Norman officials evaluate path forward on Rock Creek Entertainment District

NORMAN, Okla. (KOKH) — On Tuesday, the Norman City Council weighed how to move forward with the proposed Rock Creek Entertainment District.

The development, which would occupy space near I-35 and Rock Creek Rd, includes plans for an arena to house University of Oklahoma basketball and gymnastics.

The university and developers associated with the project envision a public-private partnership for the entertainment district.

Such a partnership could entail using public dollars from sales and ad valorem taxes to cover approximately 20 percent of the project if city officials adopt proposed plans, according to Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila.

The matter has inspired significant debate among Norman residents.

60 members of the public signed up to share their thoughts during Tuesday’s comment period.

As previously reported, residents have expressed concern over the price tag for taxpayers and doubts over its return on investment for the city.

On the other hand, Mayor Heikkila has argued the project would be a slam dunk.

Officials estimate the entertainment district would entail over a billion dollars in total investment, including that from private sources.

The city foresees the project creating thousands of jobs and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the state economy.

The district would also include commercial, retail, and residential development.

Officials had yet to make a decision at the time of this article’s publication.

This is a developing story.