QUICKTRIP CENTER

[carltonplace]

The Creek Nation will pay the county nearly $1.5M for naming rights. Additionaly live horse racing will be discontinued at Fair Meadows

http://www.kwgs.org/term/local-regional

By John Durkee

After January, it will no longer be the Quik-Trip Center on the Fair Grounds.

The Creek Nation has entered into a long term agreement with the Fair Board to the center's naming rights.

The tribe will pay nearly $1.5 million a year through 2019 to put its name on the center next to the Golden Driller.

The agreement also calls for an end to live horse racing at Fair Meadows.

[patric]

The Creek Nation will pay the county nearly $1.5M for naming rights. Additionaly live horse racing will be discontinued at Fair Meadows

The story doesnt say what it will be called.  I never really quit calling it Expo Square for that matter, and I guess that wont change.
Think the tribe will apply for tax-exempt status?

[TylerBGoode]

Why no more horse racing?

[Townsend]

So what will happen with the track and Fair Meadows?  Anyone know?

An empty baseball stadium and a non-working horse track taking up a mile of Yale is sort of sad.

The prison style fencing isn't helping much either.  Does the fair and Big Splash need more parking?

Maybe the new Whataburger?

[Townsend]

Why no more horse racing?

It's been dead last few times I was there.  They'd removed 2/3 of the stands to make it look like there was more of a crowd.

[rdj]

It will be known as Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center at Expo Square.

I would expect the area that is currently occupied by the baseball park and the race track to become outdoor entertainment/park space along with a large hotel.  If the Fair Board elects to not renew Big Splash's lease then I would expect a full out development with retail, lodging and entertainment venues.

Those two corners are two of the last prime corners in midtown.  Demographics for that area have improved greatly in the last ten years.  Expect multiple commercial real estate firms to take a run at developing that half mile stretch.

[Townsend]

If the Fair Board elects to not renew Big Splash's lease

Any idea of the chances there?

[Hoss]

Any idea of the chances there?

Is Randi Miller still on the board?

[patric]

It will be known as Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center at Expo Square.

I would expect the area that is currently occupied by the baseball park and the race track to become outdoor entertainment/park space along with a large hotel.  If the Fair Board elects to not renew Big Splash's lease then I would expect a full out development with retail, lodging and entertainment venues.
Those two corners are two of the last prime corners in midtown.  Demographics for that area have improved greatly in the last ten years.  Expect multiple commercial real estate firms to take a run at developing that half mile stretch.

Ok, someone has to ask... Midtown Casino?

[cynical]

No. Two reasons: It's not Indian Country, so a casino would violate state law, and Smalligo says the county commission would have to approve it that ain't gonna happen.

Ok, someone has to ask... Midtown Casino?

[DTowner]

In addition to reasons identified above, the tribe would have to actually own the land and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has covenants with its lenders for River Spirit that prohibits it from constructing a casino within a certain number of miles of River Spirit (can't remember the exact distance, but it would include all of Tulsa).

[TylerBGoode]

It's been dead last few times I was there.  They'd removed 2/3 of the stands to make it look like there was more of a crowd.

I have fond memories of races at Fair Meadows. I haven't been in years though, so I guess I can't complain too much.

[swake]

In addition to reasons identified above, the tribe would have to actually own the land and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has covenants with its lenders for River Spirit that prohibits it from constructing a casino within a certain number of miles of River Spirit (can't remember the exact distance, but it would include all of Tulsa).

They could pay off that loan at any time and be free from that.

[TheTed]

Fair Meadows was a decrepit embarrassment. A parking lot in the infield. Half-demolished stands. Barely operational equipment that affected wagering.

Disappointing that OKC has a nice horse track, while we have nothing. Will Rogers Downs is a bit better, but it's still this kind of weird, forgotten place out the back, unmarked door of a casino.

I've heard Remington Park in OKC is nice. Too bad we have nothing of the sort in this part of the state.

[RecycleMichael]

I want to open a race track in Eufaula and call it Eufaula Downs.