Mark Price Arena continues to be at the center of a debate about how to bring economic growth to downtown Enid.
Global Spectrum, a company that manages public facilities, including Cherokee Strip Conference Center in downtown Enid, is conducting a study that ultimately will determine whether new buildings are constructed in the downtown area.
Dean Dennis, vice president of business development for Global Spectrum, said results of the study will be presented in a few weeks to the city of Enid.
He said the area the company has been assigned to look at is slightly larger than a four-block area, and includes Convention Hall/Mark Price Arena, Cherokee Strip Conference Center and other buildings in the immediate area.
“It’s really an opportunity to set the future of the Enid community focused on downtown as the anchor, and rebuilding the city for future generations,” Dennis said. “This really becomes a master plan of how our downtown is going to look in the next 50 years.”
According to Global Spectrum’s written proposal to the city, the assignment of the study is to “provide a report that will enable the city to determine a path forward regarding Mark Price Arena, Cherokee Strip Conference Center, a potential new hotel to serve these facilities and downtown, as well as any renovations or new development that will optimize the performance of the facilities, downtown and Enid as a destination including retail, residential and other components.”
City Manager Eric Benson said once the results of Global Spectrum’s study are presented to the city, he will have a better idea of what direction the city wants to take.
But Mark Price Arena is at the center of the discussion, he said.
“We either decide if Mark Price needs to be renovated, or what other options are there,” Benson said.
The building currently is not used because it does not meet Americans With Disabilities Act standards. There is a possibility to keep the arena and renovate it, or the other possibility is to tear it down and build a new, multi-use building.
“If you go that route, how do you support that?” Benson said. “Do you need a (new) hotel?”
As stated in Global Spectrum’s “Understanding of the Assignment,” one of the things being looked at is the possibility of a downtown hotel that would allow downtown event attendees to stay close to their event, whether it’s in a renovated Mark Price Arena or a completely new structure.
Dennis also said the company is examining how public schools would be able to use the chosen arena.
In its final report, Global Spectrum will detail potential costs to the city based on the options available.
“Right now, we just want to know what we’re capable of,” Benson said regarding Global Spectrum’s study. “(They will) design something for the people to consider.”