New developments in OKC
Possible locations for the arena
Oklahoma City conducted a Phase 1 environmental site assessment on private land as it searches for a location to build a new arena, public documents show.
The city previously completed the same assessment on the grounds of the Cox Convention Center, currently home to Prairie Surf Studios. In December, the city notified Prairie Surf of its intention not to renew its lease, which expires at the end of 2025.
On Thursday, a city spokesperson confirmed that a second evaluation of potential sites for a new arena has also been conducted. The site is a cluster of parking lots across from the Paycom Center and is well known to city leaders. When planning to build Oklahoma City's new convention center, the city tried to acquire the land, but was told by the owner that it could only be sold for $100 million, so it chose another location.
The Phase 1 ESA is early in the process for Oklahoma City's brownfield program, and there is no indication yet which sites the city will select. However, the city previously said it would prioritize the Cox Convention Center site because it is city-owned land.
According to the city's website, brownfields are “underutilized or abandoned land with known or potential environmental contaminants that complicate development opportunities.”
Shortly after a successful vote in December to extend the 1-cent sales tax to fund the arena, City Manager Craig Freeman said he hoped to select a venue within the next few months.
A city spokesperson said no selection has been made and the only two sites under consideration are the Cox Convention Center and a nearby parking lot.
Will Rogers World Airport
Will Rogers World Airport reached a near-record number of travelers in 2023. Oklahoma City Airport Director Jeff Mulder said the airport's success is a positive sign for Oklahoma's economy.
Last year was the best year for air travel in Oklahoma since 2019. While the airline industry is still recovering from the pandemic, airport travel numbers have reached pre-pandemic highs. On Thursday, every sight and sound at Will Rogers World Airport felt as normal as it has in recent years.
“It took a while for the industry to get back on its feet,” Mulder said. “This is a good sign that we have a strong local market.”
Last year, 4.4 million travelers passed through these gates. This is the highest number since before the pandemic. Ross Washburn and his colleague Brenda Hahn traveled from Denver. “We're going to travel a little bit,” Washburn said.
They flew to Oklahoma City for business training. “It's very easy to get around compared to Denver International Airport,” Washburn said. “[OKC is] It's fun and you can walk. There is much work to be done. ”
As the number of travelers increases, so does the Oklahoma City community. The city approved several aviation easements this week that limit the height of new buildings near the airport. “It helps limit infringing and incompatible uses,” Mulder said.
The easement will allow planes to safely take off and land in Oklahoma City. “As our community grows, we will ensure that we protect the public assets we have,” Mulder said.
As Oklahoma City moves forward, Mulder said Will Rogers World Airport will welcome people back. “We expect things to continue to be good for 24 years,” Mulder said.
The city is helping meet future pilot demand. Mulder said he has signed an agreement with Putnam City Schools to house an aviation classroom at Wiley Post Airport.
