Pretty much how I feel also. No way I would vote in favor of this. And I might be mistaken but I don't see the price tag. If this is on the ticket I see the end of maps coming. Building stadiums for billionaires just doesn't smell right.

Bet you were on board with the Peake getting renovated.

I think some of that will fall under turnpikes responsibility not okc.

Maybe that is why nothing has occurred, lots of finger pointing of who would foot the bill. That area of the turnpike was built about 30 years ago, other than a few intersection modifications, that stretch looks basically the same as it did in 1990. The population of the OKC Metro was also 414,000 less people in 1990.

Bet you were on board with the Peake getting renovated.

Yes I was and voted in favor. That is not the same thing as building a 100 mil stadium for minor league soccer. Not even in the same universe. If they needed a new arena for the Thunder I would be first in line to vote for it. If there was an NFL team coming here I would also vote in favor of a billion dollar+ stadium. Minor league soccer just doesn't move the needle for me.

Pappa Murphy’s Park. The Sacramento Republic USL stadium (one of the best in the league ). http://papamurphyspark.com/tickets-seating/seat-map/

It cost 3 mil to build. On city(or county) owned land

There is no way Okc should be spending 70-100 mil for a usl team And a mls team is years and years off. If ever

It is a pop up stadium

Yes I was and voted in favor. That is not the same thing as building a 100 mil stadium for minor league soccer. Not even in the same universe. If they needed a new arena for the Thunder I would be first in line to vote for it. If there was an NFL team coming here I would also vote in favor of a billion dollar+ stadium. Minor league soccer just doesn't move the needle for me.

You are a hypocrite then.

Yes I was and voted in favor. That is not the same thing as building a 100 mil stadium for minor league soccer. Not even in the same universe. If they needed a new arena for the Thunder I would be first in line to vote for it. If there was an NFL team coming here I would also vote in favor of a billion dollar+ stadium. Minor league soccer just doesn't move the needle for me.

Agreed!

CHK Arena is not only is used 40+ dates out of the year for capacity crowds for a NBA team, but also is OKC's venue for large concerts and events on a weekly basis. Given the footprint of the arena, and its ability to be used 365 days a year for various purposes, it has served the city well in multiple functions.

Another outdoor stadium for one specific sport when there are other stadiums that can fulfill the needs just seems wasteful. It's embarrassing the amount of money spent to build/renovate/upkeep outdoor stadiums that are used a handful of times a year for the sport intended. Think of the number of high school stadiums that have recently been built. Most of the time they sit empty or serve as a practice field other than five nights out of the fall. Yet, millions are poured into the structure.

How many outdoor stadiums does the city own?

By my count the city of OKC only owns one outdoor stadium and that is the Ballpark.

How many outdoor stadiums does the city own?

Only can think of one city owned outdoor facility, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark which is baseball specific.

OKCPS does have Taft & C.B. Speegle outdoor stadiums, neither venue meets USSF regulation requirements for USL or MLS soccer.

Don't know how serious the United Soccer League is but OKC could be forced to sell & relocate its USL franchise. In 2015, USL officials have given all USL franchises 5 years (2020) to submit plans to build a soccer specific stadium. Energy FC & Tulsa Roughnecks FC will be affected by this ruling.

USL: League announces intention to house all 24 teams in soccer-specific stadiums by 2020: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/05/13/usl-league-announces-intention-house-all-24-teams-soccer-specific-stadiums-2020

Only can think of one city owned outdoor facility, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark which is baseball specific.

OKCPS does have Taft & C.B. Speegle outdoor stadiums, neither venue meets USSF regulation requirements for USL or MLS soccer.

Don't know how serious the United Soccer League is but OKC could be forced to sell & relocate its USL franchise. In 2015, USL officials have given all USL franchises 5 years (2020) to submit plans to build a soccer specific stadium. Energy FC & Tulsa Roughnecks FC will be affected by this ruling.

USL: League announces intention to house all 24 teams in soccer-specific stadiums by 2020: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/05/13/usl-league-announces-intention-house-all-24-teams-soccer-specific-stadiums-2020

What about Zoo Amp? Scizzortail will have one too? And what about all the school football stadiums those are OKC right or how does that work?

What about Zoo Amp? Scizzortail will have one too? And what about all the school football stadiums those are OKC right or how does that work?

Took this to mean that d-usa was referring to City of Oklahoma City owed outdoor sports stadiums related to sports since the topic is 'MAPS 4 Stadium.'

Salute the City of Oklahoma City to use some surplus funds ($25 million IIFC) to save historic Taft Stadium.

Construction of a USSF regulation stadium on the riverfront (not a cheap pop-up venue) will put Oklahoma City in a position to sustain a USL franchise long-term and attract an Major League Soccer franchise (expansion or relocation) . MLS more likely won't occur until 2025-2030.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium022819e.jpg
If the above design is approved by voters and clear the design & review committee it could be used and expanded to meet MLS minimum 18,500 seat requirements.

Rio Grande Valley spent $30 million on their HEB soccer stadium opened in 2017 (see image below):


https://solorio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_6220_1_2_8_WEB-640x428.jpg
Nothing fancy with no aspirations to move to MLS; just a simple two grand stand style soccer specific stadium.

UCO's Stadium at one time was considered to be upgradable to MLS. It would make even more sense now since the three Edmond High School's have left and leaving just UCO as the tenant. Probably would not cost 90 million to get the stadium up to needed standards.

https://newsok.com/article/2876459/wantland-stadium-work-startingbrrenovation-project-at-uco-will-cost-nearly-12-million

https://newsok.com/article/1913659/beauty-is-inside-the-beastbraged-wantland-intrigues-mls

What are the rumblings of OKC getting an AAF team? From my understanding OKC is already on the short list -- and it seems like a perfect fit. I think just assuming this is for the FC Energy is a little short sided. I think this goes through and gets build just on the premise of an AAF team alone. "OKC Thunderbirds" sounds fun.

What are the rumblings of OKC getting an AAF team? From my understanding OKC is already on the short list -- and it seems like a perfect fit. I think just assuming this is for the FC Energy is a little short sided. I think this goes through and gets build just on the premise of an AAF team alone. "OKC Thunderbirds" sounds fun.

there are no known plans at this time for AAF expansion, and we are not getting an XFL team to start... but we will have a FFL team

https://www.freedomfootball.co/teams/

whenever that league starts up (rumor now is March 2020), if it ever does

there are no known plans at this time for AAF expansion, and we are not getting an XFL team to start... but we will have a FFL team

https://www.freedomfootball.co/teams/

whenever that league starts up (rumor now is March 2020), if it ever does

FFL being a summer league could open up the possibility of the team playing temporarily at 7,500 seat Taft, 10,000 seat The Brick, 10,000 Wantland Stadium or use of some lower bowl sections at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium if the interest runs high. TV will play a big role; no TV will doom the FFL to a one year experience.

Remember the USFL wanted the Outlaws in a larger market than Tulsa; therefore their eyes were on Norman. Oklahoma City never had plans for an American football specific stadium, just talk.

OU officials didn't want the USFL testing the strength of the OKC market; they didn't want to get stuck with the possibility of the NFL grazing the Oklahoma City market with a city in a football crazed state that would have instant rivals like Dallas, Houston, St. Louis, Kansas City & Denver. OU didn't want to share its then 75,000 seat stadium with an NFL or USFL franchise.

We have the NBA; wonder what it would have been like if OKC the size of Jacksonville, FL had an NFL franchise vs. an NBA franchise.

There were talks in February 1967 (Oklahoman) by the All Sports Association to build a 100,000 seat Stadium at the OKC Fairgrounds.

FFL being a summer league could open up the possibility of the team playing temporarily at 7,500 seat Taft, 10,000 seat The Brick, 10,000 Wantland Stadium or use of some lower bowl sections at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium if the interest runs high. TV will play a big role; no TV will doom the FFL to a one year experience.

Remember the USFL wanted the Outlaws in a larger market than Tulsa; therefore their eyes were on Norman. Oklahoma City never had plans for an American football specific stadium, just talk.

OU officials didn't want the USFL testing the strength of the OKC market; they didn't want to get stuck with the possibility of the NFL grazing the Oklahoma City market with a city in a football crazed state that would have instant rivals like Dallas, Houston, St. Louis, Kansas City & Denver. OU didn't want to share its then 75,000 seat stadium with an NFL or USFL franchise.

We have the NBA; wonder what it would have been like if OKC the size of Jacksonville, FL had an NFL franchise vs. an NBA franchise.

There were talks in February 1967 (Oklahoman) by the All Sports Association to build a 100,000 seat Stadium at the OKC Fairgrounds.

yep... February 1967, is back when were getting the Continental Football League and had the Oklahoma City Plainsmen. It was trying to do what the AFL had just done, and almost even got OJ Simpson to play in it instead of the NFL... but 4 years of no TV deal, and goes to the NFL to be seen, and the league folds... but they were honestly trying to build big and force a merger. the reason they AFL did and the COFL could not was TV... also remember that AFL was the first football in which every game was in color on tv

UCO's Stadium at one time was considered to be upgradable to MLS. It would make even more sense now since the three Edmond High School's have left and leaving just UCO as the tenant. Probably would not cost 90 million to get the stadium up to needed standards.

https://newsok.com/article/2876459/wantland-stadium-work-startingbrrenovation-project-at-uco-will-cost-nearly-12-million

https://newsok.com/article/1913659/beauty-is-inside-the-beastbraged-wantland-intrigues-mls

One problem there is the location. Much like with Chisolm, when you put it on one end of the metro, you are effectively saying the other end of the metro isn't being considered important for travel. In rush hour, that can be a 1 hr drive from normal on bad days. Forget about newcastle or blanchard folk. If you're downtown, you're central to all parts of the metro.

Not to mention, you see it as UCO is freed up now and could attract someone. I bet UCO sees it as "we just got free, why would we ask someone to come in". And any semi-pro or pro team is going to want things done and that puts pressure on UCO. And any kind of partnership becomes very complicated. When the team leaves the stadium, UCO is left holding the bill to maintain whatever "it" is. If it's built up to support MLS, UCO can't handle it.

How about a new state of the art Performing Arts Center?

One problem there is the location. Much like with Chisolm, when you put it on one end of the metro, you are effectively saying the other end of the metro isn't being considered important for travel. In rush hour, that can be a 1 hr drive from normal on bad days. Forget about newcastle or blanchard folk. If you're downtown, you're central to all parts of the metro.

Not to mention, you see it as UCO is freed up now and could attract someone. I bet UCO sees it as "we just got free, why would we ask someone to come in". And any semi-pro or pro team is going to want things done and that puts pressure on UCO. And any kind of partnership becomes very complicated. When the team leaves the stadium, UCO is left holding the bill to maintain whatever "it" is. If it's built up to support MLS, UCO can't handle it.

UCO was also in pursuit of NCAA Division II status, at that time they were NAIA. Their stadium upgrade to 25,000 seats would have been a prelude to their goal to eventually reach Division I status goal in 2020. UCO has approximately 14,337 undergrad students enrolled, 3x larger than the smallest NCAA Division I University of Tulsa at 4, 433.

OKC should try to lure Jax nfl team and build a nice state of the art football stadium for about 1.5-2 billions and have Amazon pay for 70% of it and put their name on it. Seems like Amazon is taking over the world so they should be up for this.

I know this won't be a popular response, and I have green colored glasses on. As a rabid soccer supporter I think this is a great idea. But not because of the stadium its self. I focused more on all the other playing fields. I pictured kids, and even grown ups playing on those fields. Yes, the stadium would need to be moved north/south. As I've already reached out to Mayor Holt with my opinion, I think this would pay for itself 10 fold. Just my opinion and usually its wrong.

One of the local news channels. And yes they are all reasonable people in when I told them, Hey you know that's just for the stadium, they said oh, Well not sure I'd vote on just a stadium.

Which I tend to think would be the majority of people. A stadium alone for a minor league team that might not even be here in 5 years due to who run/operates it, or even a slim chance at a MLS franchise just isn't worth it IMO. I know soccer is gaining traction, but realistically it's still far from even something like hockey, which isn't wildly popular here like football or basketball. (not saying it's not popular, just not same level) I know some point to the AAA baseball we've had here, to which I'd say the only reason it survives, is because MLB doesn't care if it makes money. It's a development league. So even if no one showed up, they'd still most likely continue to stay here. Maybe not quite that extreme, but the bar is much much lower. And at the end of the day I know we like options, but do we have the population to support so many options? I tend to think not yet. So at the end of the day my priority is keeping the Thunder, and if that means sacrificing things like not building a soccer stadium and losing the Energy, so be it.

This kind of thinking right here cracks me up. I don't think you understand just how much soccer has grown and where it's going to end up in terms of growth. If OKC loses the Energy because we didn't pay for a stadium now, we'll regret it 20+ years down the road. I know some of your here think soccer is just a game that kids play, or that it'll never be taken seriously in the US, but with each new generation, the game will just keep growing.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx

Take a look at the 18-34 year old range. Football, as a favorite sport, is down 10 percent from the age bracket above it, and soccer is now tied with basketball as the second favorite sport for 18-34 year old Americans.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-12/soccer-is-the-world-s-most-popular-sport-and-still-growing

The percentage of 16-35 year old Americans that are "interested or very interested" is over 50 percent.

So your thinking of hockey being higher on the sports totem pole is laughable. Hockey isn't even in the conversation. Baseball is dying. Football has a concussion issue. More and more parents are keeping their kids from playing football. More and more kids are choosing to play other sports as they see the dangers of football. I just read an article the other day about how football leagues (professional and youth) are struggling to find insurance companies to cover their leagues. Youth football as we know it is on it's way out. Before we know it, kids won't even play tackle football until high school, if that. And of course, baseball is dying a slow death. In the next 20-30 years, I guarantee that basketball and soccer will be the 2 major sports in the US. Building a strong team here in OKC now is absolutely important to the state of professional sports here in this city.

Soccer doesn't work like minor league baseball. The USL is not just a developmental league for professional teams. Most of the teams in the USL are completely independent from a MLS club. The USL doesnt answer to the MLS and sometimes actually competes for the same players. In fact, the Energy signed a French player this offseason who has playing experience in the top French league. He chose OKC over Orlando City of the MLS.

/end rant

Mayor Holt could have gone with a 'cheap & inexpensive' stadium, more of the pop-up variety or something moderate like Rio Grand Valley's $30 million simple twin grand stands in the above post #132.

https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/-/media/Images/Daily/2018/04/06/timbers-PROVIDENCE-PARK.ashx?mw=405&hash=1C422BA7E028AED5A5ABC35018AF6FC67110251D Currently being expanded by 3,200 seats, capacity will be 25,000.

Portland Providence Park Stadium

We've discussed quality projects on this forum; quality doesn't come cheap. This design reminds me of Portland's Providence Park Stadium--older multipurpose that was renovated to make MLS ready at the sacrifice of AAA baseball.

This stadium design will allow for expansion. How many current MLS cities have downtown riverfront SS stadiums...

.

https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/New-OKC-Energy-stadium-rendering.jpg


Under plans submitted to Oklahoma City mayor David Holt on Thursday, USL Championship‘s OKC Energy could build a new soccer-specific stadium in the city’s downtown area. The facility would cost an estimated $65 to $80 million for construction–plus an additional $6 to $12 million for land acquisition–and be built with an initial seating capacity of 10,000. It would be designed to have the ability to host events such as concerts, rugby, lacrosse, and football in addition to professional soccer. Furthermore, the facility could be expanded as part of a potential second phase to accommodate an MLS club.

Soccer Stadium Digest (powered by Populous) reports on OKC soccer stadium: https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2019/03/new-okc-energy-stadium-plan-unveiled/

Question for Pete or anyone who can answer: Has the Producers Coop Mill site gone down on its price per acre; seeing $6-$12 for stadium land acquisition cost.

As Pete mentioned; this would have been a great site acquisition for the new convention center.

Minor League, baby! Not transformative. At all.

Mayor Holt could have gone with a 'cheap & inexpensive' stadium, more of the pop-up variety or something moderate like Rio Grand Valley's $30 million simple twin grand stands in the above post #132.

https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/-/media/Images/Daily/2018/04/06/timbers-PROVIDENCE-PARK.ashx?mw=405&hash=1C422BA7E028AED5A5ABC35018AF6FC67110251D Currently being expanded by 3,200 seats, capacity will be 25,000.

Portland Providence Park Stadium

We've discussed quality projects on this forum; quality doesn't come cheap. This design reminds me of Portland's Providence Park Stadium--older multipurpose that was renovated to make MLS ready at the sacrifice of AAA baseball.

This stadium design will allow for expansion. How many current MLS cities have downtown riverfront SS stadiums...

Place a quality “pop up” soccer stadium on the river and let’s prove the current and future success of soccer in OKC. Soccer looks to become very popular in the US. All great US cities have major sport venues which add to the quality of life of its residents and also bring in tax dollars from tourism. Isn’t there land near the river downtown OKC that the city already owns? It wouldn’t make sense to buy additional land when the city already once space that could accommodate a stadium.

Pop ups are ok for teams transitioning when they know where they are going isn't permanent. But if you're doing a proof of concept, then you really need to make use of an existing facility. People don't attend pop up facilities as well as a real facility partly because part of the draw is the experience of the facility. Time wasn't on our side between leaving Taft and having downtown ready. So we're a bit stuck at the moment. But i would caution anyone that wants to test a pop up as a determining factor in if we could support MLS. And to be truthful, im not sure that we are ready to support MLS yet. Our britches aren't quite big enough to adequately fund multiple pro teams....IMO.

This kind of thinking right here cracks me up. I don't think you understand just how much soccer has grown and where it's going to end up in terms of growth. If OKC loses the Energy because we didn't pay for a stadium now, we'll regret it 20+ years down the road. I know some of your here think soccer is just a game that kids play, or that it'll never be taken seriously in the US, but with each new generation, the game will just keep growing.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx

Take a look at the 18-34 year old range. Football, as a favorite sport, is down 10 percent from the age bracket above it, and soccer is now tied with basketball as the second favorite sport for 18-34 year old Americans.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-12/soccer-is-the-world-s-most-popular-sport-and-still-growing

The percentage of 16-35 year old Americans that are "interested or very interested" is over 50 percent.

So your thinking of hockey being higher on the sports totem pole is laughable. Hockey isn't even in the conversation. Baseball is dying. Football has a concussion issue. More and more parents are keeping their kids from playing football. More and more kids are choosing to play other sports as they see the dangers of football. I just read an article the other day about how football leagues (professional and youth) are struggling to find insurance companies to cover their leagues. Youth football as we know it is on it's way out. Before we know it, kids won't even play tackle football until high school, if that. And of course, baseball is dying a slow death. In the next 20-30 years, I guarantee that basketball and soccer will be the 2 major sports in the US. Building a strong team here in OKC now is absolutely important to the state of professional sports here in this city.

Soccer doesn't work like minor league baseball. The USL is not just a developmental league for professional teams. Most of the teams in the USL are completely independent from a MLS club. The USL doesnt answer to the MLS and sometimes actually competes for the same players. In fact, the Energy signed a French player this offseason who has playing experience in the top French league. He chose OKC over Orlando City of the MLS.

/end rant

That stat you quoted from Bloomberg about 18-34 year olds is not Americans but from 18 world areas. The chart that is contained in the article listing interest in various countries does not even list USA. I have been hearing how soccer is the next big thing since the 1970's when Pele signed with the NY Cosmos. That's 40 years ago and that same story is still being pedaled.

That stat you quoted from Bloomberg about 18-34 year olds is not Americans but from 18 world areas. The chart that is contained in the article listing interest in various countries does not even list USA. I have been hearing how soccer is the next big thing since the 1970's when Pele signed with the NY Cosmos. That's 40 years ago and that same story is still being pedaled.

Apparently you didn't scroll down to the chart with the header: "Soccer in the USA"

I know many people may not want to hear this but I am a firm believer in developing the infrastructure for growth. I applaud the presentation for the stadium, but i personally, think they should request more money for the land, stadium, & infrastructure that invites commercial growth. That includes but is not limited to walking paths, Riverwalk extension, and planned commercial pod sites with utilities and roads. A good example is the GrandScape development in Frisco/Colony ,TX.

If the stadium is large enough to host other events (probably need false turf then) then I may be more in support. Getting large outdoor concerts and music festivals in OKC would be a big positive in my eyes. The Zoo is nice, but something more official where you can really get a large stage would be excellent. At 15-20,000 capacity, you can score some major shows.

I hope it would not be a pop-up either. It will be a regression from Taft.
Taft would be fine if the field was not too small like all the football HS stadium.

If a stadium is built, please put a canopy\roof over the stand ! Keep the spectator out of the rain and scorching sun would be nice.

If the stadium is large enough to host other events (probably need false turf then) then I may be more in support. Getting large outdoor concerts and music festivals in OKC would be a big positive in my eyes. The Zoo is nice, but something more official where you can really get a large stage would be excellent. At 15-20,000 capacity, you can score some major shows.

like what is planned at the new Park ...

like what is planned at the new Park ...

Not really. Comparing a large grassy area where you would have to construct fencing and other infrastructure for a paid event to a venue that already has all that in place isn't the same.

Now if you're talking about free festivals and other events that don't need that kind of thing, that's something else.

Not really. Comparing a large grassy area where you would have to construct fencing and other infrastructure for a paid event to a venue that already has all that in place isn't the same.

Now if you're talking about free festivals and other events that don't need that kind of thing, that's something else.

the grand lawn and the stage are designed to host 15000+ paid concerts

the grand lawn and the stage are designed to host 15000+ paid concerts

I'm aware of the proposed capacity but if I were a promoter, I'd rather hold an event that has infrastructure in place for restrooms, concessions, etc. for that capacity.

That stat you quoted from Bloomberg about 18-34 year olds is not Americans but from 18 world areas. The chart that is contained in the article listing interest in various countries does not even list USA. I have been hearing how soccer is the next big thing since the 1970's when Pele signed with the NY Cosmos. That's 40 years ago and that same story is still being pedaled.

As a white man around age 60 I share your memory of soccer's failure to take hold in the US over the last 40 plus years. And I think white men over 50 will hold close to the opinion that soccer is going nowhere. But I think as OKC continues going browner and younger a soccer stadium will show itself to be a wise investment.

Just a quick thought here. Vince McMahon, owner of the WWE is really really REALLY gearing up for the XFL. The XFL has made some BIG time hires for coaches and GMS. Also, the AAF has been doing better than expected. I really don't see both leagues making it once the XFL starts up next year. But what I could see happening is the XFL and AAF merging. Vince McMahon is going all in with this version of the XFL and I actually think it will be pretty damn successful. And BOTH leagues have talked about expansion and including OKC in that expansion.

Point of that being, I am okay with a MAPS 4 Stadium, bit I want it bigger immediately. I want it ready to go to host XFL/AAF games and while we're at it, grab a College Bowl Game.

That would mean it would be host to all the Energy home games, the OKC expansion in the XFL/AAF teams home games and a college bowl game. So that's a guaranteed use of something like 25 times a year? Plus various concerts and what have you.

I'd love to see them alter this to hold closer to 35/40k people right out of the bag with the ability to expand later. The bigger the stadium, the better the prospects.

Just a quick thought here. Vince McMahon, owner of the WWE is really really REALLY gearing up for the XFL. The XFL has made some BIG time hires for coaches and GMS. Also, the AAF has been doing better than expected. I really don't see both leagues making it once the XFL starts up next year. But what I could see happening is the XFL and AAF merging. Vince McMahon is going all in with this version of the XFL and I actually think it will be pretty damn successful. And BOTH leagues have talked about expansion and including OKC in that expansion.

Point of that being, I am okay with a MAPS 4 Stadium, bit I want it bigger immediately. I want it ready to go to host XFL/AAF games and while we're at it, grab a College Bowl Game.

That would mean it would be host to all the Energy home games, the OKC expansion in the XFL/AAF teams home games and a college bowl game. So that's a guaranteed use of something like 25 times a year? Plus various concerts and what have you.

I'd love to see them alter this to hold closer to 35/40k people right out of the bag with the ability to expand later. The bigger the stadium, the better the prospects.

what they are proposing for MAPS 4 is not big enough for the XFL or for a bowl game ..

what they are proposing for MAPS 4 is not big enough for the XFL or for a bowl game ..

Yes, I know. Hence my last paragraph saying I'd love to see this built with a capacity of around 40k immediately.


Edit: Since this is tabbed for MAPS, what would the realistic cost be of making this a 40k seat Stadium? Double? $350 million? I'd still MUCH rather approve a 40k (or more) seat Stadium than this.

We don't know how successful any of these football leagues will be; agree with Colbafone, OKC needs to be in a position to have a venue with the seating capacity to host MLS, XFL or AAF.

The XFL will start out in most NFL markets and former NFL markets. There will be relocation, XFL has the best chance of survival because of McMahon's financial backing and access to national TV.

As with the NBA, we had to invest more funds in The Peake or the Thunder wouldn't be here today.

Keep our fingers crossed; let's see what other projects will be on the MAPS 4; please continue to submit your ideas: https://www.okc.gov/government/maps-4

https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/fan/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftalking12.com%2Ffiles%2F20 14%2F06%2FBaylor-Stadium-2-landscape-architecture.jpg&c=sc&w=850&h=560

https://parsonscorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/20.-Baylor--450x287.jpg

This riverfront stadium in Waco, Texas (Baylor University) cost $266 million; seats 45,140, took 2 years to build (Populous, 2013). The lower bowl could serve the immediate needs of the OKC Energy FC, accommodate MLS, XFL, AAF or FFL and some NFL exhibition games.

It will take many projects and side developments to cement OKC into a reputable big league city. IMO OKC is where Charlotte was in the early 90s.

Yes, I know. Hence my last paragraph saying I'd love to see this built with a capacity of around 40k immediately.


Edit: Since this is tabbed for MAPS, what would the realistic cost be of making this a 40k seat Stadium? Double? $350 million? I'd still MUCH rather approve a 40k (or more) seat Stadium than this.
Prob close to a billion for a state of the art 40k stadium. It would take a full maps to get this done IMO. Of course they could cheap out and build an out of date or scaled down stadium much cheaper. I know Stl proposed to build a 60k seat stadium to keep the rams and it was going to cost somewhere around 1.3 billion a few years ago from renderings and estimates from Populous or HKS can't remember which one.

MAPS for Stadium and nothing else would be a good way to ruin the brand forever. The best bet for this would be 100m or less and keep it part of a larger, diverse package.

MAPS for Stadium and nothing else would be a good way to ruin the brand forever. The best bet for this would be 100m or less and keep it part of a larger, diverse package.

It's going to be a hard nut to crack to spend 100 mil.+ for minor league soccer stadium. I just don't think that many folks are interested in doing that. Most people look at soccer as a childs game played in local parks.

It's going to be a hard nut to crack to spend 100 mil.+ for minor league soccer stadium. I just don't think that many folks are interested in doing that. Most people look at soccer as a childs game played in local parks.

Calling it a "minor league soccer stadium" does the proposed stadium a disservice. The Energy would likely be the primary tenant, but as mentioned in this thread, the stadium would be sized to accommodate other sports leagues like the XFL/AAL, the OKC rugby team (their name escapes me at the moment), and it could even be used for high school sports (championships, etc), concerts, etc. This facility is designed as a multipurpose venue, not just a soccer stadium.

Freedom Football League (FFL)? Baralheia


Prob close to a billion for a state of the art 40k stadium. It would take a full maps to get this done IMO. Of course they could cheap out and build an out of date or scaled down stadium much cheaper. I know Stl proposed to build a 60k seat stadium to keep the rams and it was going to cost somewhere around 1.3 billion a few years ago from renderings and estimates from Populous or HKS can't remember which one.

OKCRT are you talking about this project: https://www.athleticbusiness.com/stadium-arena/new-renderings-released-of-985m-st-louis-nfl-stadium.html


MAPS for Stadium and nothing else would be a good way to ruin the brand forever. The best bet for this would be 100m or less and keep it part of a larger, diverse package.

Agree, that's the route Mayor Holt's group has taken. OU's Gaylord Memorial Stadium could act as a temporary home for something like the XFL; OU made it clear (USFL Oklahoma Outlaws) they didn't want to share their stadium long-term with a pro football team; they were willing to do it on an interim basis provided OKC built a stadium; unfortunately we had no plans. A two-tier 25,000-30,000-seat outdoor venue (without all the bells & whistles) can be built on a $100 million budget.

MAPS Brand will be ruined if YOU DON'T SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS and you don't vote; it doesn't get passed. https://www.okc.gov/government/maps-4


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium022819e.jpg

If an MLS soccer franchise comes to fruition; there will be a funding avenue to expand a 10,000-seat stadium that could immediately accommodate 15,000 max with risers/temporary seating and the grassy area. The stadium above has the costly infrastructure foundation elements' doubling the seating capacity to 20,000 or more wouldn't be that expensive.

OKC has something unique that is the envy of many U. S. cities where you build projects debt free. This frees up money for operational expenses. Also, our city has an opportunity to build a stadium that could be partially funded by naming-rights as long as we don't give away the 'naming rights revenue as we did with the Thunder.

Calling it a "minor league soccer stadium" does the proposed stadium a disservice. The Energy would likely be the primary tenant, but as mentioned in this thread, the stadium would be sized to accommodate other sports leagues like the XFL/AAL, the OKC rugby team (their name escapes me at the moment), and it could even be used for high school sports (championships, etc), concerts, etc. This facility is designed as a multipurpose venue, not just a soccer stadium.

OKC Crusaders is the rugby team you speak of. Also, Tulsa Rugby has plans to build a new stadium on the river. We can't let Tulsa beat out OKC as the top team in OK!

Freedom Football League (FFL)? Baralheia



OKCRT are you talking about this project: https://www.athleticbusiness.com/stadium-arena/new-renderings-released-of-985m-st-louis-nfl-stadium.html



Agree, that's the route Mayor Holt's group has taken. OU's Gaylord Memorial Stadium could act as a temporary home for something like the XFL; OU made it clear (USFL Oklahoma Outlaws) they didn't want to share their stadium long-term with a pro football team; they were willing to do it on an interim basis provided OKC built a stadium; unfortunately we had no plans. A two-tier 25,000-30,000-seat outdoor venue (without all the bells & whistles) can be built on a $100 million budget.

MAPS Brand will be ruined if YOU DON'T SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS and you don't vote; it doesn't get passed. https://www.okc.gov/government/maps-4


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/stadium022819e.jpg

If an MLS soccer franchise comes to fruition; there will be a funding avenue to expand a 10,000-seat stadium that could immediately accommodate 15,000 max with risers/temporary seating and the grassy area. The stadium above has the costly infrastructure foundation elements' doubling the seating capacity to 20,000 or more wouldn't be that expensive.

OKC has something unique that is the envy of many U. S. cities where you build projects debt free. This frees up money for operational expenses. Also, our city has an opportunity to build a stadium that could be partially funded by naming-rights as long as we don't give away the 'naming rights revenue as we did with the Thunder.

Keep looking further and you will see costs were up to 1.3 billion on the proposed Stl stadium. The article you posted was initial costs which were way short of the realistic number. For more realistic numbers look at the recent Minny and Atlanta stadiums. When they are proposing these stadiums the initial number is always the low end. Look at the stadium Kroenke is building in La. It started as 1.8 billion. look at the realistic number now. It's blowing past 3 billion. The smaller 20k seat stadium Enterprise folks are building for MLS in Stl. is costing around 250 mil. and it will prob. go higher. If OKC builds a stadium for 100 mil. it will not compare with these new MLS stadiums being proposed or built at over twice the cost.

https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/fan/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftalking12.com%2Ffiles%2F20 14%2F06%2FBaylor-Stadium-2-landscape-architecture.jpg&c=sc&w=850&h=560

https://parsonscorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/20.-Baylor--450x287.jpg

This riverfront stadium in Waco, Texas (Baylor University) cost $266 million; seats 45,140, took 2 years to build (Populous, 2013). The lower bowl could serve the immediate needs of the OKC Energy FC, accommodate MLS, XFL, AAF or FFL and some NFL exhibition games.

It will take many projects and side developments to cement OKC into a reputable big league city. IMO OKC is where Charlotte was in the early 90s.

This. I want this. This is only about double the Funk proposal and MUCH nicer and better. This could fetch an XFL franchise. Keep in mind the XFL will be televised nationally on a major network and likely the WWE network. That's a lot of eyes on OKC.

To me, if we can get something like that in Waco here in OKC, for less than $300 mil we NEED to do it (assuming we are building a large Stadium at all, of course) . The poster above me mentioned stadiums in excess of $1 billion. Costs are rising on this stuff. Granted those stadiums are the absolute PINNACLE of stadiums. They're competing with Jerry Jones for Superbowls and Wrestlemanias and the like, which anything we will build will not be.

So, a nice 40k seat Stadium for around $250 mil seems 100% feasible. I personally don't think we should settle on 10k capacity for $100 mil. Let's nail it NOW. Let's keep aiming for the big leagues. MLS and nationally televised XFL. Even should the XFL fold, we still would have a beautiful Stadium to lure someone and something, on top of a likely MLS team.

This. I want this. This is only about double the Funk proposal and MUCH nicer and better. This could fetch an XFL franchise. Keep in mind the XFL will be televised nationally on a major network and likely the WWE network. That's a lot of eyes on OKC.

To me, if we can get something like that in Waco here in OKC, for less than $300 mil we NEED to do it (assuming we are building a large Stadium at all, of course) . The poster above me mentioned stadiums in excess of $1 billion. Costs are rising on this stuff. Granted those stadiums are the absolute PINNACLE of stadiums. They're competing with Jerry Jones for Superbowls and Wrestlemanias and the like, which anything we will build will not be.

So, a nice 40k seat Stadium for around $250 mil seems 100% feasible. I personally don't think we should settle on 10k capacity for $100 mil. Let's nail it NOW. Let's keep aiming for the big leagues. MLS and nationally televised XFL. Even should the XFL fold, we still would have a beautiful Stadium to lure someone and something, on top of a likely MLS team.

We understand that many don't like Energy FC as an organization run by Funk Sr.Jr.; it has gotten better with McLaughlin's partnership. It's not going to cost that much more to build a 40,000-seat MLS soccer stadium. Toronto will expand their MLS soccer specific stadium to accommodate 30,000. It will be the MLS' largest soccer specific stadium when completed:

We're not talking about an NFL Pinnacle stadium (as Colbafone mentioned) like Seattle's Century Link Field opened in 2002 at a cost of $480 million ($599 million in today's US dollars), host both NFL and MLS soccer.

A venue built to host multiple sports & events will be a valuable facility to the our community.

Stadium costs have skyrocketed much more than inflation. Jerry Jones built for a little over 1 billion. They couldn't touch that in todays world. Prob well over 2 billion. Even 20k seat arenas costing up around the billion mark today. Sure you could build bare bones on the cheaper end and then end up needing upgrade after upgrade down the road. You gotta pay to play in the stadium game. They are not cheap. And they are not used as an everyday money maker. The stadium that's being built in Vegas is going to come in around 1.8-2 billion and that doesn't account for the land. If they are talking about building a 20k seat stadium here for 100 mil. that is gonna be a cheap bare bones type of deal IMO. And if you are going to build downtown OKC I would hope that would be something special.

Stadium costs have skyrocketed much more than inflation. Jerry Jones built for a little over 1 billion. They couldn't touch that in todays world. Prob well over 2 billion. Even 20k seat arenas costing up around the billion mark today. Sure you could build bare bones on the cheaper end and then end up needing upgrade after upgrade down the road. You gotta pay to play in the stadium game. They are not cheap. And they are not used as an everyday money maker. The stadium that's being built in Vegas is going to come in around 1.8-2 billion and that doesn't account for the land. If they are talking about building a 20k seat stadium here for 100 mil. that is gonna be a cheap bare bones type of deal IMO. And if you are going to build downtown OKC I would hope that would be something special.

You're totally right, except that you are comparing what OKC COULD build to the most state of the art big time stadiums in the world.

Instead, compare it to college stadiums. Outside of places like Kyle Field with Texas A&M and OU and the upper tier, those stadiums are all akin to Baylor. 40/50k seats for around $300 million. That's WAY more apropos to what OKC could do than comparing it to an NFL franchise's new stadium.

Stadium costs have skyrocketed much more than inflation. Jerry Jones built for a little over 1 billion. They couldn't touch that in todays world. Prob well over 2 billion. Even 20k seat arenas costing up around the billion mark today. Sure you could build bare bones on the cheaper end and then end up needing upgrade after upgrade down the road. You gotta pay to play in the stadium game. They are not cheap. And they are not used as an everyday money maker. The stadium that's being built in Vegas is going to come in around 1.8-2 billion and that doesn't account for the land. If they are talking about building a 20k seat stadium here for 100 mil. that is gonna be a cheap bare bones type of deal IMO. And if you are going to build downtown OKC I would hope that would be something special.

Well beat me, beat me and call me 'CHEAP!' :D

If you're wanting to build something like $1.3 billion AT&T Stadium in Arlington among the few privately owned stadiums where you're charged $20 - $60 to park; and $9 for Nachos, $10 for Popcorn, $6 for a Pretzel that resembles something you almost stepped in en route to the stadium; it's not going to happen in OKC.

Build a venue more in line cost wise like McLane Stadium in Waco, it would be appreciated. We're building a stadium; not a Roman Corinthian style Cathedral.

Stadium costs have skyrocketed much more than inflation. Jerry Jones built for a little over 1 billion. They couldn't touch that in todays world. Prob well over 2 billion. Even 20k seat arenas costing up around the billion mark today. Sure you could build bare bones on the cheaper end and then end up needing upgrade after upgrade down the road. You gotta pay to play in the stadium game. They are not cheap. And they are not used as an everyday money maker. The stadium that's being built in Vegas is going to come in around 1.8-2 billion and that doesn't account for the land. If they are talking about building a 20k seat stadium here for 100 mil. that is gonna be a cheap bare bones type of deal IMO. And if you are going to build downtown OKC I would hope that would be something special.

Ok you’re gonna have to cite some sources.

20k arenas don’t cost a billion. The only one that did is the Barclays center but that’s in New York and land is a massive factor.

The kings new arena was 588 but once again that’s an arena with suites, and the need to transform for show, and a roof. Not an open air soccer multi use stadium.

The “one” in Vegas is a ridiculous comparison first which one? T- mobile or the raiders stadium. Raiders stadium is a asinine comparison and T mobile is an arena a block away from the strip and it still only cost $375.

Quit with the hyperbole.

Ok you’re gonna have to cite some sources.

20k arenas don’t cost a billion. The only one that did is the Barclays center but that’s in New York and land is a massive factor.

The kings new arena was 588 but once again that’s an arena with suites, and the need to transform for show, and a roof. Not an open air soccer multi use stadium.

The “one” in Vegas is a ridiculous comparison first which one? T- mobile or the raiders stadium. Raiders stadium is a asinine comparison and T mobile is an arena a block away from the strip and it still only cost $375.

Quit with the hyperbole.

The new arena ( not stadium) for the Golden State Warriors is 1 billion.

Here's the latest MLS soccer stadiums and the one in Minny is now expected well over 200 mil.. BTW we were talking about building a stadium with 40k capacity for soccer and potential football...https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/economic-development/new-us-soccer-stadiums-in-the-works-85969

The new arena ( not stadium) for the Golden State Warriors is 1 billion.

Here's the latest MLS soccer stadiums and the one in Minny is now expected well over 200 mil.. BTW we were talking about building a stadium with 40k capacity for soccer and potential football...https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/economic-development/new-us-soccer-stadiums-in-the-works-85969

Like Gopokes stated, I would think the Warriors paid a lot for that land. Also, it is going to be equipped with half a million sf of office space and restaurant and retail space.