frequently asked questions

The proposed business and entertainment district’s boundaries are Interstate 35, W Rock Creek Road, Max Westheimer Airport, and W Tecumseh Road. Under the development plan, the district would include multiple facets intended to benefit the entire Norman community and region, beginning with a multi-purpose performance venue that would attract major entertainment and sporting events. The plan also includes a new hotel, restaurants, bars, retail shopping, offices, housing, and other quality-of-life amenities that would make Norman a regional destination point. 

The development will cost an estimated $1 billion.

The plan’s cost will be covered through a combination of private and public funds. Approximately 80% of the plan’s $1 billion cost would be paid through private investment, The remaining 20% would be paid through public sources. None of the funds would come from the city or county general funds. 

The Team Norman proposal must follow a process like every other proposed  development in Norman. This comprehensive proposal to create new jobs and drive economic growth and prosperity must be reviewed publicly and approved by various stakeholders and governmental bodies, beginning with the Norman City Council and Cleveland County Board of Commissioners. We will continue to work with local leaders in a collaborative fashion to      bring this project to reality, creating generational and synergistic opportunities for all of Norman. 

No, it hasn’t. This proposal of collaboration and alignment is the result of diligent efforts from a broad and diverse coalition of leaders within the Norman community. This unprecedented team effort involved the City of Norman, Cleveland County, the University of Oklahoma, the Norman Chamber, the Norman Economic Development Coalition, VisitNorman, and business leaders from across our community. This plan’s expansive scope sets the project apart. Beyond the performance venue, and entertainment district, the vision for this development also includes a new national weather museum, increased west-side airport access, regional transit options, workforce housing solutions, mixed-use performance options, and hard financial commitments from a lead anchor tenant. 

Development of this project will take time, patience, teamwork, and collaboration between the coalition, local leaders, and citizens. While everyone wants to move quickly to bring new jobs and economic benefits to Norman and Cleveland County, it is important that we get this right – not get it fast. All parties will work together in a collaborative fashion to make this project a reality and begin construction as soon as possible. 

Everyone! The multi-purpose venue would host everything from concerts and shows to University of Oklahoma women’s gymnastics and Sooner basketball games. Although the university would be the facility’s anchor tenant, current projections call for OU to use just 28% of its availability. The remaining 72% would be filled with major concerts, business expos, local graduations, shows, rodeos, and more.

Although the performance venue will be publicly owned, its operations will be administered by a professional venue management firm, similar to Oklahoma City's contract arrangement at the Paycom Center.

A formal name has not been decided.

That's undetermined at this time..

Currently, the proposed site is mostly undeveloped space owned by the OU Foundation and the NEDC, which are both nonprofit organizations. Because this land is not developed, it does not generate property tax or sale tax revenue for the county, the schools, or the city.  The proposed performance venue, retail shops, hotel, restaurants, bars, and other businesses would generate millions annually in property taxes and sales taxes for local governments and schools. If left as it is now, the property will not generate the income our schools and local governments need to address a host of educational, service, and infrastructure needs within our community.