18170

A nice 20,000 seat riverfront stadium, yes indeed. . .

I don't believe that they expire. I assume that Prodigal is probably paying some amount of money to the USL every year in order to renew the rights, and as long as they keep doing that, the USL doesn't really care if the club stays dormant.

This is not meant to be smart aleck.

The USL is a soccer league, they want and need teams playing soccer. I'm sure they would be thrilled if someone were offering to fix the stadium issue and buy the team. I don't think anyone has a desire to spend what it takes. If they did, I think there would be leaks in such a way as to pressure the Funk's to get off high center.

18170

I kind of like it.

So much unrealized potential with a stadium on the river. Though, nothing less than 20,000 capacity. I became a believer after hearing the details of the very busy year-round schedule for Frisco’s Toyota Stadium… it’s also the home of Dallas FC (MLS), home to the Division II National Championship, The Frisco Bowl (FBS), etc. A new and improved Toyota-like facility along the river in OKC would make a perfect fit, imo.

18170

Love the concept and location, but a reminder that the budget only has $41 million. That sounds like a lot of money, but if you need to buy land it's going to be a very "bare bones" stadium. That's why folks specualte/dream of a partnership with the Chickasaws, where they chip in the Okana land and offer to add their own dollars to make it a $100+ million project.

Love the concept and location, but a reminder that the budget only has $41 million. That sounds like a lot of money, but if you need to buy land it's going to be a very "bare bones" stadium. That's why folks specualte/dream of a partnership with the Chickasaws, where they chip in the Okana land and offer to add their own dollars to make it a $100+ million project.


yes, unfortunately the $41 million budget will NOT get you a major league stadium; best case scenario it would only secure the land. in order to bring major league teams to the city you need very committed and very wealthy, and by wealthy i mean multi-billionaire type investors, who have a vision and a passion for the city and the sport well into the future and doing their due diligence with a long term strategic planning in mind. and that's where this get unrealistic. personally, i think it's a shame their is no vision and leadership because the potential is really there and if someone can deal with the upfront costs the long term economic benefits would soon follow. other cities are taking those steps; i mentioned san diego just did it in a partnership with a native american tribe and a foreing investor. charlotte got a major league soccer team in less than two years because the carolina panthers owner decided to bring an MLS team to the city in order to complement the NFL schedule and have year round sporting and entertainment events at his stadium, for which the city of charlotte, nc footed more than $100 in stadium renovations to accommodate it to host football, soccer and concerts. so idk, i hope mayor holt sees the opportunity and lobbies to the right people to see what happens so that just like there was a willing group of private investors to bring NBA basketball to the city there too is a willing group than can bring major league soccer as well. by the way, the group who owns the thunder would be great partners for such a proposal, in san antonio the spurs's owners are also trying to bring and MLS team to their city, they already bought out the USL team owners and the city of san antonio bought their soccer stadium in light of a future renovation to make it MLS ready granted the spurs get an expansion franchise to san antonio. so there are precedents for such an endeavor to pursue.

Oklahoma City's MAPS 4 has $41 million budgeted for a multi-purpose stadium.

Funk Jr., was allowed by the City to select the stadium option. he chose the lowest stadium proposal $37 million - 8,000 seats

The second option was a $67 million to $72 million investment with 10,000 seats, shade structures and other amenities to improve the fan experience. Additional restrooms would be included, along with a larger stage and secondary stage. Organizers say this venue could host more than 80 events each year, which would bring over $79 million to the city. https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2019/08/proposed-outdoor-stadium-would-host-okc-energy/

A scaled-down version was also outlined in the presentation, coming with a lower capacity and price tag–estimated at $37 million-$42 million–with the expectation of hosting more than 60 events per year.

MAPS 4 strong sales tax collections boost funding collections allowed the City to add more funds to projects: https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4204/5296


Note: Multipurpose Stadium - $37,000,000 - (Amended Revenues) $4,265,130 = $41,265,130

Organizers release more information on MAPS 4 multipurpose outdoor stadium: https://kfor.com/news/organizers-release-more-information-on-maps-4-multipurpose-outdoor-stadium/

.

.

Oklahoma City's MAPS 4 has $41 million budgeted for a multi-purpose stadium.

Funk Jr., was allowed by the City to select the stadium option. he chose the lowest stadium proposal $37 million - 8,000 seats

The second option was a $67 million to $72 million investment with 10,000 seats, shade structures and other amenities to improve the fan experience. Additional restrooms would be included, along with a larger stage and secondary stage. Organizers say this venue could host more than 80 events each year, which would bring over $79 million to the city. https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2019/08/proposed-outdoor-stadium-would-host-okc-energy/

A scaled-down version was also outlined in the presentation, coming with a lower capacity and price tag–estimated at $37 million-$42 million–with the expectation of hosting more than 60 events per year.

MAPS 4 strong sales tax collections boost funding collections allowed the City to add more funds to projects: https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4204/5296


Note: Multipurpose Stadium - $37,000,000 - (Amended Revenues) $4,265,130 = $41,265,130

Organizers release more information on MAPS 4 multipurpose outdoor stadium: https://kfor.com/news/organizers-release-more-information-on-maps-4-multipurpose-outdoor-stadium/

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.

should just scrap the whole thing and put the money towards the basketball stadium.

A nice 20,000 seat riverfront stadium, yes indeed. . .

I found a discussion thread on a soccer webpage form 2006, talking about the size of a stadium footprint. The best I could find is that they were saying a 20,000 seat soccer stadium needs AT LEAST 10-13 acres for the stadium alone. And that doesn't include: parking, development around, etc... AAMAF the graphic I attached showed that Columbus was allotting 60 acres for parking! Does this south STP site have that much that could be "affordably" obtained? 18171

I found a discussion thread on a soccer webpage form 2006, talking about the size of a stadium footprint. The best I could find is that they were saying a 20,000 seat soccer stadium needs AT LEAST 10-13 acres for the stadium alone. And that doesn't include: parking, development around, etc... AAMAF the graphic I attached showed that Columbus was allotting 60 acres for parking! Does this south STP site have that much that could be "affordably" obtained? 18171

MLS proposed stadium capacities are getting larger than the 18,000-20,000 seats.

You're probably not going to hear anything about the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium until mid 2024; construction is scheduled to begin in 2025.: MAPS 4 timeline construction start: https://www.okc.gov/government/timeline

the tottenham hotspur stadium is an amazing precedent for the new, modern stadiums of the future. it is designed as a multipurpose stadium to host a variety of sports and live entertainment events, including NFL london games. i absolutely love it. it cost $1 billion to build almost ten years ago but i think the price tag covers more than jus the construction cost. in my opinion, with the right kind of vision, political leadership, community commitment and private investment; this can be a project oklahoma city can aspire to attract in the next couple of decades to be consistent with its "big league" ambitions. a stadium of this magnitude and scale, by the river within walking distance from downtown for a live sporting experience should at least be in the city's debate to complement the push for the new $1 billion thunder basketball arena.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtWs0x7clGQ

Thanks for sharing that!!

I love Okc talk but when people just drop idea straight from the genie’s lamp; totally disconnected with OKC reality, it just a waste of space and time.
Would I like a 55,000 seats soccer/football stadium and recruit Mbappé to help Haaland and the rest of the okc energy fc win the usl championship ? of course !
Do I want a gigantic airport with direct flight to every major cities in the world, that too!
Do I want to win the megamillion. Indeed !
Is it even worth entertaining for okc ? Absolutely not.
An 5 to 8,000 seats stadium for usl champ or league 1 will do great here.

I love Okc talk but when people just drop idea straight from the genie’s lamp; totally disconnected with OKC reality, it just a waste of space and time.
Would I like a 55,000 seats soccer/football stadium and recruit Mbappé to help Haaland and the rest of the okc energy fc win the usl championship ? of course !
Do I want a gigantic airport with direct flight to every major cities in the world, that too!
Do I want to win the megamillion. Indeed !
Is it even worth entertaining for okc ? Absolutely not.
An 5 to 8,000 seats stadium for usl champ or league 1 will do great here.

Wow! I hope you don't kick your dog, too!

the tottenham hotspur stadium is an amazing precedent for the new, modern stadiums of the future. it is designed as a multipurpose stadium to host a variety of sports and live entertainment events, including NFL london games. i absolutely love it. it cost $1 billion to build almost ten years ago but i think the price tag covers more than jus the construction cost. in my opinion, with the right kind of vision, political leadership, community commitment and private investment; this can be a project oklahoma city can aspire to attract in the next couple of decades to be consistent with its "big league" ambitions. a stadium of this magnitude and scale, by the river within walking distance from downtown for a live sporting experience should at least be in the city's debate to complement the push for the new $1 billion thunder basketball arena.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtWs0x7clGQ

You do realize that OKC's budget for the stadium is $40 million, right?

You do realize that OKC's budget for the stadium is $40 million, right?

And Tottenham Hotspur is in a city of 9 million people and a metro of 15 million.

My dream for the MAPS stadium is that it just has some form of shade/awning.

My dream for the MAPS stadium is that it just has some form of shade/awning.

The budget is so low that we are going to get a basic and relatively small facility, not unlike Paycom Arena when it was built by the first MAPS, and then subsequently upgraded several times.

Also, it sounds like the Okana idea is losing traction and that the most likely site will be the Producers Co-op site.

My dream for the MAPS stadium is that it just has some form of shade/awning.
An absolute necessity to have a roof over the stand. Whatever is the size (5 to 8,000 I guess) of the stadium, we need to protect the spectators from the elements.

I had the opportunity to go to the q2 stadium in Austin recently and the stands are fully covered which is a nice change from the Dallas/frisco stadium.

If the stadium finishes in the coop instead of the Okana area, it will be even better imo.

The budget is so low that we are going to get a basic and relatively small facility, not unlike Paycom Arena when it was built by the first MAPS, and then subsequently upgraded several times.

Also, it sounds like the Okana idea is losing traction and that the most likely site will be the Producers Co-op site.

Interesting about the Co-Op site!

i agree with you 100%. just saying the tottenham stadium is pretty damn nice stadium and should be a reference for stadium building.
the other point is that oklahoma city has "big league city" aspirations and that merits to think big and well into the future.



I love Okc talk but when people just drop idea straight from the genie’s lamp; totally disconnected with OKC reality, it just a waste of space and time.
Would I like a 55,000 seats soccer/football stadium and recruit Mbappé to help Haaland and the rest of the okc energy fc win the usl championship ? of course !
Do I want a gigantic airport with direct flight to every major cities in the world, that too!
Do I want to win the megamillion. Indeed !
Is it even worth entertaining for okc ? Absolutely not.
An 5 to 8,000 seats stadium for usl champ or league 1 will do great here.

yes.



You do realize that OKC's budget for the stadium is $40 million, right?

yes, about five times the population of the entire state of oklahoma. hell, just the tottenham neighborhood has probably more people than oklahoma city.



And Tottenham Hotspur is in a city of 9 million people and a metro of 15 million.

that's great news, in my opinion; the closer to bricktown the better!!!




The budget is so low that we are going to get a basic and relatively small facility, not unlike Paycom Arena when it was built by the first MAPS, and then subsequently upgraded several times.

Also, it sounds like the Okana idea is losing traction and that the most likely site will be the Producers Co-op site.

Maybe the $40 million should be saved as a down payment on a higher quality facility down the road?

They should just put it towards the new NBA arena if that passes. I would love a nice soccer stadium, but it feels like this facility is going to be very underwhelming.

They should just put it towards the new NBA arena if that passes. I would love a nice soccer stadium, but it feels like this facility is going to be very underwhelming.

I don't have a say, but l'd rather see about anything done right than half-a**ed.

I will be built with the ability to expand and enhance down the road.

Worked pretty darn well for the Paycom Arena.

The more I think about it the more I like the stadium potentially being on the CO-OP site. Seems ideal.

If indeed the stadium goes on the co-op site, it will be interesting to see how it is connected to Bricktown.

As it stands, the separator is a busy and wide OKC Boulevard and even then you have to traverse a lot of surface parking just to get past the back of the theater and the Uhaul facility.

Eventually, some sort of decent pedestrian connection will need to be constructed.

And hopefully better built than the expressway overpass- HA!

What a joke. It takes a huge public subsidy to make this economically feasible. Put in Strawberry Fields, Farmers Market or Wheeler Park

If indeed the stadium goes on the co-op site, it will be interesting to see how it is connected to Bricktown.

As it stands, the separator is a busy and wide OKC Boulevard and even then you have to traverse a lot of surface parking just to get past the back of the theater and the Uhaul facility.

Eventually, some sort of decent pedestrian connection will need to be constructed.

I’m thinking canal extension with walkways going under OKC BLVD

A bit biased here but the spuds stadium isn't the best in that area. The Emirates (opened in 2006 ~$1M #s) is within walking distance is as nice or nicer than that hovel.😀 Also, their new stadium opened in 2019.

A bit biased here but the spuds stadium isn't the best in that area. The Emirates (opened in 2006 ~$1M #s) is within walking distance is as nice or nicer than that hovel.�� Also, their new stadium opened in 2019.

Have you been to the Emirates in person?

I've been to Highbury a couple of times. Also Anfield, but that was not my idea!

Have you been to the Emirates in person?

I've been to Highbury a couple of times. Also Anfield, but that was not my idea!

Ya, Highbury and Emirates. Have enjoyed soccer since middle 80's coaching up the kids from a position of complete ignorance. Would love to see the sport blow up and need a 65k seat stadium downtown but the numbers are not with us. London has and supports probably 6-7 teams near the spuds and numerous smaller. That is where OKC is right now IMHO. I have long supported a south side city stadium 10-20k and see if that seed would continue to grow.

my first impression is they could make a grand, main entrance and fan zone on the east side of the site across the canal from the centenial land run monument and another north end entrance adjacent to okc blvd and adjust the road to make it pedestrian friendly along the stadium site.



If indeed the stadium goes on the co-op site, it will be interesting to see how it is connected to Bricktown.

As it stands, the separator is a busy and wide OKC Boulevard and even then you have to traverse a lot of surface parking just to get past the back of the theater and the Uhaul facility.

Eventually, some sort of decent pedestrian connection will need to be constructed.

A bit biased here but the spuds stadium isn't the best in that area. The Emirates (opened in 2006 ~$1M #s) is within walking distance is as nice or nicer than that hovel.😀 Also, their new stadium opened in 2019.

Sorry for continuing to go off-topic, but as someone who's toured both and has been to games at the Emirates, TH Stadium, and Wembley, TH Stadium is by far the best of the three by a mile.

New stadium to be located south of Bricktown (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=1004-New-stadium-to-be-located-south-of-Bricktown/edit)

At the end of December, the City Council was briefed on the intention to place the new MAPS 4 multi-purpose stadium on the former site of the Producer’s Coop just south of Bricktown.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124aa.jpg


Notes obtained by OKCTalk show the intention to add $30 million to the original stadium budget of $41 million. $20 million would come from tax increment financing (TIF) and $10 million would be derived from funds generated by the Omni Hotel deal with the City.

The $71 million total budget would allow for several improvements from the base $41 million, such as increasing capacity from 8,000 to 10,000 and adding shade structures.

FC Energy, Oklahoma City’s professional soccer team, has suspended operations due to a lack of an adequate stadium. The Energy would be the primary tenant once the facility is completed.

The facility would also be suitable for professional and college soccer, high school football and soccer, concerts, and other events. Oklahoma City is believed to be the only top 50 city without access to a multi-purpose stadium suitable for such events.

The design of the stadium would allow for future expansion.

The location discussed in the meeting is the site of the old Producer’s Coop cotton seed mill, which was demolished several years ago. The larger plan for the 34-acre parcel would include surrounding housing, retail, and restaurants.

The new stadium is currently scheduled for a 2027 completion.

The project would be in addition to the new $1 billion arena which will likely be on the site of the old Cox Center. Located between the arena and the proposed stadium, the massive Boardwalk at Bricktown hopes to start work later this year.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124f.jpg

Yes perfect location!!

Good location and I'm very, very happy about the shade structures.

I love the location, but I hope their will be private housing, retail, and other mixed-use development around it!

Those shade structures are much needed, so I'm glad they are present!

Where in the world are the getting the money to acquire the land?

Great news! OKC could use a small bowl game or 2!

Where in the world are the getting the money to acquire the land?

I presume that is included in the $71 million budget.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124e.jpg

Go ahead and build the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium to seat 20,000 or more. It will open up opportunities to attract more event nights.

The lower level seats 8,000. If the city could build the stadium to three levels to completely encircle the field, it could provide
more than 20,000 seats in an ideal location with parking available within a quarter mile.

Let's fast-track the stadium's construction to coincide with opening of the new DT arena.

Where in the world are the getting the money to acquire the land?

Maybe Paycom is sitting on it? Of course, the city is going to run out of land to give out if Cox site doesn't work out.

Where in the world are the getting the money to acquire the land?

It appears the Coop group is donating the land.

No doubt to finally jump-start their development.

Great, even more reason for Mazaheri to sit on the Lumberyard property and use it as parking, smh.

It appears the Coop group is donating the land.

No doubt to finally jump-start their development.

That definitely makes sense for them, and getting a $71M investment from the city to draw people into the area is a huge win.

Does this also mean the group is taking it on the chin for the site cleanup? I get the feeling the initial site selection discussions for the Arena probably drummed up a new way of thinking for the owners. They may have made a run at trying to secure the arena on the site thinking this could be a backup?

The cleanup requirements is not as cumbersome if there will be no residential units in the development.

I know renderings are useless at this point. And I know my opinion doesn't mean anything. But every rendering I've seen shows a U-shaped stadium with one endzone open. IMHO this is an idea from the 90's-early 2000's that has already gone away. The MLS 2.0 stadiums (FC Dallas, Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, Chicago Fire) were all built around the same time, and all had this same configuration, more or less. The idea was to have a "soccer specific" stadium that could also be used for concerts. Columbus has already built a new, fully-enclosed stadium. Chicago moved back to Soldier Field. Having been to many of the MLS stadia, IMHO Colorado and FC Dallas have the least atmosphere of any I've been to. There are other factors in play, as well, but a LOT of that I attribute to the empty endzone at both. It looks like a stadium where soccer is played, but NOT a soccer stadium.
Since then, except for SJ Earthquakes outdoor bar that they built, EVERY new MLS stadium is a fully-enclosed structure that actually looks like a proper stadium. Anyway, that's just my opinion. Which, I admit, doesn't mean much.

Here is Lackmeyer's story with quotes from Funk and Holt. Appears Funk/Energy are buying the land and donating it to the city for the stadium.

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/01/02/bricktown-okc-could-get-new-soccer-stadium-maps-4-funding/71991914007/

I know renderings are useless at this point. And I know my opinion doesn't mean anything. But every rendering I've seen shows a U-shaped stadium with one endzone open. IMHO this is an idea from the 90's-early 2000's that has already gone away. The MLS 2.0 stadiums (FC Dallas, Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, Chicago Fire) were all built around the same time, and all had this same configuration, more or less. The idea was to have a "soccer specific" stadium that could also be used for concerts. Columbus has already built a new, fully-enclosed stadium. Chicago moved back to Soldier Field. Having been to many of the MLS stadia, IMHO Colorado and FC Dallas have the least atmosphere of any I've been to. There are other factors in play, as well, but a LOT of that I attribute to the empty endzone at both. It looks like a stadium where soccer is played, but NOT a soccer stadium.
Since then, except for SJ Earthquakes outdoor bar that they built, EVERY new MLS stadium is a fully-enclosed structure that actually looks like a proper stadium. Anyway, that's just my opinion. Which, I admit, doesn't mean much.

I agree with wanting a fully enclosed stadium but they cite Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville as an inspiration and that's the definition of a U-shaped stadium. Guess it'll just depend on cost in the end.

Wonder how long it will take the surrounding land to be developed?

Here is Lackmeyer's story with quotes from Funk and Holt. Appears Funk/Energy are buying the land and donating it to the city for the stadium.

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/01/02/bricktown-okc-could-get-new-soccer-stadium-maps-4-funding/71991914007/

Well its great to see Funk invest in the Energys future. 2027 is a long time for a team to sit idle.

When are they going to start construction?

New stadium to be located south of Bricktown (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=1004-New-stadium-to-be-located-south-of-Bricktown/edit)

At the end of December, the City Council was briefed on the intention to place the new MAPS 4 multi-purpose stadium on the former site of the Producer’s Coop just south of Bricktown.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124aa.jpg


Notes obtained by OKCTalk show the intention to add $30 million to the original stadium budget of $41 million. $20 million would come from tax increment financing (TIF) and $10 million would be derived from funds generated by the Omni Hotel deal with the City.

The $71 million total budget would allow for several improvements from the base $41 million, such as increasing capacity from 8,000 to 10,000 and adding shade structures.

FC Energy, Oklahoma City’s professional soccer team, has suspended operations due to a lack of an adequate stadium. The Energy would be the primary tenant once the facility is completed.

The facility would also be suitable for professional and college soccer, high school football and soccer, concerts, and other events. Oklahoma City is believed to be the only top 50 city without access to a multi-purpose stadium suitable for such events.

The design of the stadium would allow for future expansion.

The location discussed in the meeting is the site of the old Producer’s Coop cotton seed mill, which was demolished several years ago. The larger plan for the 34-acre parcel would include surrounding housing, retail, and restaurants.

The new stadium is currently scheduled for a 2027 completion.

The project would be in addition to the new $1 billion arena which will likely be on the site of the old Cox Center. Located between the arena and the proposed stadium, the massive Boardwalk at Bricktown hopes to start work later this year.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium010124f.jpg


bump

Very exciting. Just hope that they can get the site cleaned up. Granted, putting a stadium on top sort of "covers" the mess without having to deal with it in the same way as you would if you were, say, put in a development that had to scoop out for a basement or something.

I'm crossing my fingers that they make it usable for things like football to host state games and marching contests!

That would be a great development for downtown and soccer fans in the area, but no talk of making it work for baseball too?

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark turns 26 years old this year, which is older than Paycom, and it's the third oldest facility in the PCL.

Kind of surprised not much has been said about maybe a more modern stadium for the OKC Baseball Club/Dodgers.