On December 14, 1993, Oklahoma City voters approved a $300 million downtown development plan, the Metropolitan Area Projects plan.

Projects include renovation and expansion of the Myriad Convention Center, Civic Center Music Hall and the State Fairgrounds. There will be a new arena, baseball stadium, library/learning center, downtown riverwalk, and a new transportation link. Here is a little more information on the projects most directly affecting the visitor and meetings industry.

Arena

The 20,000-seat arena, located south of the Myriad Convention Center, is designed for major sporting events and can be quickly reconfigured for concerts, shows and exhibitions.

581,000-square-foot facility meets National Hockey League requirements.

Three-level spectator seating, with upholstered padded seats throughout, provides unobstructed view of the event floor.

Riverwalk

The mile-long canal links downtown, Bricktown and the river.

The north segment extends east from the Santa Fe railroad, past restaurants and entertainment venues to the Bricktown Ballpark.

As the canal turns south toward the river, it is highlighted by hiking and bicycle trails, water features and landscaped park areas.

Water Taxi offers rides down the canal. Landscaping and private development in the entertainment district are still in progress.

Transportation Link

The Oklahoma Spirit, nine vintage trolleys, serve downtown and Bricktown and provide shuttle service to and from the Interstate 40/Meridian hotel and restaurant district and the Stockyards City area.

Design and construction of permanent trolley stops is in progress.

Myriad Convention Center

Renovation and expansion added more than 100,000 square feet which includes a new 25,000-square-foot ballroom and a sandstone-and-glass grand staircase.

The interior features a subtle Native American graphic and indigenous materials such as granite.

Functional upgrades include integrated audio-visual equipment, updated electrical and mechanical systems as well as catering facilities. A new convention hotel adjoins.

The grand opening was held in August 1999. Additional roof replacement, exterior refurbishing and roof truss work was completed in August 2000.

State Fairgrounds

The Fairgrounds improvements included a new livestock show facility, new horse barns, and renovations and improvements of the arena and several exhibition buildings.

Ballpark

This 12,000-seat ballpark with its brick construction and natural grass playing field has a vintage appearance and feel while incorporating up-to-date construction and design that meets ADA and Triple-A requirements.

The Bricktown Ballpark complies with current standards of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

The facility includes shops, luxury suites, and a year-round, sports theme resturaunt. The Oklahoma City Redhawks lease the SWB Bricktown Ballpark. It was completed in April 1998.

Civic Center Music Hall

The historic art deco building renovation preserves the best of the old while creating a new Broadway-quality performing-arts venue, with near-perfect acoustics and close-to-the-stage seating.

Retained limestone exterior, the Hall of Mirrors and other significant architectural features.

Includes new five-story atrium, rehearsal facilities and dressing rooms, and redesigned and rebuilt performance hall.

Riverfront

Several miles of the North Canadian River will be fitted with low-water dams and locks to raise the water level, making it suitable for recreation. Extensive landscaping will also be done. Status: Under construction.