PRO-NORMAN GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

TEAM NORMAN is considering a major new economic development project, including a new Entertainment Venue/Zone, and is seeking statistically valid, independent, and unbiased data regarding its financial viability through a series of questions to community members and sports fans.  

 Nearly 100,000 survey links were distributed during the week of December 12th, 2022. While you may receive the same survey link from any number of Team Norman members, including NEDC, Visit Norman, City, County, NPS, the Norman Chamber of Commerce, or OU, among others, rest assured that our survey system will detect and reject duplicate entries from the same email.   

Norman and the broader region serve as a strong foundation for significant growth opportunities for its citizens. Coalition members are deeply committed to creating new jobs, increasing economic activity, and growing city, county, and state revenues. The Coalition is currently developing a new economic development strategic plan that was in process before OU decided to enter the SEC. A high priority of that draft plan is a community visioning process, led by the Oklahoma Academy, beginning in 2023. Given the “window of opportunity” for a best-in-class tenant, such as OU, it makes perfect sense to survey the community and fan base now to determine if an Entertainment Venue/Zone could/should be part of that vision. It is the responsibility of the Coalition to seek as much independent and unbiased data as possible about the demand for entertainment, destination shopping, and sports, benefitting citizens at every economic level – before that window closes.

Not specifically, as stated above. The survey is being conducted to determine if there is enough demand to support a Community Entertainment Venue/Zone with destination shopping and entertainment events in Norman, and most importantly, at what capacity, as part of a Community Visioning Process. The survey results will inform and educate the Coalition and the public. 

The University of Oklahoma has a potential interest in using an Entertainment Venue for ongoing sports and academic programming, whether that ultimately ends up in Norman, Oklahoma City, or elsewhere.  Capacity and Timing are key considerations. The University and Board of Regents have a fiduciary responsibility to the entire state to ensure that it happens in the most viable location – which is presumed, but not assumed, to be in Norman. The survey will provide an answer to Team Norman first, and OU incidentally. Regardless of OU’s decision, the Lloyd Noble Arena will still be sufficiently upgraded and utilized for ongoing programs.

The community will be informed of that during the Visioning Process. The community must decide if they still wish to construct a smaller community Entertainment Venue that could be supported; however, OU will no longer be their tenant as OU will seek more appropriate alternative locations. 

To be determined.  A major corporate sponsorship agreement or philanthropic lead gift will likely influence the venue’s name.  Funds from naming the venue could be used to offset construction costs.

The public will be informed through the Visioning Process and by the actions taken, or not taken, by OU and/or elected officials. Individual survey data is confidential and proprietary. 

The City of Norman has published a link on its website. Go to City Survey.

This site will be updated with more information as it becomes available, so check back periodically.