Parking concerns surrounding new Gold Dome renovation

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The effort to turn the beloved Gold Dome in northwest Oklahoma City into a concert venue is one step closer to reality. However, some city councilors are concerned about parking.

"When I first moved to this neighborhood, I thought it was cool and sparkly, and now it's just kind of an eyesore," said Kasey Ball.

Ball lives just a stone's throw away from the Gold Dome, near Northwest 23rd and Classen.

The building was built back in 1958, but has sat vacant for years.

Now, $3 million in funding approved by the Oklahoma City Council may help transform the dome into a concert and entertainment venue.

"The catalyst for this TIF, really, is 'How can we save the Gold Dome from demolition?'" said Mayor David Holt.

The developer told the city council the venue could seat up to 3,000 people.

One city councilor brought up the potential issue of parking.

"There's issues with the parking lot," said Councilman Matt Hinkle.

The city said there are no laws requiring a specific amount of parking spots.

"There's about 75 or 100 and then we've got the parking deck to the south," said Mike Brown, the developer.

Brown also believed concert goers will use ride share services or find other parking nearby.

"So, it opens up privately owned parking into the neighborhood," said Brown.

"It's that neighborhood part I'm concerned about," said James Cooper, a city councilman.

Cooper suggests the venue push the city's Bus Rapid Transit system.

"If you don't you're going to have some upset neighbors in Mesta Park, and in Paseo trust me," said Cooper.

Local business nearby, who did not want to go on camera, said they are excited for the venue to open. However, they don't have parking lots to spare.

"It sounds like a headache," said Ball.