Ribbon is cut on the new OG&E Coliseum, now officially open
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — It's been years in the making, and now, the OG&E Coliseum is finally open. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said it will be an economic powerhouse for the city.
On Wednesday, City officials cut the ribbon of the new OG&E Coliseum arena at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.
"This is a milestone moment," said Mayor Holt.
This 216,000 square foot facility replaces the old Jim Norick arena, also known as "The Big House" to high school basketball players.
It was named after former Mayor Ron Norick's father back in 1965.
"The building named after my father, Jim Norick, is wore out. We knew it was wore out and we had to do something about it," said the former mayor.
Current Mayor, David Holt, called Norick the father of MAPS. Without his vision in the 90s, this new "Big House" would not have been funded by MAPS 4.
"It's an economic generator for this community," said Norick.
Mayor Holt said you may not realize it, but the arena at the fair is the busiest spot in OKC.
"This venue is busy 52 weeks of the year," said Mayor Holt.
Frequented by the best taxpayers in the city, the visitors.
"Visitors are the best taxpayers we have. They come, they spend money, and they leave," said Mayor Holt.
The first event is happening now, through the 22nd. The National Reining Horse Association Derby is bringing in visitors from across the nation and from 20 different countries.
"Welcome, everybody, to the horse show capitol of the world," said Kirk Slaughter, with the Oklahoma State Fair.
Waiting for the visitors inside is a massive open-concept arena. It can seat 4,500 people, but they can add more seats depending on the event.
It also has three suites and a lounge, all with custom furniture from the local business, Lorec Ranch Home Furnishings.
It's a project more than 30 years in the making for this great city.
"I often say it takes persistence and patience to get things done at City Hall, but if you have those qualities, you can accomplish great things," said Mayor Holt.
As for the old Norick Arena, it unfortunately has to be torn down before it comes down on its own.
In its place, Slaughter said there will be a 20,000 square foot exhibit hall for vendors as well as another climate-controlled arena that will seat around 400 people.
The name of the new building will be the "Norick Arena."