OKLAHOMA CITY – Today Oklahoma City Council approved a real estate donation agreement with Echo to donate nine acres of land, located in the vicinity of South Shields Boulevard and SE 3rd Street, identified as the site for the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium.
“Design is now underway on the Multipurpose Stadium, which will include a regulation-sized playing surface capable of accommodating high school, collegiate, and professional soccer competitions, football, as well as concerts, festivals and other similar events,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd said. “While MAPS 4 and economic development funds will be used to construct the stadium, the operator was responsible for providing a feasible site. The central location and potential for surrounding development makes this site ideal for the stadium, which will serve as an anchor for a future entertainment district.”
In July, through its sports and entertainment affiliate Echo Soccer, Echo purchased an area of undeveloped property, east of the Oklahoma City Convention Center and south of Bricktown, from the Producers Downtown Development. Echo plans to develop, in partnership with Robinson Park, the surrounding area into a sports-centered entertainment district.
“I am honored to partner with the City of OKC in the advancement of a core MAPS 4 project,” said Christian Kanady, founding partner and CEO of Echo. “As the planned center of a new entertainment district, the future Multipurpose Stadium will become a hub for much more than professional soccer and position our community to host numerous other top-tier sports, music, and entertainment activities. The world-class environment will add to the vibrance of downtown and deliver an even better quality of life for our community.”
Stadium details
The Oklahoma City Council has allocated $71 million to the project, including $41 million from the MAPS 4 program. The Multipurpose Stadium will be designed to include a United States Soccer Federation (USSF)-approved pitch, seating for approximately 12,300 guests, locker rooms and suites. The venue is expected to drive the development of a sports-centered entertainment district downtown, a model that has proven to be successful in other major cities across the country such as Washington, D.C., Louisville, Kentucky, and Orlando, Florida.
The venue will be the City’s only stadium with a USSF-approved pitch to accommodate professional men’s and women’s soccer. When the area develops, visitors will be able to walk from restaurants, retail and residences to attend a wide variety of events and activities in the new entertainment district.
The project is currently in design with construction scheduled to begin next year.
About MAPS 4
MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $1.07 billion over eight years. Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election on Dec. 10, 2019, moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives. The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and its six subcommittees will guide MAPS 4 planning and implementation, making recommendations to the City Council. The Council has final authority on MAPS 4. The MAPS Investment and Operating Trust developed a strategic investment plan to support long-term sustainable funding for MAPS 4 projects’ operational expenses and maintenance. Visit okc.gov/maps4 for more.
About Echo
Founded by Christian Kanady in 2010 and headquartered in the iconic Ziggurat building overlooking Kerr Park in downtown Oklahoma City, Echo is a multi-strategy investment firm committed to revitalizing American industries. Echo strategically blends investments across energy, life sciences, national security, and sports & entertainment. The firm’s holdings include landmark commercial properties, a significant oil and gas royalty portfolio, and majority ownership in OKC’s professional soccer club. Echo is dedicated to fostering innovation and driving exceptional financial and social returns. Learn more at echo.global.