with the Funks track record of owning and managing sports franchises here, I wish they would let someone else have a go at it

So, just a thought. Without diving into the cleanup on the site, In the Funk's release on this, they mention wanting to build this and create a top notch sporting area. Is there any chance the new Thunder arena could be built here? Could we be looking at both the MAPS 4 stadium as well as the new Paycom built adjacent here? Throw in a few parking garages and get someone like Gary Brooks to design some mixed use entertainment and living areas, this area could get HUGE.


Of course, and again, I'm not factoring in cleanup here or how long that would take. But going off what Funk mentioned in his press release, I felt maybe there was some underlying chance of getting the Thunder Arena there too. But idk how large the Prairie Surf Media/Cox Convention Center is compared to the available land the Funk's are giving OKC here.

with the Funks track record of owning and managing sports franchises here, I wish they would let someone else have a go at it

I agree, he is asking for more in incentives than the land he is donating. I don't know Mr. Funk, but he seems like a businessman first and a franchise owner second.

with the Funks track record of owning and managing sports franchises here, I wish they would let someone else have a go at it

Other than the investors in the Thunder, which so many on here criticize, who else in the OKC area has stepped up to make investments in developing teams and sports, let alone venues for them? I understand your frustration, but for someone else to have a go at it they need to show their willingness to. It's a lot easier to criticize those doing things than those who aren't. As they say, the spouting whale gets the harpoon.
'

with the Funks track record of owning and managing sports franchises here, I wish they would let someone else have a go at it

Funk had an opportunity to select the top of the line 10,000 seat MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, he selected the less expensive 8,000 seat stadium. Claims he wanted to make sure there were enough funds to back his wife's Palomar project.

Our city leaders should have gone with the 10,000 seat stadium capable of expansion to meet future MLS stadium criteria.

Prodigal doesn't possess the knowledge capacity to manage a USL franchise let alone an MLS level franchise.

Funk had an opportunity to select the top of the line 10,000 seat MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, he selected the less expensive 8,000 seat stadium. Claims he wanted to make sure there were enough funds to back his wife's Palomar project.

Our city leaders should have gone with the 10,000 seat stadium capable of expansion to meet future MLS stadium criteria.

Prodigal doesn't possess the knowledge capacity to manage a USL franchise let alone an MLS level franchise.

What a misrepresentation.

The current baseball stadium could be upgraded to be really nice if there was desire to do so. They could start by turning the closed off upper first base deck into some kind of party deck. There is just no desire/money to do so. We are going to building a new basketball arena that will end up being over a a billion dollars so baseball and soccer should be happy with what they have or will be getting.
Bricktown Ballpark can seat 13,000. I'm not sure of the capacity with the upper deck covered up. Average attendance last year was a tad over 5200. That's probably not enough to generate the money or interest to do much more for a stadium than what we have now.

So, just a thought. Without diving into the cleanup on the site, In the Funk's release on this, they mention wanting to build this and create a top notch sporting area. Is there any chance the new Thunder arena could be built here? Could we be looking at both the MAPS 4 stadium as well as the new Paycom built adjacent here? Throw in a few parking garages and get someone like Gary Brooks to design some mixed use entertainment and living areas, this area could get HUGE.


Site access would be the limiting factor. Also, I imagine digging down immediately makes environmental concerns a bigger problem since now you have to deal with it?

So, just a thought. Without diving into the cleanup on the site, In the Funk's release on this, they mention wanting to build this and create a top notch sporting area. Is there any chance the new Thunder arena could be built here? Could we be looking at both the MAPS 4 stadium as well as the new Paycom built adjacent here? Throw in a few parking garages and get someone like Gary Brooks to design some mixed use entertainment and living areas, this area could get HUGE.


Of course, and again, I'm not factoring in cleanup here or how long that would take. But going off what Funk mentioned in his press release, I felt maybe there was some underlying chance of getting the Thunder Arena there too. But idk how large the Prairie Surf Media/Cox Convention Center is compared to the available land the Funk's are giving OKC here.

It was my impression that the city already claimed there was no money for land acquisition. The Co-op will want a pretty penny for the remainder of the site which I believe would be cost prohibitive for an arena site.

I don't know Mr. Funk, and I am not a cheerleader for him or his family. I think Prodigal Sports has lost millions of dollars on OKC sports over the last 15-ish years. The Barons hockey team was a loser from the start, and the NHL was not fair in their treatment of Prodigal and OKC, IMO. As much as some people claim that soccer is big in OKC, we don't see anyone else stepping up with the money to buy out Prodigal's interest in the Energy. Personally, I am thankful Mr. Funk is willing to keep spending and trying to get a USL acceptable stadium build in OKC. I have no inside knowledge, but I'm guessing it costs at least $500,000 a year to keep the Energy on ice.

It was my impression that the city already claimed there was no money for land acquisition. The Co-op will want a pretty penny for the remainder of the site which I believe would be cost prohibitive for an arena site.

Plus, as an indoor venue, remediation would be expensive.

I don't know Mr. Funk, and I am not a cheerleader for him or his family. I think Prodigal Sports has lost millions of dollars on OKC sports over the last 15-ish years. The Barons hockey team was a loser from the start, and the NHL was not fair in their treatment of Prodigal and OKC, IMO. As much as some people claim that soccer is big in OKC, we don't see anyone else stepping up with the money to buy out Prodigal's interest in the Energy. Personally, I am thankful Mr. Funk is willing to keep spending and trying to get a USL acceptable stadium build in OKC. I have no inside knowledge, but I'm guessing it costs at least $500,000 a year to keep the Energy on ice.
I could not agree more. Has everything Prodigal has done been great. No.
But at least they tried. No one else has stepped up except for the Thunder ownership.
As to the Barons. We were season ticket holders and huge fans. I LOVE hockey!!!!!!!! 100 times more than basketball. But the Barons were a huge mistake for OKC. Just like an NHL team would be. The Blazers were hugely successful because they were very cheap and often free to attend. They happily let you bring bags of popcorn\hot dogs\etc. from outside. Just no beer. And for many it wasn't so much about the game as about the party. AHL and NHL hockey isn't like that. Decent seats are (were) $25 and up, No outside anything allowed. Not a thing for two of us to blow $100 without trying. I have no idea how a family of 4,5,6,? could do it more than a time or two a year. OKC is not fans of expensive, high level hockey. Funk & Co. aren't at fault for that. Blaming the Baron fiasco on them is asinine.

Funk had an opportunity to select the top of the line 10,000 seat MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, he selected the less expensive 8,000 seat stadium. Claims he wanted to make sure there were enough funds to back his wife's Palomar project.

Our city leaders should have gone with the 10,000 seat stadium capable of expansion to meet future MLS stadium criteria.

Prodigal doesn't possess the knowledge capacity to manage a USL franchise let alone an MLS level franchise.

things that are not true for 500 Alex ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6m6h2ukSU0

most modern, multipurpose, best state of the art arena in the world.

but realistically speaking the houston dynamo stadium for MLS is a much closer precedent.
they can plan their stadium upgrades for future phases in increments of 10K seats.
1st phase build first 10K seats. second phase 8-10K seats. third phase if needed 5-10K seats.

Disappointed in this proposal. Build this stadium elsewhere and save the Coop site for something truly special. With 2 billion dollar developments nearby, this site is too valuable and too high-visibility for this underwhelming stadium.

Disappointed in this proposal. Build this stadium elsewhere and save the Coop site for something truly special. With 2 billion dollar developments nearby, this site is too valuable and too high-visibility for this underwhelming stadium.
Something truly special like what? We have or will build stadiums, arenas for everything., What really special could be built?

Something truly special like what? We have or will build stadiums, arenas for everything., What really special could be built?

A Walmart

What a misrepresentation.

Funk presented two desired stadium options, each expandable if Oklahoma City was in a position to pursue a top-tier Major League Soccer franchise in the future. https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=724-MAPS4-Stadium-considering-3-sites


VENUE VETTING
Funk Jr. well aware there are more critical projects in MAPS 4 than a multipurpose stadium


Bob Funk Jr. doesn’t want to take money from the needy in Oklahoma City.

He’d have to answer for it at home.

Funk is married to Kim Garrett, the executive director of Palomar, the family justice center helping victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and child abuse. Her work not only changes lives but also saves them.

His work isn’t so life or death.

Funk is one of the owners of Energy FC, Oklahoma City’s professional soccer team, and he has been the front man for the franchise’s push to get public funding for a multipurpose stadium. That outdoor facility is one of the projects included in MAPS 4, the city’s one-cent sales tax initiative that residents will vote on Dec. 10.

Thing is, a facility for Palomar is also included in MAPS 4.

While there has been wide-spread support for the public welfare projects within the initiative, support for the three sports facilities included has been more tepid.

Funk understands what takes priority.

“I can’t ask victims of domestic violence, homeless population, mental health to take a backseat to the stadium,” he said. “I don’t think that would be right or appropriate.”

VENUE VETTING - https://stories.usatodaynetwork.com/maps4/maps-4-multipurpose-stadium-would-open-doors-for-new-events/

^ wow, that's what you got out of that pre maps 4 vote article? It's more like "Remember everyone, my wife is director of Palomar so a vote against the thing I want is a vote against she wants". FUNK didn't personally pick anything besides offer proposals which a lot of people did also. Compromises were made across the board for Maps 4 projects.

Disappointed in this proposal. Build this stadium elsewhere and save the Coop site for something truly special. With 2 billion dollar developments nearby, this site is too valuable and too high-visibility for this underwhelming stadium.

That’s why so many professional developers are rushing to buy and develop it.

Site has real issues.

How about, "Express Employment Professionals Stadium?"

if the land is secured, clean up work and costs included; then a push for MLS is feasible with the right group of private investors and city leadership all coming together
with a "big league city" plan of action and commitments.

I hate to say it but I think the ship has sailed on MLS. BUT we can have a beautiful stadium for USL or maybe even a pro womens soccer team and also the stadium could be used for concerts and maybe even music festivals with the amount of space that will be available around the stadium. Can also maybe be used for smaller class football state championship games and soccer state championships. I love this for the co op site, we will have our baseball stadium, soccer/ mixed use stadium and Top Of The Line arena all within walking distance of each other. Very optimistic about this and all the possibilities

Something truly special like what? We have or will build stadiums, arenas for everything., What really special could be built?

I assume you're joking, or perhaps trolling. Something like the Bricktown Boardwalk next door would qualify as truly special even without the silly-tall tower. The new basketball arena could be special. A village of midrise condos could be special.

The opportunity cost of this proposal is too high. This particular stadium design is not the highest/best use of this parcel.

That’s why so many professional developers are rushing to buy and develop it.

Site has real issues.
This site could contain a project of significant value. Unless there is buried nuclear waste, remediation will be a blip on a $700M to $1B+ development budget.

This site could contain a project of significant value. Unless there is buried nuclear waste, remediation will be a blip on a $700M to $1B+ development budget.

Again, it has been vacant for YEARS. Not months or weeks, YEARS. If there were so many developers who felt like you think they do, it would have been developed years ago. But it hasn't. Ergo, it is more of an issue than you think. Rich people don't spend more than they have to.

Again, it has been vacant for YEARS. Not months or weeks, YEARS. If there were so many developers who felt like you think they do, it would have been developed years ago. But it hasn't. Ergo, it is more of an issue than you think. Rich people don't spend more than they have to.
So, highest & best use should not considered? Just first come first served? The Okana site sat vacant for years; all sites sit vacant until the appropriate project comes about. I'd like to see this stadium built, but not here. It sets too low of a bar for how our downtown should be developed.

Your just married to a certain vision for the site which is fine. It's only 1/3 of the site, and it actually increases the chances that this "grand vision" actually happens. The site isn't even that great even outside of contamination issues. Only a few access points on the north and south. The boulevard is basically a freeway there immediately east of the light

I hate to say it but I think the ship has sailed on MLS. BUT we can have a beautiful stadium for USL or maybe even a pro womens soccer team and also the stadium could be used for concerts and maybe even music festivals with the amount of space that will be available around the stadium. Can also maybe be used for smaller class football state championship games and soccer state championships. I love this for the co op site, we will have our baseball stadium, soccer/ mixed use stadium and Top Of The Line arena all within walking distance of each other. Very optimistic about this and all the possibilities

The ship certainly hasn't sailed on getting an MLS team in OKC, IMO. It will obviously never happen with the current ownership group, but I would bet that MLS won't stop expanding until they get to 40 teams, and that it will probably take them another 15-20 years to get to that point. Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Detroit are all very viable MLS expansion targets, but beyond that, there's no reason OKC can't compete with the likes of Tampa, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Raleigh, and Louisville for the last handful of spots.

I LOVE that Funk is already anticipating building parking garage(s) to accommodate this, rather than the usual sea of parking developers often build around stadiums. That itself indicates to me that they're serious about the entire site not just the 9 acres. ..

They should add a BRT stop there that can be used during events.

My preference would’ve been to utilize a third party without a direct vested interest. Fortunately, for the city we have large swaths of vacant land due to urban renewal in and around the city center.

The city helped create $3B in additional net worth for the Thunder Ownership group by building Paycom. Now we’re looking at adding to the net worth of another private developer and letting him call the shots.

I need to figure out how to get in line.

The whole point of these projects is to encourage growth. Seems like this about the best way possible to encourage growth with this stadium, especially non-sprawl growth. I'm not one for corporate handouts, but seems like a win for both sides. The city is given very valuable land, exactly where they wanted to built the stadium, and the land owner gets to put in high density development around it, which helps bring more taxes into the city with low infrastructure costs.

This site could contain a project of significant value. Unless there is buried nuclear waste, remediation will be a blip on a $700M to $1B+ development budget.

I can say with absolute certainty that there have been multiple developers, with fairly detailed development plans who tried to buy the site, but each has walked away because of the uncertainty about environmental issues. And there is no buried nuclear waste. So clearly, those developers did not view possible remediation costs as a "blip." Again...every developer to come forward has wanted, and believed that to make the site work, there has to be a residential component. Residential cleanup levels are very expensive to attain. Cleanup could be in the millions or tens of millions. That makes margins very tight. Another issue...most all developers require some level of financing through a bank or banks. Banks are notorious for refusing to lend money on property with environmental issues. As Rover said..."the site has issues."

Can’t they also get brownfield money from the government to assist with the costs of cleanup?

Something truly special like what? We have or will build stadiums, arenas for everything., What really special could be built?

A Bass Pro Shop and a U-Haul storage facility.

Your just married to a certain vision for the site which is fine. It's only 1/3 of the site, and it actually increases the chances that this "grand vision" actually happens. The site isn't even that great even outside of contamination issues. Only a few access points on the north and south. The boulevard is basically a freeway there immediately east of the light
You're absolutely right about my marriage to a grander vision. I mean, there are high school stadiums in Oklahoma larger than this one. A grander vision is not a stretch. Maybe we'll get a few luxury suites, but this proposal should be doubled in size, at least, or built somewhere else.

Your just married to a certain vision for the site which is fine. It's only 1/3 of the site, and it actually increases the chances that this "grand vision" actually happens. The site isn't even that great even outside of contamination issues. Only a few access points on the north and south. The boulevard is basically a freeway there immediately east of the light

Hopefully they really improve pedestrian access to the site if this gets built there. This should encourage high density growth, but it might end up being it's own little island blocked on the north by the mini-highway and strip centers, blocked on the west by the viaduct, and the big highway on the south and east. Maybe they could at least add some pedestrian walk ways at 5th and 6ths through the viaduct.

I can say with absolute certainty that there have been multiple developers, with fairly detailed development plans who tried to buy the site, but each has walked away because of the uncertainty about environmental issues. And there is no buried nuclear waste. So clearly, those developers did not view possible remediation costs as a "blip." Again...every developer to come forward has wanted, and believed that to make the site work, there has to be a residential component. Residential cleanup levels are very expensive to attain. Cleanup could be in the millions or tens of millions. That makes margins very tight. Another issue...most all developers require some level of financing through a bank or banks. Banks are notorious for refusing to lend money on property with environmental issues. As Rover said..."the site has issues."

Yeah, and I still think the city will have to provide other incentives to help out. This stadium is just the first spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down.

Can’t they also get brownfield money from the government to assist with the costs of cleanup?

Private property owners/develoopers can only apply for, and possibly obtain a low interest loan from the city or the state. Both the city and the state can get money from the EPA to use for low interest loans. But that is only if the City or the State have it to loan. Those don't happen every year...and if they have already loaned out their allotment...there is no more. Grants that do not have to be paid back, only go to governmental entities. But the governmental entity must own the property.

The whole point of these projects is to encourage growth. Seems like this about the best way possible to encourage growth with this stadium, especially non-sprawl growth. I'm not one for corporate handouts, but seems like a win for both sides. The city is given very valuable land, exactly where they wanted to built the stadium, and the land owner gets to put in high density development around it, which helps bring more taxes into the city with low infrastructure costs.

I’ve always felt the main goal of MAPS was to improve the quality of life for all OKC citizens.

I get that it takes growth and development for that to happen. There are several things like historic tax credits, opportunity zones, ocura, the alliance for economic development, etc… all designed to aid in developing otherwise unviable properties.

Do you feel like there is any conflict of interest in allowing Funk to lead this project? Why couldn’t this work at Okana, south of scissortail, or any number of locations still in the core. Is it absolutely necessary for it to be a $70M anchor to a private development? I’m just saying it would be nice to have a third party expert verify that decision.

I’ve always felt the main goal of MAPS was to improve the quality of life for all OKC citizens.

I get that it takes growth and development for that to happen. There are several things like historic tax credits, opportunity zones, ocura, the alliance for economic development, etc… all designed to aid in developing otherwise unviable properties.

Do you feel like there is any conflict of interest in allowing Funk to lead this project? Why couldn’t this work at Okana, south of scissortail, or any number of locations still in the core. Is it absolutely necessary for it to be a $70M anchor to a private development? I’m just saying it would be nice to have a third party expert verify that decision.

Or we could wait until a soccer team was viable enough to induce construction of a stadium. Right now, we have a place holder for a team and a theoretical fanbase, and not an actual team with support. If this project came with a complete plan to develop the rest of the land, then I would be more positive but right now Mr. Funk only has options. Which means he is only looking at the theoretical fanbase for the team and the project. If he needs proof that this stadium will be successful in this location before he purchases and develops the land around the stadium then why should the City invest in this stadium at this location? Why must the City move first with the idea that a developer will develop the land around the City's investment (Strawberry Fields)?

Mr. Funk put your money or your investor's money on the line if you believe in this project.

I’ve always felt the main goal of MAPS was to improve the quality of life for all OKC citizens.

I get that it takes growth and development for that to happen. There are several things like historic tax credits, opportunity zones, ocura, the alliance for economic development, etc… all designed to aid in developing otherwise unviable properties.

Do you feel like there is any conflict of interest in allowing Funk to lead this project? Why couldn’t this work at Okana, south of scissortail, or any number of locations still in the core. Is it absolutely necessary for it to be a $70M anchor to a private development? I’m just saying it would be nice to have a third party expert verify that decision.

Glad that MAPS continues to deliver on the projects promised; however, if you're expecting Prodigal to take OKC to the MLS level I just don't have the confidence in them to manage pro soccer on the USL level. Why, just look at their track record for tennis and ice hockey:

2011: The IGA Tennis Classic had been around for 16 years and was one of the state's top sports events. In recent years it had become really big-time, far more than you'd expect with a $170,000 total purse.

2010-2014: The Oklahoma City Barons have announced the team will end operations at the end of the current American Hockey League season.

I assume you're joking, or perhaps trolling. Something like the Bricktown Boardwalk next door would qualify as truly special even without the silly-tall tower. The new basketball arena could be special. A village of midrise condos could be special.

The opportunity cost of this proposal is too high. This particular stadium design is not the highest/best use of this parcel.I was doing neither. Nothing of any residential type, condos, hotels, etc. is likely to ever be built on this site. As pointed out by others the remediation cost would be very high. Way more than a blip in any budget. I'm one of the many who believe the city maybe hasn't officially decided on the COX site for the arena I will be extremely amazed if it doesn't go there. The proposed stadium can be expanded if it's shown that it needs to be. OKC proved we could handle an NBA team. Then started the process of getting one. Is there evidence I'm missing that OKC will utilize a much bigger stadium just because it was built?
Considering that someone is actually suggesting building something useful on that disaster of a piece of land let them build it.

Maybe I'm an idiot, but this site seems like the perfect place for a project like this. Would I like a top-of-the-line 20,000+ seat stadium? I mean sure, yeah. But people realize this is for a 2nd division soccer team that essentially hasn't existed for three years, right? There being a stadium at all would be a nice start then upgrades could happen down the line if the team is supported well enough.

Maybe I'm an idiot, but this site seems like the perfect place for a project like this. Would I like a top-of-the-line 20,000+ seat stadium? I mean sure, yeah. But people realize this is for a 2nd division soccer team that essentially hasn't existed for three years, right? There being a stadium at all would be a nice start then upgrades could happen down the line if the team is supported well enough.

Do people think the Bricktown Ballpark was a bad investment? Sure it isn't big enough to handle a MLB team, but I don't think Bricktown would be where it is today without it. A multipurpose soccer stadium would add a little more to the area.

I fully agree with this sentiment (jn1780)...

Side note: there is more bickering and complaining than a sewing circle in here. Enjoy the fact that you're possibly about to get a second sports complex (a la Bricktown Ballpark) to go enjoy your "quality of life" on a given weekend. I've had more fun going to a Dodgers/Redhawks game on a weekend than most things you can do in OKC, relatively cheaply, and never once given a thought to whether it was 'pro' or not. This will be great for the city. Everyone should quit acting like economic wizards and start speculating about how much fun this could be for the downtown/bricktown area.

I fully agree with this sentiment (jn1780)...

Side note: there is more bickering and complaining than a sewing circle in here. Enjoy the fact that you're possibly about to get a second sports complex (a la Bricktown Ballpark) to go enjoy your "quality of life" on a given weekend. I've had more fun going to a Dodgers/Redhawks game on a weekend than most things you can do in OKC, relatively cheaply, and never once given a thought to whether it was 'pro' or not. This will be great for the city. Everyone should quit acting like economic wizards and start speculating about how much fun this could be for the downtown/bricktown area.

Do people think the Bricktown Ballpark was a bad investment? Sure it isn't big enough to handle a MLB team, but I don't think Bricktown would be where it is today without it. A multipurpose soccer stadium would add a little more to the area.

I will add on to comment and say this does help out the Dream Hotel/Boardwalk project. I'm sure they would be thrilled to have some development happening across the Boulevard.

I fully agree with this sentiment (jn1780)...

Side note: there is more bickering and complaining than a sewing circle in here. Enjoy the fact that you're possibly about to get a second sports complex (a la Bricktown Ballpark) to go enjoy your "quality of life" on a given weekend. I've had more fun going to a Dodgers/Redhawks game on a weekend than most things you can do in OKC, relatively cheaply, and never once given a thought to whether it was 'pro' or not. This will be great for the city. Everyone should quit acting like economic wizards and start speculating about how much fun this could be for the downtown/bricktown area.

This might be the best location for a soccer stadium. I think the question in my mind when you have a private developer involved would be the following: Is this the best location for a soccer stadium for the city or is it the best location for the developer? It’s tough to verify that when the guy picking the location and leading the stadium design is the developer…

I’m assuming the adjoining land would be acquired.

I fully agree with this sentiment (jn1780)...

Side note: there is more bickering and complaining than a sewing circle in here. Enjoy the fact that you're possibly about to get a second sports complex (a la Bricktown Ballpark) to go enjoy your "quality of life" on a given weekend. I've had more fun going to a Dodgers/Redhawks game on a weekend than most things you can do in OKC, relatively cheaply, and never once given a thought to whether it was 'pro' or not. This will be great for the city. Everyone should quit acting like economic wizards and start speculating about how much fun this could be for the downtown/bricktown area.

Agree, this will add more to the city's DT-BT area. A new arena and soccer-American football stadium will add to the sports options. Build a stadium capable of supporting MLS level soccer complete with amenities, something in the 25,000-seat range.

This might be the best location for a soccer stadium. I think the question in my mind when you have a private developer involved would be the following: Is this the best location for a soccer stadium for the city or is it the best location for the developer? It’s tough to verify that when the guy picking the location and leading the stadium design is the developer…

I’m assuming the adjoining land would be acquired.

Translation: you are making stuff up and using that as the basis for criticism.

The ship certainly hasn't sailed on getting an MLS team in OKC, IMO. It will obviously never happen with the current ownership group, but I would bet that MLS won't stop expanding until they get to 40 teams, and that it will probably take them another 15-20 years to get to that point. Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Detroit are all very viable MLS expansion targets, but beyond that, there's no reason OKC can't compete with the likes of Tampa, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Raleigh, and Louisville for the last handful of spots.

I agree here, MLS has said they want to take a break from expansion for now, maybe until after world cup 2026 and around the time to negotiate a brand new t.v rights deal. but they clearly have stated that they do not rule out further expansion and a 40 team league sub divided into 20 team conferences is quite possible if there is enough interest in the sport to make the effort financially sustainable. there are no less than 10 big cities with the population, economy and sports interest that could host a pro soccer team. i will add to the list of cities above other cities like new orleans, baltimore, milwaukee, memphis, buffalo, san antonio, san francisco, etc. i have a feeling that as long as there is someone with money on hand and willing to fetch up the $500M expansion fee, assuming the stadium issue is already resolved; MLS would not hesitate to grab the money and allow further expansion as long as the money keeps coming in.

If OKC can build the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium on the old mill site, there's room for stadium expansion which could also be inviting for an XFL-USFL merger (Spring football) that would look favorable on Oklahoma City as a possible expansion or relocation franchise.

That (IMO) is why OKC should look at building a stadium in the 25,000 seat range for future MLS and Spring football. A 25,000 seat stadium opens up more possibilities to bid on other events.

I could see MLS becoming a reality for OKC. The global and local popularity of the sport seems it would transition into a franchise. Only time will tell if this becomes a reality.

If OKC can build the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium on the old mill site, there's room for stadium expansion which could also be inviting for an XFL-USFL merger (Spring football) that would look favorable on Oklahoma City as a possible expansion or relocation franchise.

That (IMO) is why OKC should look at building a stadium in the 25,000 seat range for future MLS and Spring football. A 25,000 seat stadium opens up more possibilities to bid on other events.

I think we are getting near to "arena fatigue" if we build anything more expensive at this time. Within the last few years we have committed to build a new Fairgrounds Arena, a Thunder arena, and this soccer stadium. That's something like $1.3 billion. Let's build this thing where it can be expanded later, and prove the need once it is up and running. Going back for more money is a pretty hard sell for me, and I'm a hard core sports fan and Chamber of Commerce type guy.

I'm thinking OKC should start looming at a 10 - 15,000 seat pickleball arena next. :)

I think we are getting near to "arena fatigue" if we build anything more expensive at this time. Within the last few years we have committed to build a new Fairgrounds Arena, a Thunder arena, and this soccer stadium. That's something like $1.3 billion. Let's build this thing where it can be expanded later, and prove the need once it is up and running. Going back for more money is a pretty hard sell for me, and I'm a hard core sports fan and Chamber of Commerce type guy.

I'm suffering from optimistic anxiety, It's time to get back on the capital improvements track.

I think we are getting near to "arena fatigue" if we build anything more expensive at this time. Within the last few years we have committed to build a new Fairgrounds Arena, a Thunder arena, and this soccer stadium. That's something like $1.3 billion. Let's build this thing where it can be expanded later, and prove the need once it is up and running. Going back for more money is a pretty hard sell for me, and I'm a hard core sports fan and Chamber of Commerce type guy.

Agreed. There are only so many projects that people will want to give their tax dollars to at once, that seemingly are all very similar (sports related). The idea of MAPS was to spread the love among multiple projects. We've created a MAPS 4.5 by extending the tax for the sole purpose of the new arena. When it's time for MAPS5, i'm thinking they are going to need to spend some money around the city and not just on downtown..and not on anything sports related.

Let’s wait and see how OKC actually embraces soccer as more than an amusement. I’m not saying it isn’t a serious support and is popular elsewhere, but there is no objectively quantified demand for the product HERE. There aren’t high level university teams with great followings and attendance. There hasn’t been a great endorsement of the minor minor league teams here. There has never been coverage of major soccer teams on the sports broadcasts or sports sites/publications in the city. I doubt many in the OKC area consider themselves hard core fans and can name the top 10 professional players in the US. WHO is going to drive the efforts to build a bigger, better and more expensive stadium. I don’t think it is so much an arena fatigue, but a lack of demand for a bigger stadium for soccer itself.

Some of the past few posts have pieces that fit how I see it.
Is soccer really important enough to enough people to justify a big deal of a stadium? There are die hard soccer fans. My former son in law and the guys he hangs with can talk soccer players stats as well as any fans of any sport. They miss a lot of work when World Cup elimination rounds begin. But I think they're a minority that believe they're a larger number than they really are.
Many people, me included, want a post arena break before possibly doing a major stadium project.
I could see building a small, 10,000 seat or so stadium. Designed from the first CAD sheet as easily and properly expandable to whatever size. Expansion can be done very well if planned properly. Much like Hall Of Fame Stadium. The expansions of it have been very well done. Build a small stadium. Prove that OKC can fill a small stadium and need the expansion. Then expand. Much better than having a baseball stadium with the entire upper deck covered up.

Agreed. There are only so many projects that people will want to give their tax dollars to at once, that seemingly are all very similar (sports related). The idea of MAPS was to spread the love among multiple projects. We've created a MAPS 4.5 by extending the tax for the sole purpose of the new arena. When it's time for MAPS5, i'm thinking they are going to need to spend some money around the city and not just on downtown. And not on anything sports related.

To be fair, they did that a lot on the last one. Out of about a billion dollars, only $240 million was for "sports". The rest went to park, youth centers, senior wellness centers, mental health addiction, Palomar, Transit, Sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, streetlights, homelessness, animal shelter, diversion hub, innovation district, civil rights center and beautification. So, less than 25% of the entire budget was used for the paycom upgrades, new coliseum and multipurpose stadium.