Norman city leaders unveil plans for new $1 billion entertainment district

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — A meeting between leaders from Norman and the University of Oklahoma provided an update for the $1 billion entertainment district.

“We need to to move into a grown up mode of being able to deal with Norman as the third largest city in Oklahoma,” said Mayor Larry Heikkila.

News 4 got a look at the possible design plans, Norman leaders said it’s just one step of many more needing to happen before the entertainment district is brought to life.

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The plan entails retail shops, restaurants, bars, offices, housing and a hotel.

“5,000 jobs, 3,000 new housing units. I mean, this is significant to the degree that Norman hasn’t seen,” said Scott Martin, Norman Chamber CEO.

The plan also includes a multi-purpose venue for anything ranging from concerts to OU Women’s Gymnastics competitions and Sooner basketball games.

City leaders said the project is perhaps the most significant one in Norman’s history.

“The synergy of an arena within entertainment district is absolutely a game changer for our program,” said Joe Castiglione, OU Director of Athletics.

Developer Danny Lovell said it’s rare to come across a $1 billion opportunity particularly in the third largest city in the state.

“We’re planning to build something that we don’t believe exists in the state of Oklahoma,” said Lovell.

The entertainment district would be located in between I-335, West Rock Creek Road, Max Westheimer Airport and West Tecumseh Road. The next step is getting the plan approved.

The Norman Planning Commission will meet on June 13 to vote.

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