Who said that OKC would fund the project? When this was proposed back in 2004, this was a private/university partnership proposed to bring MLS to OKC area: Oklahoma City and Tulsa were both on the MLS's radar and Funk opted to buy the RedHawks; abandoning the pursuit of an MLS franchise which would have cost an initial franchise fee of $10 million. http://www.soccertimes.com/mls/2004/may16.htm "University officials began talking in July with Brad Lund, chief executive officer of Express Sports, which is interested in bringing a Major League Soccer franchise to the Oklahoma City area. The idea of a soccer stadium was first suggested for Bricktown, but attention centered on Edmond when Oklahoma City leaders expressed no interest in a downtown soccer stadium." --2002-08-13 By Kenna Griffin, The Oklahoman The idea of renovating Wantland Stadium for soccer & american football has been considered as far back as 2002. So, you're not new to the area? I respect your opinion and everyone else who might disagree with my opinion. They're just suggestions and opinions that may or may not factor into what actually goes forward; our postings here probably won't amount to a 'hill of beans.' More than likely, who's viewing our postings? Of course again, we may never know... Opportunity knocked and we didn't answer the door to get in on the initial groundwork; now it is going to take someone with some deep pockets or a group effort to undertake an MLS investment.
I've been here since 1984. Ive lived in Edmond, OKC, and Norman. I just don't think a stadium in Edmond will work. I got Yellow-Carded in another forum a while back for having the audacity to state the obvious to FCD fans that their stadium was in the middle of nowhere. I know that people can either agree/disagree but I really feel the location of that stadium is ONE reason that the team has not drawn as well as I think they could/should. I guess I see an Oklahoma City team playing in Edmond as having the same problem. It's my opinion that you will basically cut 1/2 of your potential support from; South OKC/Moore/Edmond/Mustang, even Yukon. If it can at all the stadium NEEDS to be somewhere in the middle. Maybe not right on the river, but SOMEWHERE relatively close to downtown.
My hope is that we can get something done here in Oklahoma City as an eventual long-term option and preferably on the river. My true guess is that Funk will put his USL-Pro franchise in Edmond with his usual promises of leapfrogging to MLS. NASL will be more attractive to OKC with McLaughlin's temporary use of Taft which will be a prelude to a soccer specific stadium on the river. If Funk & Wagnall (Lund) could get their feud resolved and work together along with McLaughlin, Oklahoma City's chances of obtaining one of those four MLS expansion franchises before 2020 would increase. As mentioned, we've been on the MLS radar before. We mirror Salt Lake City in many ways and soccer could become an overnight success here. The money is here; however the two groups are charged and ready for an all out 'tug-of-war' battle which doesn't serve the interests of the OKC soccer community. Don't be surprised to see Funk rekindle a flame with Edmond using USL-Pro; if Edmond takes the bait. Funk has a history of '$5 lawyer talk' which doesn't lead to production. Has he learned from past experiences(? ); that is the dilemna and saga moving forward... Having lived in the Fort Worth-Dallas area when the Dallas Burn was burning out the Cotton Bowl (oversized venue for MLS), Frisco became an option. They lured the AA baseball franchise Rangers' affiliate from Tulsa with the 10,316-seat Dr. Pepper Ballpark and later made room for an MLS soccer franchise with a stadium for their use . Two stadiums built in Frisco. Did Frisco bit off more than she could chew? Dallas is going to make sure that Frisco swallows the whole thing.
Nobody said OKC "would" fund it. I just said that OKC "would NOT" fund it (being in Edmond). That's all... You're right, nothing posted on any of these BS forums "amount to a hill of beans" it's all just fun, fan talk/opinions. That would not shock me. However, I think doing that would pigeon hole his team.
One of the things pointed out at the NASL Supporters' Summit was that historically, a 20-mile radius was the limit of a teams' drawing ability - less if there's not much in the way of transit. A team in Edmond would alienate a lot of the South side, Moore and Norman, and likely the western suburbs, too. We're about to find out what kind of draw the suburbs have with the USL team: As we've talked about before, The Funk SpiritEnergy stadium options are very limited, and almost exclusively suburban. Trying to base in the suburbs and ignoring the downtown crowd is a mistake that MLS teams have made since 1996 - the ones that have listened and kept a downtown presence are enjoying the rewards. I hope OKC sees it, too.
I think you can rank possible locations for a future stadium. THis would be my ranking: 1. ) Bricktown, on the light rail line - The ultimate location for OKC. In the Entertainment District, on a mass transit line. 2.) On the river, by the new Central Park - Almost as desirable, maybe JUST as desirable actually. 3. ) On the river somewhere, maybe even down close to Western Avenue by the Downtown Airpark concert venue. 4.) Somewhere in the middle of OKC. Not sure where, but close to a major thoroughfare. Maybe in the Adventure District by Remington Park and the Zoo. 5.) Anywhere in the suburbs. This would be the least desirable option, IMHO
What do you think is a good exact location in Bricktown? I can see why it's desirable since it's by your other venues.
We talked about this during the marketing meeting the other night. There is a LITTLE bit of land around Bricktown right now. There will be alot more whenever the Grain Mill that's just south of Bricktown is finally demolished. Admittedly Bricktown would be the most expensive option. But I think it would be the best.
No, I meant the HUGE complex just west of it, that Ive heard has been purchased and is supposed to be demolished
Has SoS identified any possible stadium locations? Or is their main focus on completing the Taft renovations?
Havent heard anything definite. Both sides have mentioned "close to downtown", "somewhere by the river"...
Oklahoma City is building momentum for the next level. What's next? Just release video of Taft Stadium renovations: Chair backs to be added to west side of stadium... Via Oklahoma City Energy Whichever franchise is left standing (USL-Pro, NASL); they will have a nice start up stadium to get on the MLS radar. Taft Stadium would be a nice temporary home for professional soccer; its success in the metropolitan Oklahoma City area (includes Yukon) could dictate the need for some type of soccer-American football specific stadium to get on the MAPS IV (2017) referendum which could include a minimum 20,000-seats or larger Oklahoma riverfront stadium. Let's not rule out the NASL Oklahoma City FC who will get their chance as they debut in 2015.
Here's something to think about; Last year the energy played at Pribil Stadium. I believe the announced capacity was ~3,500. No beer sales. Limited resources, blah blah blah... This year, they have moved into Taft, a brand new stadium, with beer sales, chair backs on the west side, luxury pods, better bathrooms, better concessions, blah blah blah... Lat year they averaged 3,780 per game This year they are averaging 4,550 per game. That's a difference of less than 800 people more per game. In a stadium that is twice the size. WITH BEER!??! What's going on?