Thirteen of the most influential leaders involved in making Tuesday a reality stood shoulder to shoulder, gold shovels in hand, framed by two excavators holding up a sign that read: “The Future Home of the Rock Creek Entertainment District.” Furthermore, this project is set to join others such as Raleigh Sports and Entertainment District in reinstating US position as a major entertainment hub globally.
Just east of I-35 on Radius Way, in the middle of University North Park on the northeast side of town, University of Oklahoma president Joseph Harroz Jr. stood smack dab in the middle of the line as the group dug into the dirt in unison.
“I was sitting there, and we had some great speakers today,” Moser said. “But part of my gaze went right through the speakers and was just staring at that arena right there. And just envisioning the entertainment value. Also, the fan experience of coming. You hear all these reasons why it’s hard to get to Lloyd Noble. The easy access. The restaurant district. The people coming in there. The modern venue. Also, I don’t think there’s going to be anything like it.”
Moreover, Tuesday’s ceremony marked the official start of construction on the $1.1 billion mixed-use development. Additionally, just to note, this project has been years in the making and is poised to reshape the landscape of Norman and OU Athletics for decades to come.
Phase I
Furthermore, at the heart of Phase I is an approximately 8,000-seat multipurpose performance venue designed to host concerts, conventions and community events, while also serving as the new home for OU men’s and women’s basketball and women’s gymnastics. Additionally, Rainier Development Company CEO Danny Lovell said the goal is to have the arena open sometime during the 2028-29 basketball season.
Also, the broader district is designed as a year-round, walkable destination incorporating hospitality, retail, dining, office space, residential living and public gathering areas. Additionally, the development is projected to generate more than 3,000 construction and permanent jobs over the life of the project. Approximately $800 million in private capital will be invested directly into the community.
Rock Creek Entertainment District Project Factsheet
Total Investment: $1.2 Billion
Project Size: 269 Acres
Location: Rock Creek Road and 24th Ave NW (between I-35 and Max Westheimer Airport).
Groundbreaking: May 2026
Expected Phase I Completion: 2028 (to align with the 2028-29 NCAA season).
Multi-Purpose Arena
- Capacity: 8,000 seats.
- Anchor Tenants: University of Oklahoma Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Women’s Gymnastics.
- Usage: Designed for college sports, concerts, conventions, and high school athletics.
- Cost: Approximately $330 million of the total project budget.
Entertainment and Retail
- Retail/Dining: 140,000 square feet of shopping and restaurant space.
- Public Space: A central “festival plaza” for community gatherings. Also, it will be used for outdoor events.
- Hospitality: A 150-key hotel (planned for Phase II).
Funding and Financing
Private Investment: Roughly $800 million.
Public Financing (TIF Districts): Additionally, two TIF districts (No. 4 and No. 5) were established to capture sales and property tax growth within the area. This will be used to pay for public infrastructure.
Authorized Public Costs: Lastly, capped at $600 million over a 25-year period for infrastructure, the arena, and a 1,200-space parking garage.
