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Next Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council will review a proposal leveraging economic development funds to construct OKC’s MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium.

The undeveloped land sits south of Lower Bricktown and is currently under contract to be purchased by the owners of Energy FC and donated to the City of Oklahoma City.

The proposal being considered through a public-private partnership among the Energy FC, the City of Oklahoma City and The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City includes $20 million in funding from the Downtown/MAPS TIF District, created to capitalize on the original MAPS projects investments by promoting redevelopment in and around downtown, and $10 million in other economic development funds.

This $30 million in vertical funding could fund a portion of the stadium’s construction costs and also present a unique opportunity for public-private investment.

The investment is advantageous for OKC. Energy FC will donate the undeveloped land to build a stadium that they’ll also call home. The hope is that the remaining land will develop into a sports-centered entertainment district. Visitors will be able to walk from restaurants, retail and housing to attend events in the area. There are similar walkable sports districts anchoring a mixed-use development with residential, commercial, retail and dining options in cities such as Louisville and Indianapolis. The stadium could also accommodate local football games and tournaments, Big XII, NCAA, NAIA and JUCO soccer, college and club lacrosse, and more.

We have seen similar successes with the Paycom Center, Chickasaw Ballpark, Scissortail Park, Bricktown Canal and OKC Streetcar. Public investment creates attractions that draw residents and visitors alike – parks, entertainment facilities and unique attractions that are owned by the residents of Oklahoma City. Those assets attract crowds and in turn, private developers and investors who see new opportunities in restaurants, retail and housing around the assets. For example, the first MAPS program built the ballpark and the canal, dramatically changing the look of Bricktown and accelerating the development in the district by bringing crowds looking for entertainment and enjoyment.

Public participation is critical for long-term economic planning, and with many MAPS 4 initiatives underway, we have the space to play big, invest and build lasting value for ourselves and our community.

– Kenton Tsoodle is the president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.