing is in greater demand and there is a commitment for a prime time multi-use development, then it should stay. We've seen several opportunities for having both arena's in use at the same time.

Which isn't going to be any time soon. That market is pretty tapped right now. And as hoya said, the last thing we need is some mega block of grass in the heart of downtown. And dont get me started on that "restore the grid" bull. Once this large block is taken, its gone for good and the city has lost a prime spot for the Peake's replacement and vise versa for any future. And restoring that part of the grid gets us nothing because of where it is. Not to mention that there is zero demand for it compared to what's available already....and what's in C2S.

May 2019 graduations at the current Norick State Fair Arena:


Thurs, May 16 - Santa Fe South High School Graduation: 7 - 10 p.m.
Fri., May 17 - U.S. Grant High School Graduation: 5 - 7 p.m.
Fri., May 17 - Capitol Hill High School Graduation: 8 - 10 p.m.

Schedule I OK State Fair Park: https://statefairparkokc.com/schedule?

Once the new convention center & Omni are open with restrictions on the CCC-Myriad; the opportunities for the new State Fair Arena will come into play. Didn't realize the utilization of SFA.

Which isn't going to be any time soon. That market is pretty tapped right now. And as hoya said, the last thing we need is some mega block of grass in the heart of downtown. And dont get me started on that "restore the grid" bull. Once this large block is taken, its gone for good and the city has lost a prime spot for the Peake's replacement and vise versa for any future. And restoring that part of the grid gets us nothing because of where it is. Not to mention that there is zero demand for it compared to what's available already....and what's in C2S.

Yeah right now we've got nearly the exact same amount of land, on the other side of the Myriad Gardens, and it's sitting virtually completely empty. The Cox Center will probably be there for another 20 years at least.

Personally I think the new convention center, the Omni, Scissortail Park, and the streetcar are going to be massive successes. I'm very positive about them. I think they are going to change downtown in ways that we can't even imagine right now. These will be transformative, probably more than the first MAPS was (definitely more than the first MAPS was if you only give it partial credit for the Thunder). That said, it doesn't mean that we'll get a dozen skyscrapers popping up out of the ether. We'll have a hundred small projects that grow organically over the next two decades, gradually eating up vacant land. But right now there's still a lot available.

The Cox Center probably needs its own MAPS project, and it needs to be coordinated with major private investment.

Yeah right now we've got nearly the exact same amount of land, on the other side of the Myriad Gardens, and it's sitting virtually completely empty. The Cox Center will probably be there for another 20 years at least.

Personally I think the new convention center, the Omni, Scissortail Park, and the streetcar are going to be massive successes. I'm very positive about them. I think they are going to change downtown in ways that we can't even imagine right now. These will be transformative, probably more than the first MAPS was (definitely more than the first MAPS was if you only give it partial credit for the Thunder). That said, it doesn't mean that we'll get a dozen skyscrapers popping up out of the ether. We'll have a hundred small projects that grow organically over the next two decades, gradually eating up vacant land. But right now there's still a lot available.

The Cox Center probably needs its own MAPS project, and it needs to be coordinated with major private investment.

there is no chance the cox is there in 20 years ..

there is no chance the cox is there in 20 years ..

Agree, give it 5-7 years after the Omni & new convention center opens.

A bigger key will be if a new arena at State Fair Park is approved in MAPS IV initiative.

I'm with hoya....not like that wasn't obvious already. But i dont think that it has to look like it does today for that to be the case.

First, we did just spend a fair amount of money recently updating the place. The arena itself had the boxes put in and some other items like that. In general, it's still in pretty good condition. It's not a tier 1 building in any way, but it can still serve a purpose.

IF, that's still not absolute, the new SFA is built, I could see the new SFA replacing the Myriad arena. We don't need two 11k seat arenas.

HOWEVER, what i would like you guys to sill keep in mind is that types of events will not be able/willing to pay the rate at the new convention center. If they want it to be a top contender, then the new CC is going to command a top price. Like i've said before, that simply pushes the Mryiad down to tier 2 in the city.

And the BIGGEST thing for me is the land value. It's extremely easy to shutter the arena portion and just do the smaller meeting events. At some point, the city will need to decide if it's still able to sustain its limited operations. But it also holds a 1000 car garage underneath it that's a pretty danged bit deal for 'Peake events. Do you doze the top and make a surface lot with the downstairs parking maintained? But that land is EXTREMELY valuable later when its time to doze the Peake. And this is where i see the biggest value for the land. We have a now built-in ability to rotate between two chunks of land for any future arena endeavors.

So what i see in my head, is when its time for the Peake to go, the Myriad's super block all gets dozed. We have plans for the new arena on about 1/2 of the plot. Then we can put in some structured parking so those arena events get some of that back and we get people off parking on the side of the street everywhere. Especially as C2S fills in and all those empty lots have buildings on them that need parking for their own customers. And that last bit of land can be sold off to some commercial endeavor. Or shock....let the city develop it so it holds the lease and doesn't give up the land in case it needs it later. Heck, put in the rail stop/bus stop/etc. There are tons of uses to the city on land it already owns. Want a police command center for arena events? How about a city service center so you dont have to go through the mess that's involved in getting in to the place down the street? Just random ideas, but what i'm saying is try to think outside the box in a way other than just selling it off to a private developer that has no requirement to actually complete what they promise (cough remember the OG&E towers?).

There's zero benefit to grid restoration. You get a connector between Gaylord and the side of the Gardens. Or between the Peake and a that weird short run of Broadway before it merges with Gaylord. What exactlly are you going to get there except more traffic lights? We dont need the land. If there was a market, the Stage Center would have something on it. And the land in C2S would be full. We're still 30 years away from C2S looking like anything other than a very empty chunk of land. It's a generational project at the rate our downtown is building. So why are we peeing our pants so bad to bulldoze the thing?

Press release:

***************


OSSAA Signs 5-Year ‘Big House’ Contract Extension

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 15, 2019) – The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) has signed a five-year extension to stage state championship wrestling and basketball tournaments at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

OSSAA has hosted basketball tournaments at the Jim Norick Arena – known by many as “The Big House” – for 54 years.

“It was really important for us to remain at State Fair Park because we understand the history and tradition that goes with playing at The Big House,” said OSSAA Executive Director David Jackson. “We still have people who come to our tournament today who came many, many years ago. There’s a connection between people of all ages.”

Extending the agreement comes as the arena is nearing the end of its useful life. Oklahoma State Fair, Inc., which operates the facility on behalf of the City of Oklahoma City, has proposed building a $95 million replacement using money from the expected MAPS4 program in Oklahoma City.

“Unfortunately, the building is on its last legs,” said Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. President & CEO Tim O’Toole. “The average life cycle of a public sports arena is 30 to 40 years. The Jim Norick Arena is 54 years old and needs to be retired. With voter support, we can serve future generations of athletes and provide an economic boost for Oklahoma City.”

Jackson agreed.

“We think building a new coliseum is huge, not only for Oklahoma City, but to maintain the tradition of playing in “The Big House” — a newer and improved ‘Big House.’” Jackson said. “I don’t think we’d lose any of the tradition we’ve gained over the last 50 years; it comes from being on that property. Being able to play in a new, shinier arena would make it even more special.”

O’Toole said now is the time to support a new coliseum.

“We must ensure our current and future stars are provided the same opportunities as previous generations,” O’Toole said. “A new State Fair Park Coliseum would be a catalyst for shared memories and economic development.”

Concern surrounds the 947 parking spaces below the CCC-Myriad if it's demolished. Once the Omni & new convention center become operational; the CCC-Myriad will be limited according to the agreement the City has with the Omni.

SMG will manage the new convention center.

The new 865 space garage & 540-space surface parking lot are designed to provide parking for the new convention center, Scissortail Park, 17-story, 605-room Omni Hotel, Fairfield Inn & Suites, the Chesapeake Arena, and an eight-story, 241-apartment Boulevard Place residential tower. New garage & surface parking will provide 1405 parking spaces.

Will these venues need more parking?

That's a lot of places to shared the spaced whereas today, the spaces are pretty much dedicated to the arena and meeting space. So i would still argue that we would still want the spaces. I mean if we're talking about 800 hotel rooms plus 250 apartments, i betcha 75-80% of those rooms are going to need parking. And if there's an event at the Peake then, well the need skyrockets for the event. So I would call that 1400 grossly inadequate and that it needs the 950 myriad spots, again to help reduce the curb congestion and control the flow.

IMO you can't have too much parking.

The 947 spaces for the CCC-Myriad underground parking garage is probably what will delay the demolition of the 4-sq., block center in addition to the demolition costs itself. Since the underground parking is covered; you could get 900 spot-slotd surface parking above ground once the CCC-Myriad is demoed. Many want to see this area developed. As Bomber mentioned; it may be a nice reserve for a future arena replacement 10-12 years from now.

We've heard the concerns about any kind of parking on this forum; keep in mind that parking will be the key to any potential development. Some want parking that doesn't resemble a parking garage; others don't want parking garages unless it has store front for retail strip; some don't want parking unless it's reserved for them--just calling it as I see it.

Let's hope we can get past the parking discussion & back on topic for the New State Fair Arena.

OKC coliseum may receive MAPS 3 boost


By William Crum
Staff writer wcrum@oklahoman.com

Friday, February 28, 2020

The MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board on Tuesday sent to the city council its final recommendations for spending leftover MAPS 3 sales tax revenue.

The first item on the list is $9 million toward building a coliseum specially designed for horse shows and intended to serve as the new “Big House” for state high school tournaments...

...A $9 million cash infusion from MAPS 3 would enable the fairgrounds to move quickly to complete the coliseum’s architectural plans and prepare to take construction bids.

Construction could begin in 2022, making the coliseum one of the first MAPS 4 projects to rise from the ground.

There are reasons for haste...

...Initial plans are for 7,320 seats in the new coliseum, 4,720 fixed and 2,600 retractable for flexibility. Refinements can be expected as architects complete their drawings...

...The MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board’s recommendations for spending leftover cash includes $30 million for the downtown park, to renovate Union Station — a project Holt in his speech promised would be completed — and to link the park to the Oklahoma River.

Also on the list is $20 million for a South Lakes Trail to the river and $5 million for senior health and wellness center enhancements.

The council will decide how it is to be divided. Voters approved the 1-cent MAPS 4 sales tax on Dec. 10. Collections begin April 1.


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Pork Barrel!

0 should go to the arena. We did NOT vote on Maps 3 for any dang horse crap at the arena. It should only be spent on the things we voted on and there are plenty of things we can spend this money on within Maps3.

I would have thought that since it's all supposed to be earmarked, that we shouldn't be able to spend it on things other than maps3????

This is a good time to talk to your councilperson about this.

https://www.okc.gov/residents/ward-map

Agree with you but technically the way the language has been on the ballot they could use it for anything.

I don't have any objection to State Fair Park getting the money. I have learned during my 38 years of being a neighbor that it stays busy year round and is pretty well run.

I complain about how secretive (or maybe quiet is a better term) the leadership is. But I have a hard time thinking it is possible that former Mayor Ron Norick, or any of the other members of State Fair Park leadership have anything other than the best interest of Oklahoma City as their sole motivation.

The latest crafters of MAPS since the original MAPS rollout in 1993 have gotten smarter; they've learned to draft a request for more than what you need because you can always return the surplus.

Don't underestimate the economic impact of the 440 ace State Fair Park Complex. The Bennett Event Center & the new State Fair Coliseum will be a combination that will retain our current horse shows; keep OKC competitive.



https://bigmemes.funnyjunk.com/thumbnails/comments/The+trees+that+threw+apples+from+the+wizard+of+oz+ _cff63cd6473b4e90ac8e329af1a028b4.jpg
Oklahoma's economic engine.

Let's not forget that Oklahoma only has 7 billionaires/5 Fortune 500 companies vs 38 billionaires/49 Fortune 500 companies in Texas. The Long Star State doesn't mind plucking anything they want off Oklahoma's tree, short of putting us into shock.

Letting a MAPS 4 project take money from MAPS 3 is a violation of the MAPS social contract. It's a bad idea to start meddling with the working formula.

Letting a MAPS 4 project take money from MAPS 3 is a violation of the MAPS social contract. It's a bad idea to start meddling with the working formula.

Surplus money. What's your remedy...

We don't need a new horse barn only at the fairgrounds, we need a multipurpose arena were basketball, hockey and other sports can be played. Since the City don't want hockey played anywhere else. Most of the horse shows will be going to Fort Worth's new Dickie arena. Horse shows should be at the stockyard.

Most of the horse shows will be going to Fort Worth's new Dickie arena.
This is my fear. That arena is just incredible.

This is my fear. That arena is just incredible.

It's a $540 million facility.