We end 2019 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Soccer Stadium Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #6: Oklahoma City moves forward with an economic-development plan that includes a new OKC Energy stadium.
While new MLS stadiums have been pitched as economic-development projects–some successful, some still offering potential–we’ve seen precious few USL Championship facilities pitched in the same way. A new Pawtucket stadium would fit this criteria, as does a new downtown Oklahoma City stadium for USL Championship’s OKC Energy, with funding approved by voters this fall.
The MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) 4 initiative funds a number of projects in Oklahoma City, including $37 million for a new multipurpose outdoor stadium. The stadium has been pitched as a future home to USL Championship’s OKC Energy FC, along with events such as college and high school soccer, high school football, and concerts.
The while MAPS 4 initiative came in just under a billion dollars, and more than 71% of a reported total of 44,439 voters approved the package.
Backers of the proposal have noted that it would not only provide OKC Energy with an improved facility over its current home–Taft Stadium–but also give the city an outdoor venue that can draw other events. OKC Energy co-owner Bob Funk Jr. has talked about a 10,000-seat stadium that could be expanded for MLS down the line, but for now OKC Energy fans can look forward to a new stadium.
Rendering courtesy OKC Energy.
Here’s the rest of our Top Ten of 2019:
Best of 2019, #7: MLS Stadium Planning in Austin, Columbus
Best of 2019, #8: The Makeover of Chicago Fire
Best of 2019, #9: Breese Stevens Field Shines in USL League One Debut