OKC Council to Vote on New Arena Plan for Thunder, Including Transit Hub
From CityNewsOKC | By Todd Shannon | Published: May 21, 2024
UPDATE: The OKC City Council approved plans by a 7 to 2 vote.
The City Council will vote today on the possible approval of terms of a development agreement for the new arena that will be the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2028 if plans proceed accordingly.
The agreement will include two projects, a 650-space garage and a possible regional transit hub. The city manager, Craig Freeman, would like things to be done soon, but there are many things to get ready by the end of 2024. The team’s original lease at Paycom Center ended in 2023. To provide ample time to create a plan for a new arena, they opted to extend the agreement for an additional three years. This new arena aims to ensure the Thunder remain in Oklahoma City for 25 years post-construction, potentially securing the team’s presence in the city until at least 2053.
The team’s owners have already signed the development agreement, which will go into effect after receiving city council approval. According to Freeman, the city is hiring a project consultant and anticipates recruiting an architectural and engineering team before finalizing the lease.
Initial funding will come from MAPS4 funds of $78 million, then a team contribution of $50 million would be used, and then about $772 million in generated revenue from the 72-month one-cent sales tax which starts on April 1, 2028.
The agreement set for a vote today (Tuesday) will not tap funds to demolish the Paycom Center. Previous information said the Paycom would not be taken down until the new arena is opened. That will be addressed after the details are worked out for the new arena but there has been no decision on what to do with Paycom.
As far as the transit hub goes it will be on the arena site if voters approve a regional transit network in a future election sometime in 2025.
A recent 2023 study by Walk Score has spotlighted Oklahoma City’s public transportation shortcomings, ranking it as the third worst among NBA markets for arena accessibility. In response, the Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma (RTA) is making strides to transform the city’s transit landscape.
The RTA is currently negotiating with BNSF Railway to establish a commuter rail service that would link Edmond, Oklahoma City, and Norman. This initiative aims to significantly improve transportation options for residents and visitors alike, particularly those attending events at the city’s arenas.
If the proposal garners voter approval, the new transit system will also include bus rapid transit (BRT) routes extending to key locations such as Tinker Air Force Base, Will Rogers World Airport, and through west Oklahoma City. This comprehensive plan is designed to alleviate congestion and provide efficient, reliable public transportation across the region.
Freeman, a city spokesperson, highlighted that the expansion of MAPS 4-funded BRT services is expected to incorporate a central transit hub, which will serve as a cornerstone for regional transit routes. This hub is strategically planned to be at the site of the proposed new arena.
“The regional transit possibility complements this and drives the decision to have the hub at the proposed arena site,” Freeman explained. “The Regional Transportation Authority helps lay the groundwork for that. The team loves the idea of having rail connected with the arena.”
The integration of commuter rail and enhanced BRT services is not only aimed at improving access to the arena but also at fostering greater connectivity throughout the metropolitan area. By providing robust public transportation options, Oklahoma City hopes to address long-standing issues related to traffic congestion and limited transit accessibility, which have plagued the city for years.
The RTA’s discussions with BNSF Railway represent a critical step towards realizing this vision. The proposed commuter rail line would enable swift and convenient travel between key urban centers, offering a viable alternative to car travel. This move is seen as a vital component of the city’s broader strategy to modernize its infrastructure and support sustainable urban development.
In addition to the commuter rail, the planned BRT routes are expected to play a significant role in the city’s transit network. These routes will provide fast and frequent service to major destinations, thereby enhancing mobility for residents and reducing dependence on personal vehicles.
Freeman emphasized the potential benefits of the proposed transit hub at the new arena site. “The regional transit possibility complements this and is the driver to having the hub there,” he said. “The Regional Transportation Authority helps build the foundation for that.”
The integration of rail services with the new arena is anticipated to be a game-changer for eventgoers, offering a seamless and efficient means of transportation to and from games and other events. This initiative is expected to not only improve the overall fan experience but also boost attendance and support for local sports teams.
As Oklahoma City prepares to take these transformative steps, the success of the proposed transit system will largely depend on voter support and continued collaboration between local authorities and transportation partners. If realized, this ambitious project promises to reshape the city’s public transportation landscape, making it more accessible and user-friendly for all.
Previously Santa Fe Station was renovated for operation as a stop for the Heartland Flyer, as a part of a federally funded project that runs along E.K. Gaylord. This new transit hub has the potential to add a lot of value to attracting other sports teams
The club wants the new stadium completed by June 2028; however, the development agreement specifies three completion dates, with 2029 as the final date. Should the new arena not open by June 2030, the city could be breaking the terms of the deal.
For now, the pressing business is to get a consultant on board that provides oversight and guidance, like what ADG provided with Maps projects. For the arena, modifications were made and designed around a major league tenant following NBA guidelines when the Thunder began playing in 2008. It will take an aggressive timetable to make 2028 work.