FC Tulsa and the future of pro soccer in Tulsa

[swake]

This is great, but there is a potential for much, much more.

The old Roughnecks in 1980 had crowds of 30,000 a game in a championship season. The Tulsa metro back then had just 711,652 with a hispanic population of just 1.5%. Today Tulsa's metro has 1,059,803 people and 13% of that total is Hispanic.

Today, with a major league team, Tulsa should be able to put many more than 30k in a stadium given the chance.

[erfalf]

Was at the last two games. The most recent one was decidedly more packed in than the prior week. The most recent game was rather lopsided. FC has about 12 shots on goal in the first half. The entire first half was nearly on one side of the field. The crowd was more of a party atmosphere than it was the week before, where there was far more tension.

The tickets were sold out for the championship before I made it back to my car to drive home that evening.

My only soccer exposure has been coaching the most recent season of my kids youth team where everyone gets playing time is still a rule. I came into watching soccer pretty skeptically. Who wants to watch 1-0 games? But these two games were by far the most entertaining sporting events I have ever been to.

I'm sure World Cup would be even better. But purely Tulsa area (Drillers, Oilers Hockey, College Football/Basketball) this takes the cake. I was shocked how much I enjoyed it.

[bacjz00]

It was a tough loss in the nationally televised final for this team. But the community and owners have stepped up in a big way to show that it will support a team that is at least competitive and making the playoffs consistently. Really hope there is a stadium announcement in the next 6 months

[ComeOnBenjals]

Way late to this thread -- but I agree, those playoff FC Tulsa games drastically change my perspective on soccer in Tulsa. The energy and passion is there.

Hearing some rumors of a downtown stadium in the works - not sure what stage any of it is at, but there is a USL requirement coming down the pipe.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium



Press release:

**************

Construction begins on the new MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium
6/1/26

Oklahoma City leaders broke ground today on the $121-million MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. The new stadium is scheduled to open in 2028 and will anchor a new sports and entertainment district just south of Bricktown.

"Today's stadium groundbreaking reflects a city that is relentlessly investing in itself," Mayor David Holt said. "We are perhaps the only top 50 city to lack a multipurpose stadium, and it's kept us from opportunities in soccer and music, as well as in minor league football, collegiate and high school sports. In 2019, we decided to address that need. And even before we broke ground, we were already seeing new opportunities present themselves. We are also seeing this project become a catalyst for the parcel around it, which promises to develop into a vibrant new mixed-use district in the heart of our city. This MAPS 4 project continues our city's incredibly successful philosophy. When we invest in our city, we always reap rewards."

Located on nine acres where the Producers Cooperative Cotton Mill once stood, the property was donated to the City by multi-strategy investment firm Echo Investment Capital. The state-of-the-art stadium is poised to host professional soccer teams, youth sports, concerts, community events and a United Football League team, launching in 2028. As the majority owner of OKC's professional soccer club, Echo is driving the OKC for Soccer | OKC es Fútbol movement and will operate the stadium, which will be the future home to both women's and men's teams.

Designed by architecture firm Populous, the venue will have an initial capacity of 10,000, with the ability to increase, if needed. The venue will feature modern amenities, premium fan experiences and have capacity for a variety of events. The field is United States Soccer Federation (USSF)-approved, and the majority of seating will be under a canopy cover. The north side of the stadium opens to the downtown skyline, while a lightweight canopy roof and dynamic fabric facade frame OKC's open skies. The fabric facade will be enhanced by programmable LED lighting that will create energy for the fans and the local community. The venue will also feature a club, a supporters section, locker rooms and suites.

MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, operated by Echo and their professional sports platform, and built in partnership with Russell Westbrook, Nick Gross, The Chickasaw Nation, Populous, Fields and Futures, and Robinson Park, a group bringing global creative energy and deep conviction in what OKC can become.

"This stadium will serve as far more than a sports and entertainment venue; it will be a community hub and a catalyst for a bold new cultural district in downtown Oklahoma City," said Christian Kanady, founder and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. "As the future home of our professional soccer club, it will also host concerts, events, and gatherings that bring people together and deliver on our promise to create meaningful experiences for our fans, partners, and community. This project reflects Oklahoma City's continued investment and its future, and we're proud to partner with the City of Oklahoma City on such a transformational vision."

Located east of the OKC Convention Center and south of Bricktown near I-40, the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium will be the centerpiece of a new multi-use entertainment district located within easy walking distance of the new Continental Coliseum, Bricktown, the convention center, and Scissortail Park. Echo Investment Capital also plans to develop the surrounding area into a sports-centered entertainment district in partnership with Robinson Park.

"The MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium is an investment in the future of Oklahoma City and the talent pipeline for our youth," Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jamie C. Polk said. "This world-class venue will bring our community together while giving students a place to compete, perform, celebrate graduation, and dream bigger about their future right here at home."

The stadium will be managed by Echo Investment Capital. Lingo Construction serves as the construction manager. The project is funded by MAPS 4, the 2025 OKC Bond, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), private contributions and other economic development sources.--OKCTalk.com