The University of Oklahoma's men's and women's basketball and gymnastics teams will soon have a new home. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the petition opposing Norman's planned billion-dollar entertainment district was insufficient, allowing the project to move forward.

This decision upholds an earlier ruling from a Cleveland County District Judge in early 2025. The petition was brought by Oklahomans for Responsible Economic Development, a nonprofit group aiming to ensure community voices are heard in economic projects. Despite their appeal, the state’s highest court sided with the original plan for the development.

What’s Planned for the District

The Rock Creek Entertainment District was first proposed in 2023 and approved in 2024. The $1.2 billion project will include a state-of-the-art arena for OU basketball and gymnastics, along with a mix of hotels, restaurants, housing, and other businesses. The development will be located at the University of Oklahoma's North Park area.

The arena will replace the Lloyd Noble Center, which has been home to OU basketball and women’s gymnastics since 1975. The current facility holds 10,967 seats. While it has served the university well, the new arena is expected to modernize the game-day experience for fans and athletes alike.

Why the Change?

Oklahoma’s men’s basketball program has been struggling with attendance, averaging just 6,154 fans per game this season—the lowest in the SEC. Meanwhile, the women’s team draws an average of 5,348 spectators per contest, ranking fifth in the conference. The women’s team has performed well, boasting a 17-5 record and a No. 11 ranking in the AP Top 25. The men’s squad, however, sits at 11-11.

OU Athletic Director Roger Denny, who joined the university after working on a similar project in St. Louis, has been a key figure in pushing the entertainment district forward. In St. Louis, Denny helped represent bond issuers in a deal that led to the construction of the city’s Ballpark Village.

Community Concerns and Legal Hurdles

Not everyone has been on board with the Rock Creek Entertainment District. Oklahomans for Responsible Economic Development raised concerns about the project, claiming it lacked sufficient input from the broader community. However, both the Cleveland County District Court and the Oklahoma Supreme Court found the group’s petition to be insufficient, effectively clearing the way for the development to proceed as planned.

For Norman residents, this project represents a major investment in the city’s future. The combination of sports, entertainment, and housing is expected to bring economic growth and new opportunities to the area. Still, some locals have expressed concerns about potential traffic and infrastructure challenges once the district is up and running.

What’s Next?

With the legal challenges now resolved, the focus shifts to breaking ground on the project. While no specific timeline has been shared yet, Norman residents can expect to see construction activity in the North Park area in the coming months.

For fans of OU basketball and gymnastics, the new arena promises to be a significant upgrade. It’s a chance for the teams to attract larger crowds and create a more dynamic home-court atmosphere. For the city of Norman, the entertainment district could be a game-changer, bringing jobs, tourism, and a fresh identity to the community.