
The Oklahoma City Council approved a real estate donation agreement to secure nine acres near South Shields Boulevard and SE 3rd Street, south of Harkin’s Theater, as the site for the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. The upcoming stadium has the potential to redefine the city’s entertainment and sports landscape. Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with a grand opening anticipated by March 2027.
In addition to approving the real estate donation, the City Council has allocated $71 million to the project, including $41 million from the MAPS 4 program. Designed to host high school, collegiate, and professional sporting events, as well as concerts and events, the stadium will be operated by OKC Energy FC under the leadership of Echo Investment Capital.
Design is underway for the stadium, which will include a regulation-sized United States Soccer Federation (USSF)-approved pitch, seating for 12,300, and modern amenities like locker rooms and suites. Echo, in partnership with Robinson Park, plans to develop the surrounding area into a vibrant hub with restaurants, retail, and residences, allowing visitors to walk to events.
The venue concept is modeled after other sports-centered entertainment districts that have proved successful in other major cities like Washington, D.C., Louisville, Kentucky, and Orlando, Florida. These locations have seen benefits like increased property value, job creation, boosted hotel occupancy and retail sales, and more consistent tourism.
Arenas and professional sports events play a significant role in boosting local economies by driving tourism, increasing consumer spending, and fostering business growth. In Oklahoma City, the Thunder’s presence at Paycom Center has transformed the downtown area, drawing fans to support nearby restaurants, hotels, and shops. Hosting events generates significant tax revenue and creates jobs, enhancing the city’s economic profile and the benefits are only expected to grow as OKC welcomes back professional soccer to downtown.
The MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium is not just a venue; it’s a catalyst for growth and transformation in Oklahoma City. By reintroducing professional soccer and creating a space for diverse events, the stadium will inject new vitality into downtown while fostering a stronger sense of community. This project exemplifies how strategic investments in sports and entertainment can drive economic growth, attract tourism, and enhance the city’s quality of life. As OKC builds on its history of successful urban revitalization, the stadium promises to be a cornerstone of the city’s ongoing evolution, offering benefits that extend far beyond its walls.
Kenton Tsoodle is the president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.
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