Norman City Council approves entertainment district project plan
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) - Wednesday morning, the Norman City Council narrowly approved a plan to bring an entertainment district and new arena to the city. It’s a process that’s been ongoing publicly for over a year and the vote came after an hours long public hearing.
"This agenda item is incredibly simple. Norman is not a fiduciary for OU. OU is not a financial client of Norman,” Norman citizen Mark Campbell said at the hearing.
"It's a place that we can have family and community and the families I know in Norman are looking for this kind of development,” Norman citizen Holly Hunt said Wednesday.
At least seven hours of debate started Tuesday night and rolled into the early hours Wednesday as the city council heard both sides from citizens before a vote on the Rock Creek Entertainment District financing plan.
"This will bring another level of entertainment to Norman,” Norman resident Paul Wilson said at the meeting.
"I don't get this TIF, I don't understand it,” Norman resident Pam Post said at the meeting.
After all, a 5 to 4 vote came in around 1 o’clock that approved the over $1 billion project plan that includes an 8,000 seat arena for OU athletics and other events as we as retail and hotel space. Two tax increment finance districts, or TIF’s, will fund it. The first uses sales tax, the second is an ad valorem tax revenue. The University of Oklahoma will also fund part of the project. It’s a hefty price tag, but one that OU President Joe Harroz said is worth it.
"What's being delivered is something that will change the face of this city and the University of Oklahoma for the better,” he said Wednesday morning.
However, some in the city still are not sold, especially on the TIF plan.
"It is the worst possible public financing tool we could use,” Norman resident Rob Norman said at the meeting.
Opponents said they plan to petition for Norman residents to overturn the decision through a referendum, which would lead to a vote of the people.
Statements released Wednesday morning from OU’s president and athletic director are below.
“Tonight, we saw strong leadership when our city needed it most. This was indeed a vote for a transformative opportunity for the City of Norman and Cleveland County. OU has made it known that we want to be a great partner in the growth of our community, and now with the synergy of our membership in the SEC and this innovative district, we can reap the additional benefits of thousands of new fans visiting Norman, many for the very first time, as well as have a venue that can attract more people to our area for other events. We’re endlessly thankful for the opportunity to have an environment where we can put Sooner Magic on full display, showing our state and region all Oklahoma has to offer. The district and arena will do wonders for our ability to compete and win. Our sincere thanks go to Mayor Heikkila and the rest of the Norman City Council for leading us to a brighter future.” – Joe Castiglione, OU Athletic Director
“Tonight’s vote represents a historic moment in Norman’s history. A large coalition came together to support this initiative that will create thousands of new jobs, more housing, and exciting new entertainment options for our residents that will help make Norman a destination city. The entire OU family is grateful to the City Council for its leadership, vision, and vote of support. We are also thankful to all the countless citizens who worked so hard to make this project happen. Tonight’s vote was an important milestone, and we look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with government and business leaders from Norman and Cleveland County to move this project to completion.” – Joe Harroz, OU President
The Southeastern Conference commissioner also released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Wednesday morning. OU athletics X account also chimed in as well.
Some OU coaches and citizens also commented on the project during the meeting. That can all be viewed on the city’s YouTube page.